*^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


/. 


0^  ^J^ 


/. 


«^ 


:/^ 


1.0    [f  »^  la 


I.I 


■^  i«^   12.2 
iM    12.0 


1.8 


1.25     1.4      1.6 

■• 6" 

► 

V] 


/a 


\ 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


33  VtfCST  MAIN  SYRIIT 

WitSTIR.NY    145M 

(716)  •73-4303 


M 


^\-^ 


'Si 


O 


«.*v 


V 


o^^ 


'^ 


K. 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproducttons  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiquM 


l^ 


<^ 


^^ 


o 


Technical  «nd  Bibliographic  Notaa/Notaa  tachniquas  at  bibiiographiquaa 


Tha  Institute  hat  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  baat 
origt'^ial  copy  avaiiabia  for  filming.  Faaturas  of  thia 
copy  which  may  ba  bibliographicaily  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  aignificantly  chanya 
the  uaual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


□    Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


r^    Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagie 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurAe  et/ou  pelllcuMe 

Cover  title  missing/ 

La  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  mapa/ 

Cartas  gAographiquaa  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  then  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  ^'la  bieue  ou  noire) 


I     I    Coloured  piatae  and/or  illustrations/ 


D 
D 


D 


Planetiea  et/ou  illuatrations  an  couleur 


Bound  ¥vith  otfier  material/ 
RelM  avec  d'autrea  documents 


Tight  binding  may  cauae  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serr*e  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
CHstorskHi  (•  kMig  da  la  marga  inviiiaura 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appeer  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  eertainas  pages  blanches  eiout«es 
tors  d'une  restauration  Mppivaissent  dens  ie  texte. 
mais,  lorsque  cela  Atait  possible,  ces  pagae  n'ont 
pas  «ti  fllmAss. 


L'Institut  a  microfilm*  Ie  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  «t«  possible  de  se  procurer.  Lts  ditails 
da  cat  eKemplaire  qui  sent  peut-4tre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliogrsphique.  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  axiger  une 
modification  dana  la  mithoda  normala  de  filmaga 
sont  indiquAs  ci-daasous. 


Tha 
toti 


r~~]   Coloured  pages/ 


Pages  da  couleur 

Pagae  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagies 


□   Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restauries  et/ou  pelliculAes 


Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  dtcolnrAes,  trf:het*es  ou  piqutes 

Pagae  detached/ 
Pages  ditachies 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Quality  in^igala  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  materiel/ 
Comprend  du  matirial  tupplimentaira 


D 
S 
D 
D 


Tha 
poai 
oft» 
fiimi 


Orig 
bagi 
thai 
sion 
oth« 
first 
sion 
or  ill 


□    Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Mition  disponibie 

n    Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Lea  peges  totalement  ou  pertieilement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'arrata.  une  peiura, 
etc.,  ont  *ti  filmies  i  nouveev  de  faqon  i 
obtenir  Ie  meilleure  imege  possible. 


Tha 
shall 
TINI 
whl< 

Map 
diffa 
antli 
bagi 
right 
raqu 
matt 


0 


Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplAmentatres; 


Varioui  ps^ngi. 


Tills  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  retio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film*  su  taux  de  rMuction  indiqu*  eidessou«> 

10X                             14X                             ItX                             22X 

2ex 

»x 

^^B 

1                      1 

\        \        \      1 

I 

i 

1 — 1 

rn 

^J^ 

nn 

L.  1     1             1 

1         1        1 

1 

< 

y 

12X 

HX                             aOX                             24X 

2IX 

.^x 

11^ 
TIm  copy  film«d  iHini  ha*  Immh  raproJu^^ 
to  th«  gonorotity  of: 


•nks 


Librwy 

Indian  and  Northern  Affairs 


L'oxomptaira  f ilmi  f ut  roproduit  grAco  h  la 
qfinAntM  do: 

BiMiotMciM 

Aftairai  imMannat  at  du  Nord 


Tho  imagot  appoaring  hi#«  afo  tho  boat  quality 
poaaiblo  conaidoring  tha  condition  and  loglbillty 
of  tha  original  co|>y  and  In  kaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spaciflcatlona. 


Laa  Imagaa  auhrantaa  ont  4ti  raproduKaa  avac  la 
plua  grand  aoin,  compta  tanu  da  la  condition  at 
da  Ifi  nattati  da  I'axamplalra  fllmA,  at  9n 
conformitd  avac  las  conditiona  du  conttat  da 
fllmaga. 


Original  copiaa  in  printad  papar  covara  ara  fllmad 
boglnning  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  latt  paga  with  a  printad  or  llluatratad  Impraa- 
aion,  or  tha  back  covw  whan  appropriata.  All 
othar  original  copioa  are  fllmad  beginning  on  tha 
first  isaga  with  a  printad  or  llluatratad  impraa- 
•ion,  and  anding  on  tha  iatt  paga  with  a  printad 
or  llluatratad  imiiraaaion. 


Laa  axamplalraa  orlglnaux  dont  la  couvar!«ira  an 
papiar  aat  iinprlm4a  aont  fllmAa  an  commandant 
par  la  pramlar  plat  at  an  tarmlnant  soK  par  la 
darnlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  amprainta 
d'tmpraaaton  ou  dlNustradvin.  aoit  par  I*  aacond 
plat,  aalon  la  caa.  Tc  ua  laa  aiitraa  axamplalraa 
orlglnaux  aont  fllmto  an  commandant  par  la 
praml4ra  paga  qui  comitorta  una  amprainta 
d'impraaaion  ou  d'illuatration  at  an  tarmlnant  par 
la  domlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  taHa 
amprainta. 


Tha  last  racordad  frama  on  aach  microfloha 
shall  contain  tha  symbol  — »•  (manning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  symbol  ▼  (moaning  "END"). 
whif«havar  appllaa. 


Un  daa  aymbolas  suivants  apparattra  sur  la 
darnkira  image  da  cheque  microfiche,  aelon  le 
cea:  la  aymbole  -^  alg'-.lfla  "A  8UIVRE".  le 
aymboia  V  signifia  "FIN". 


Mape,  platee,  charta.  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratloa.  Thoae  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  expoaure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hend  comer,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  es 
required.  Tha  following  diagrems  illuatrate  the 
method: 


Las  earUHi,  planches.  tablMux.  etc..  peuvant  Atre 
fNrnAa  i  dee  tnux  da  rMuetlon  diffirenta. 
Lorsque  la  document  eat  trop  grand  pour  Mre 
reprcdult  en  un  saul  cilch*.  II  aat  fUm*  i  partir 
da  I'angle  su|>4rleur  gauche,  da  gauche  i  drolte. 
et  do  haut  en  baa.  en  prenam  la  nombre 
d'imeges  nAceeeaire.  Lee  diegramniM  suivents 
muetrent  la  m«thode. 


1  2  3 


DOCUMENTS 

RELATIVE   110   THB 


COLONIAL  HISTORY 


or   THE 


STATE  OF  NEW-YORK: 


PROCURED   IN 


HOLLAND,  ENGLAND  AND  FRANCE, 


BY 


JOHN  ROMEYN  BRODHEAD,  ESQ., 


AOENT, 

OF  THE  8TATK,»  PASSED  MAT  »,  188».  W1/J"IAI,  HIBTOKT 


PCaLIgHICD  UNDER  iND  BT  TIRTDR  nr  IV   n-r  nm,  .n.  .. 

C..T..N  DOC.M.MT.  n^ZZ T^ ZT.ZuTu^lZrlTrl,^^^  "  *"  ^"  "  '■"""'"  '»"  ^-^  '''«■■•«""'  or 


E.  B.  O'CALLAGHAN,  M.  D.,  LL.  D. 


WITH  A  GENERAL  INTRODUCTION  BY  THE  AGENT. 


VOL.  I. 


ALBANY: 

WKED,  PARSONS  AND   COMPANT,  P3INTKIM. 
1856. 


Volumes  III..  IV.,  V.,  VI.,  VII.  and  IX.  of  this  work  were  published  under  the  direction  of  the  Governor, 
Bkcrktakv  of  State  and  Comptrolleu  of  the  State  of  Now- York ;  and  the  publication  has  been  completed 
under  the  authority  of  the  Reoknts  or  the  UNiVBRsitr,  in  virtue  of  the  Act  of  the  Legislature  to  that  eflfect, 
passed  April  12,  1856. 

The  Documents  in  Dutch  and  French  were  translated  by  E.  B.  O'Callaohak,  M.  D.,  LL.  D.,  who  was 
employed  for  that  purpose,  and  to  superintend  the  publication  generally. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


Sib: 


Albany,  30  June,  1856. 


The  Legislatnre  haying  recently  placed  the  publication  of  the  Documents  collected  by  you  in  Euro™,   «.I»f !™  ♦<, 

n.tructed  by  the  Committee  of  tho  Regents  charged  with  the  subject,  to  request  you  to  prepare  a  Gene^  Inti^^ucU^n 

to  that  work,  to  be  prefixed  to  the  first  yolume,  which  is  now  nearly  ready  P»re a  vienerwintroduct.cn 

Your  agency  in  procuring  the  Document*  of  which  this  publication  is  composed,  and  your  tho«,u6h  knowledge  of 

the  who  e  subject,  clearly  pomt  you  out  as  the  proper  person  to  perform  this  seryi^e ,  and  the  CommitZhowTh^t 

your  well  known  interest  in  this  work  will  induce  you  to  comply  with  their  request  ^"""""ttee  hope  that 

I  add  my  own  per.om.1  and  earnest  wishes  that  you  will  undertake  this  task,  and  am,  with  great  consideraUon, 

Yours  most  truly, 

JOHN  V.  L.  PRUYN, 
John  Rometn  BaoDHKAD,  Esq.,  4c,  &c,  *c.  Chairman  of  the  Ommittte. 

New -York. 


Sir  :  New- York,  1  My,  1856. 

r  h.ye  received  your  letter  of  yesterday,  in  which,  as  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  the  Regents  of  the 
Un.vers.ty  hay.ng  the  subject  in  charge,  you  request  me  to  prepare  an  Introduction  to  the  "  C  lonial  ST'^  of  t^il 
Sute  —  commonly  so  called  _  to  be  prefixed  to  the  first  volume. 

The  Committee  in  making  this  request,  have  done  me  an  honor  which  I  highly  appreciate,  and  for  which  1  be<f 
you  to  express  to  them  my  acknowledgments.  Feeling,  as  is  very  natural  under  all  the  cireumsta^LI  a  pecuS 
interest  m  the  publication  of  this  work,  I  shall  not  decline  the  flattering  duty  you  have  asked  me  to  Lfo™  U 
seems  to  me  that  the  most  satisfactory  Inti^duction  to  the  work  would  l^,  mliy,  a  deuS  ac^unt  or.JeTri.Hl 
progress  and  results  of  the  Historical  Agency  by  which  the  Documents  fonLing  the  pubC  on  Z  pllS  S 
r::itiJn""r:i;.™^""""*  "  pre^^tionaton.,  and  execute  ^y  pleasant  tTk^r^ptl^'a^ 

With  high  regard,  I  am.  Sir, 

Sincerely  yours, 

JOH,  V.  L.  Prvvn,  Esq.,  4c.,  4c.,  4c.,  '''™  «"^^™  BRODHEAD. 

Albany. 


GENEEAL  INTRODUCTION. 


The  Public  Records  of  the  State  of  New-York  are,  chiefly,  iu  the  office  of  the 
Secretary  of  State  at  Albany.  They  are  as  various  in  their  character  as  they  are 
voluminous  in  their  extent.  Most  of  them  relate  to  and  illustrate  the  History  of  the 
btate;  and  without  them  no  accurate  or  detaUed  knowledge  of  that  history  can  be 
gained. 

Previous  to  the  American  Revolution  the  seat  of  the  Colonial  Government  was 
the  city  of  New-York,  and  the  public  records  of  the  Province  were  kept  there.     They 
extended  back  to  a  very  early  period  after  the  first  settlement  of  the  country     The 
most  ancient  of  them  were  in  the  Dutch  language ;  and  they  related  to  the  afl-airs  of 
ISew  Netherland,  as  New-York  was  called  while  it  was  a  Colony  and  Province  of  the 
U.iited  Prov'oices,  from  soon  after  its  discovery,  in  1609,  to  its  surrender  to  the  English 
in  3664.     These  Dutch  records,  however,  are  incomplete.     It  is  known  that  the  early 
Provincial  authorities  recorded  their  transactions  with  care ;  but,  unfortunately  with 
the  exception  of  some  entries  of  lands,  the  oldest  of  which  is  in  1630,  none  of  the 
records  of  Director  Miuuit's  administration,  from  1626  to  1632,  nor  of  Director  Van 
TwiUer's,  from  1633  to  1638,  have  been  preserved.     The  series  of  papers,  however  is 
tolerably  complete  during  the  time  of  Director  Kieft,  from  1638  to  1647   and'of 
Director  Stuyvesant,  from  1647  to  1664.  ' 

After  the  surrender  of  New  Netherland,  in  1664,  the  records'of  the  Province  of 
New-York  were  kept  in  English,  and  were  preserved  in  much  better  condition  than 
the  fragmentary  archives  of  the  Dutch  period.  Those  relating  to  lands  and  local 
transactions,  however,  are  generally  far  more  perfect  than  those  affecting  the  political 
history  of  the  Province.  This  was,  no  do.bt,  owing  to  the  practice  which  prevailed, 
to  a  great  extent,  with  the  British  Colonial  Governo,^,  of  retaining  in  their  own 
personal    custody  the  correspondence    between  themselves  and  their  snperiorB  in 


VI 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


England.  But  the  chief  cause  of  the  deficiencies  in  the  public  records  of  New-York 
may  be  traced  to  the  vicissitudes  which  marked  its  annals  in  the  transfer  of  sovereignty 
from  Holland  to  England,  and  in  the  assumption  of  sovereignty  by  the  Colonists  in 
the  Revolution. 

Upon  the  full  organization  of  the  State  government  the  city  of  Albany  became  the 
capital,  and  the  Colonial  and  Provincial  records  —  other  than  those  relating  to  the 
municipality  of  the  metropolis — which  had  formerly  been  kept  in  New -York,  were 
removed  thither.  The  pressing  concerns  of  a  new  and  impoverished  Commonwealth 
for  a  long  time  prevented  much  thought  being  given  to  those  silent  and  fading 
memorials  which  recorded  the  events  of  the  earlier  days  of  the  State. 

Yet,  there  were  many  who  looked  upon  historical  inquiry  in  its  true  light,  as  an 
incentive  to  progress  and  an  aid  to  patriotism.  They  felt  that  too  little  was  known 
of  the  olden  times  of  New -York,  and  that  especially  the  half  century  during  which  it 
was  a  distant  dependency  of  Holland  waa  the  "dark  period"  in  its  history. 

A  few  pi-ominent  citizens  accordingly  assembled,  on  the  20th  of  November,  1804,  in 
the  city  of  New -York,  and  agreed  to  form  themselves  into  a  Society,  "  the  principal 
design  of  which  should  be  to  collect  and  preserve  whatever  may  relate  to  the  natural, 
civil,  or  ecclesiastical  history  of  the  United  States,  in  general,  and  of  this  State  in 
particular."  This  was  the  origin  of  the  New -York  Historical  SociETir,  which,  on 
the  loth  day  of  February,  1809,  received  a  special  Act  of  Incorporation  from  the 
Legislature.  The  membei's  of  the  Society  immediately  took  steps  to  accomplish  the 
high  purposes  of  their  association,  and  soon  collected  a  valuable  library  of  printed 
books  and  manuscripts.  At  length  the  time  came  when  it  was  thought  that  the 
attention  of  the  State  authorities  might  judiciously  be  dra^'u  to  the  importance  of  the 
objects  for  which,  especially,  the  Society  had  been  organized.  At  its  request,  De  Witt 
Clinton,  then  its  Vice-President,  accordingly  prepared  the  following  memorial,  which 
was  jjresented  to  the  Legislature  at  its  session  in  1814: 


"  TO  THE  HONORABLE  THE  LEQISLATaUE  OF  THE  STATE  OP  NEW-YORK. 

"  The  Memorial  of  the  New -York  Historical  Society  notl  rcspectftW  j  represents : 

"  That  this  Institution  was  established  for  the  purpose  of  acquiring  and  promoting  a  know- 
ledge of  the  natural,  civil,  literary  and  ecclesiastical  history  of  America,  and  more  particularly 
of  this  State.  The  attainment  of  objects  so  various,  comprehensive  and  important,  requiring 
such  extensiveness  of  information,  such  profundity  of  research,  such  exertion  of  industry  and 
such  liberality  of  expense,  is  unquestionably  beyond  the  means  and  the  faculties  of  any  indi- 
vidual, however  he  may  be  endowed  with  the  gifts  of  fortune  and  genius,  and  whatever  may 
be  the  extent  of  his  enterprise,  activity  and  influence.     Associations,  comprehending  a  mass 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION  ,. 

vii 

of  information  and  talent,  and  embracing  not  only  the  disposition  but  the  abilitv  to  nrnm„»o 
Kumbl.  coniributors  to  the  grew  ,tock  of  hS^.LT    ,  .       .     ""  '"  '"  ""''"'•  " 

L":i:?r.:rt::f:r::f  ?~^ 

period  planted  a  Colony  on  the  Delaware      -vh.  n  t^o"ugue8e.     The  Swedes  at  one 

Indies;  and  several  isfands  befwln  '  .  ?'"''  "''"  '"'"  *"='"P'^''  '«'''«'»''  '»  ^^e  West 
and  its'  deperden     ;     How^^^^^^  PoP^-tion  from  Russia 

been  written  in  those  countls  Sat  ve  of  tL  r^'^Vl"  *°  P"''"'"^  books  which  have 
many  manuscripts  are  buried  in  thll  r  f  "  °^  ^"'^"''^'  ^' '«  «'«"  ''"«'«'"  '^at 
which  mightT  t  Jscrf^^^^^^^^^^  '"'»'«  libraries  of  public  bodies, 

theca  Americana,  pub     hed  .n  Elian.  ^         "'"  "«''  °"  °"  ''*«'°^y-     ^he  Biblio- 

une^o^  treas.^  ^  r  h:^^:;^;^  ^L^  i^  L' :^^  -^' '—  - 

histo'y  oTthlt  :'  r.V::nt'  ''^  TT  °'  '^^  ^««'«'«^"—  P-ticulany  to  the 
history.  Whole  Crtmen  s  o  th  : '7  .  T'  "P""  ''^^  i-perfection,  of  its  natural 
of  observation  and  Er   ion  have    "rh  ?"/'™"'  ^"'"'^  "^«'«'='«'^ '  '•>«  P— 

destructive  hand  of  tresZl^^^^^^^^^  .  "'n        '"  """''''  ""'  ""'"^  ''^^'"'  *''•' 

and  what  might  now  wUh  fadUt '  blT'^  f  l  °  m'"°"  ""^'^  '•"P"'''""'  "''>'='«  "^  '"q^i^JJ 
beyond  the  rLhorhuman  power  '™'"  °"'"°"'  ''^  «'«"'°^  «  ^-y-«  -»?'«- 

"  The  civil  history  of  this  State  may  be  divided  into  four  parts : 
J.  When  occupied  by  the  aborigines. 

M'n.I'lte"under7::rT'"^"K*''  ''"''^''  "'"'=''  "«'  »"-*  '-'^  ^  -"'-y- 


Vlll 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION, 


cultivation.  The  natural  history  of  the  man  of  America,  disfigured  and  perverted  as  he  has 
been  by  European  intercourse,  may  still  be  obtained  to  a  considerable  extent;  his  language 
may  be  put  on  record,  and  his  traditions  may  be  perpetuated. 

"  As,  before  the  Revolution,  the  Colonies  of  France  and  Great  Britain  ware  connected  by 
vicinity,  by  treaty,  by  trade,  and  by  continual  and  habitual  intercourse  with  the  Five  Nations 
and  other  Indians  which  occupied  this  State,  we  can  obtain  valuable  materials  to  illustrate  this 
important  period  from  the  libraries  and  public  collections  of  those  countries.  Many  learned, 
elaborate  and  interesting  works  have  never  been  seen  in  America ;  some  are  so  scarce  that  thev 
cannot  be  procured  without  the  expense  of  transcribing ;  and  papers  of  great  moment  have 
never  been  printed. 

*•  The  regular  minutes  of  the  transactions  of  the  Indian  Commissioners  for  this  Colony,  from 
1675  to  1761,  as  kept  by  a  secretary  employed  for  the  purpose,  were  bound  up  in  four  large 
folio  volumes.  This  invaluable  collection,  and  the  subsequent  Colonial  records  relative  to 
Indian  affairs,  are  not  now  to  be  found  in  this  State;  and  they  were  probably  conveyed  away 
by  Sir  John  Johnson,  or  his  agents,  at  the  commencement  of  the  Revolution.  The  loss  of 
these  documents  would  produce  a  chasm  in  our  history  that  could  not  be  supplied ;  and  we 
hope  that  they  may  still  be  retrieved.  Our  concerns  and  negotiations  with  the  Indians,  since 
our  existence  as  a  State,  have  not  been  preserved  in  regular  and  complete  order.  They  are 
scattered  among  the  bureaus  of  our  chief  magistrates  or  are  buried  in  the  voluminous  files  of 
the  Legislature. 

"  To  obtain  materials  for  the  Dutch  portion  of  our  history,  comprising  an  interesting  period 
of  half  a  century,  we  must  have  recourse  to  the  papers  of  the  Dutch  West  India  Company, 
and  to  the  archives  of  the  then  government  of  that  nation ;  to  the  Dutch  records  of  some  of 
our  counties,  and  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State  ;  to  the  public  officer  in  the  neighboring 
Colonies,  with  whose  governments  the  Dutch  had  negotiations ;  and  to  several  books  published 
in  the  Dutch  and  Latin  languages,  relative  to  this  country,  and  which  are  scarcely  known  to 
us.  The  darkness  which  hangs  over  this  branch  may  be  perceived  in  the  History  of  New- 
York,  written  by  William  Smith,  a  work  which  skims  lightly  over  this  interesting  period, 
leaving  it  almost  entirely  unnoticed. 

'  "  To  supply  that  part  of  our  history  when  we  were  subject  to  Great  Britain,  the  most 
valuable  materials  may  be  obtained  from  various  sources.  From  Chalmers'  Political  Annals  it 
appears  that  t''«re  are  many  manuscripts  in  the  Plantation  Office,  en  itled  •  New -York  Entries' 
and  '  New  "York  Papers.'  We  find  in  the  catalogue  of  manuscripts  preserved  in  the  British 
Museum,  some  writings  that  refer  particularly  to  this  State ;  and  in  the  catalogue  of  books 
belonging  to  that  institution  are  preserved  many  works  concerning  America,  in  the  Dutch, 
English,  French,  Spanish  and  Latin  languages,  affording  a  fund  of  information  important  and 
inestimable.  We  also  know  that  there  are  many  interesting  books  and  manuscripts,  relative  to 
this  country,  in  the  library  of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  America ;  and, 
perhaps,  much  important  information  may  be  obtained  from  the  public  offices  in  Canada. 

"  The  history  of  our  country,  since  the  commencement  of  the  Revolutionary  war,  is  in  a 
better  state  of  preservation ;  but  even  here,  how  many  interesting  events  are  passing  into 
oblivion,  how  many  important  facts  are  distorted  and  misrepresented,  how  many  illustrious 
achievements  are  forgotten  or  neglected.  Documents  that  may  illuminate  the  obscure,  explain 
the  doubtful,  and  embalm  the  memories  of  the  good  and  the  great,  may  now  be  drawn  from 
their  dark  abodes,  where  in  a  few  years  they  will  be  forgotten  or  lost.     Letters  of  distinguished 


since 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 

individuals,  fugitive  pamphlets,  perishable  manuscripts,  ought  now  to  be  obtained  and  preserved 
1  he  time  is  pmcious,  and  not  a  moment  should  be  lost  preserved. 

brl'^hlV"^^  ^'T^  "^  "■''  "'""'""■  "'■  '^"^  Confederacy  is  that  of  William  Smith    which  is 
.^Xscrll^^^roJIe^Sn  /^  '  '''  ^^  ''  "'  ''''  '^^  ^^  ^'—  ^«  ^^  ^^  ^l 
"Anxious,  as  we  are.  to  explore  these  sources  of  intellieence  and  tr,  mU.n,  n, 

n,«eH„„ ,,.  „.  r.,>  ,h».  ,„.  „„.  .r  f„„„.  p„„„,.  „„  oLr, ;::'::  X  z:„:s 

by  the  liberality  and  public  spirit  of  the  Leffish.t.irp      W.  i,„,     ^  ,         .      surmounted 

community  lo  which  we  are  bound  b,  ever,  lie  that  Is  d-ein.,!  ZZ.  P™!""'?  "'  ' 

.ne„      And  ,et  i,  no,  b.  ..id  ,h,.  ,he  e',i,e„cL  .nh": Unitluhrp  7™:"  fX  r,'::^ 

magnanimity  of  soul  which  cultivates  the  arts  and  sciences  amidl,  fhl  .  ,^'y'  '"  ''^"^ 

zr  E3f -= ^ -~  -»^  ^^=r:o :: 

"New-Yohk,  Jamtary,  1814." 


This  memonal  of  the  Historical  Society  wa.  received  with  great  favor  by  the 
Legislature,  whtch,  with  a  liberality  that  has  always  belonged  to  the  State  of  New- 
York,  passed  two  acts  on  the  13th  and  the  15th  of  April,  1814,  recognizing,  in  the 

oTl'"!  r  pT'  *''  ^'^'"^  ''  '^'  '"'^"^•^'^  '^  *^^  ^«=*^'-^  ^'  *^«  representatives 
of  the  people      Public  attention  was  now  drawn  more  distinctly  to  the  condition  of  the 

archives  of  the  State.     They  were  found  to  be  in  great  disorder,  and  the  ^esslt  of 

some   arrangement  and    classification  of  them   was  conceded.     The   Dutch   records 

especially,  being  i„  a  generally  unfamiliar  language,  provision  was   made  for  theii^ 

translation,  and  Dr.  Fa^xors   Adhx.kx  V..  z>kk  Kkmp,  a  learned   Hollander   was 

appomte     by  Governor  Cu^o.  to  perW  this  service,  which  he  accordingly  did 

he  Albany  Records."  A  concurrent  resolution  was  also  passed  by  the  Legislature  at 
their  session  m  1819,  authorizing  the  Secretary  of  State,  under  L  direcLn  of  the 
Governor,  to  cause  to  be  bound  and  arranged  such  of  the  records  as  he  miHit  think 
expedient.  On  the  4th  of  January,  1820,  Mr.  Joii.  V..  Nkss  Y...,  then  SecrX 
of  btate,  submitted  a  Report  to  the  Legislature,  detailing  the  steps  he  had  taken  in 


X  genjeral  introduction. 

car.ylng  their  resolution  into  eflfect,  and  containing  an  interesting  and  elaborate 
8ynops'=  of  the  several  divisions  and  the  specific  character  of  the  public  records  in  his 
custody.  To  this  Report  was  appended  a  general  Cat  ogue,  I.,  of  the  Dutch  Colonial 
Re».ords;  II.,  of  the  English  Colonial  Records;  and  III,  of  the  State  Records;  and 
from  this  statement  it  appeared  that  thove  were  at  that  time  in  the  Secretary's  office 
altogether,  661  books,  324  maps,  and  JOO  bundles  of  papera. 

But  though  the  Report  of  Mr.  Secretary  Yates  and  the  tiansktions  made  by  Mr. 
Van  deb  Kemp  had  undoubtedly  served  to  enlighteii  the  public  mind  as  to  the 
historical  value  and  importance  of  the  archives  of  the  State,  there  was  atill  great 
misapprehension  in  regard  to  their  actual  extent  and  character.  Apparently  unheeded 
and  allowed  to  moulder  in  neglect,  a  very  large  proportion  of  these  records  yet 
remained  in  bundles,  which  were  aeposited  in  boxes  or  hidden  in  almost  inaccespible 
corners  in  the  old  State  Hall,  without  any  proper  av.^angement  or  means  for  their 
convenient  examination.  It  is  not  surprising,  under  these  circumstances,  that  while, 
on  the  c^e  hand,  the  public  archives  were  known  to  be  defective  in  many  impv^rtant 
respects,  on  \,he  other  haud  the  State  should  have  been  pupposed  to  be  less  rich  in 
historical  records  than  it  really  was  •  and  thai  the  attention  of  those  whose  minds 
haa  long  been  given  to  the  subject  should  have  been  earnestly  directed  towards  the 
best  means  of  securing  and  increasing  the  literary  property  of  +he  people  by  addinr,' 
to  it  those  materials  for  the  illustration  of  their  history  which  were  preserved  in  the 
offices  cf  European  governments.  The  income  of  the  derosit  with  the  State  of  certain 
surplus  moneys  of  the  Federal  government  having  then  recently  been  set  apart  for  the 
promotion  of  public  education,  it  wi»  thought  by  many  that  a  portion  of  this  revenue 
might  be  properly  applied  towards  tlie  accomplishment  of  the  object  which  had  beou 
originally  sugges*:ed  to  the  Legislature  in  1814,  in  the  memorial  of"  the  New-York 
Historical  Society. 

Accordingly,  at  a  meeting  of  that  Society  on  the  10th  of  April,  1838,  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  solicit  from  the  Legislature  an  anni  al  grant,  out  of  the  income  of  the 
United  States'  Deposit  Fund,  to  defray  the  e.-qienses  of  procuring  matcrialh  in  Europe 
for  the  ilHstratiou  of  the  history  of  the  State.  In  pursuance  of  this  action,  a  memorial 
waa  presented  to  the  Legislature  in  behalf  of  the  Historic:-!  Society;  but  owing  to  the 
lateness  of  the  period  of  the  session,  it  wa.j  not  judged  expe.lient  to  pri«s  tlie  ap^>]ication 
at  that  time.  In  the  following  Deco.ril>er  the  Society  agrin  appointe.l  a  committee  to 
present  the  subject  at  Albany,  with  a  view  of  procuring  an  adtqu.ite  appropriutio,,  f.,r 
the  purpose  of  obtaining  copies  of  all  the  documents  in  the  public  oflicus  of  Holland 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION.  . 

and  Engla.1  relating  to  the  Colonial  histo^  of  Ne.-York.     On  the  8th  of  January 
183     Mr.  JoH.  L.  SxKPHKxs,  from  this  committee,  accordingly  reported  the  draf  T^ 
e  folWmg  memorial,  which  w.  adopted  by  the  Society  and  ordered  to  b    ate  Id 
und  de.ve.ed  to  the  committee  to  be  by  them  presented  to  the  Legislature. 

"TO  THE  SENATE  AND  ASSEMBLY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  NEW-YORK. 

with?;eVe^r  :  ro7cllt  :rs'°"?°"7^'^  '-''^  ^--^  -----^^'^^^  --  -trusted 
document'  papers^devSrsarinlr/r^'^T^  '"""'^  '° '=°"«'^'  -'^  P— « 
the  history  of  this  State  ha"  „'  ihe!Z  J  Tf  "'f '  ''"'*""« '"  ''  *"  «"y  ^"^  "«-«<=ting 
hold  in  safe  keeping  rvi^erestnrr^^  ^"^«  collected,  and  now 

your  .e.oria,istr:;u^"7a::re:2CdT;rsr  '"^""^^"^  ""'^  ^^^^"'  -^'^^'  ^-  ^- 

other  sources  on  which'.hey      „  ret      a     he  Ja   "  "?"'"'"'  '"'  '"'  '''^"^'  ''"'^ 

Holland  and  England  many  doc  n^^e^ts  letter  1  r"  '^  ^he  archive,  and  public  offices  of 
bearing  upon  and  directly  connectrd  w  Ih  hTiv  7"'°.  '"  ""'^  ^'^'"'  ^^'"''"^  '°  «"'' 
history  anV  of  our  War  of  Revo  ution    1    h      T.  ''™"""'"'  P'"°"«  °''  °-  Colonial 

papers  contain  matters  in  relartoth!;  «""^  f  ~^».  'etters.  correspondences  and 
treatment  of  their  Colon^  th  tpor ts  ^o  nionT'  'l" ^"^PT.  °'  ^''°"  governments  in  the 
manders.  and  other  office  s    hen  S    7k  .      '^'"""  "^  '^'''"  Governors,  Military  Com- 

of  the  country  theT  arac  er"  em  e  T '  ''f  r'^'fT  """"'^''  """^  «'^"^^'''  -"'^'t- 

diously  concealed  from  tl  e  co  Ws  3    '"'^  '^'""^  °^  '"«  P^°P'«'  »"  "^  -^ich  were  stu- 

"And  your  memoHa      s  r  p/et^t  uJt  t^^  ""'^"°"'"  '"  """  -""t^^ 

papers  illuctrate  and  exphin  Zv  nn  J  documents,  letters,  correspondences  and 

Kevolution  ;  and  that  without  hem  or  'T'V"  °"'  ''°'°"'"'  '"'''"^^  "'"^  °"  ^ar  of 

history  of  this  8tlte  carver  he  written     ''"  '  "  """  ''"^^°'  °°  '^"«  ""'^  P^^-^ 

th.  E„g gowrir,  •  """""'  ""'  '"""'  '""^  ""  Bep.rtm.„,.  „r 


i 


i. 


•I 

Is 


iU^ 


xu 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


"  And  your  memorialists  represent  that  the  present  is  a  most  favorable  moment  for  such  an 
application.  It  is  a  season  of  general  peace,  and  great  good  feeling  between  our  respective 
governments;  and  opportunities  and  facilities  are  now  afforded,  in  a  spirit  of  the  most 
friendly  courtesy,  which,  in  time  of  war,  or  even  of  a  troubled  political  horizon,  would  be 
peremptorily  refused. 

"And  your  memorialists  represent  that,  in  all  probability,  this  is  the  only  moment  in  which 
your  honorable  body  will  be  called  upon  to  give  its  aid  in  this  matter,  for  it  is  only  because 
of  the  special  trust  reposed  in  your  memorialists  that  they  have  deemed  it  their  duty  to  ask 
the  interposition  of  your  honorable  body ;  and,  though  all  might  consider  it  a  proper  subject 
for  the  action  of  this  State,  its  interest  is  too  general  and  the  prospect  of  success  too  remote 
to  occupy  the  minds  of  individuals.  Your  memorialists  do  not  believe  that  there  will  ever  be 
a  more  favorable  opportunity  for  renewing  their  request,  and  in  all  probability  no  such  attempt 
will  ever  be  made  by  others. 

"  And  your  memorialists  believe  that  it  is  worthy  the  ambition  of  the  Empire  State  to  have 
under  its  own  control  the  materials  for  writing  its  history.  Already,  in  its  rapid  increase  of 
population  and  reaources,  it  stands  as  a  wonder  in  tho  history  of  the  world  :  in  a  few  years 
its  changes  will  almost  surpass  human  belief,  and  then,  the  smallest  scrap  which  illustrates  its 
former  condition  will  be  regarded  as  a  precious  memorial.  Indeed,  even  now  it  is  precious ; 
for — with  a  full  knowledge  of  all  that  has  been  attempted  upon  this  subject — your  memorial- 
ists represent  that  the  History  of  the  State  of  New-York  remains  yet  to  be  written. 

"  To  the  end  that  the  Historian  may  come  to  this  work  with  all  the  advantages  which  its 
importance  demands,  your  memorialists  pray 

"  That  an  appropriation  be  made  by  your  honorable  body,  at  its  present  session,  for  the 
purpose  of  defraying  the  expenses  of  an  Agent,  to  be  sent,  under  the  direction  of  this  Society, 
in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  this  State,  to  ask  for  and  procure  from  the  governments 
of  England  and  Holland,  if  possible,  the  originals,  and  if  not,  copies,  of  all  documents,  letters, 
correspondences  and  papers  in  their  archives  and  public  offices,  which  relate  to  or  in  any  way 
affect  our  Colonial  history  and  our  War  of  Revolution  ;  and  that  the  same,  when  procured, 
be  deposited  for  safe  keeping  with  your  memorialists. 

"I".  O.  STIJVVKSAN'T, 

[  t-  8.  ]  "  Prtiidtnt  of  the  Xew-York  Iliilorical  Society, 

"  .lOlIN  C.  JAY, 
"  Rer.  Sivrelary  of  the  New  •  York  Historical  Society. " 

This  meinoi-iul  was  CDininuniciited  to  the  Lcgislatiifc,  in  the  following  message  from 
the  Governor  to  the  Assembly,  on  the  rjth  of  February,  1H39  : 


"  I  have  the  honor  to  transtnit  a  memorial  from  the  New -York  Historical  Society,  praying 
for  the  passage  of  a  law  authorizing  the  appointment  of  an  Agent  to  visit  Kurope,  to  trnn- 
•crihe  documents  remaining  in  the  public  offices  of  the  governments  of  Englcnd  and  Holland, 
illustrating  the  Colonial  history  of  this  State. 

•'  it  would  advance  the  cause  of  free  government  throughout  the  world,  nnd  it  ii  due  to 
ourselves,  lo  the  memory  of  cur  predecessors,  and  to  a  just  regard  for  the  respect  of  posterity, 
that  every  important  circumstance  connected  with  the  rise  and  progress  of  our  free  iuititutiout 
should  be  recorded  and  illustrated. 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 

zui 

obilc!  ''rtr\T  ""  ^"''"'  ""'f'''"'  '""""■'^'^'^  '  '""S"'^'  indifference  in  regard  tc  this 
object.     The  Lnghsh  government  has  made  a  munificent  gift  to  our  State  Library  of  ZZl 
illustratmg  the  early  history  of  that  nation.     Massachusetts  has  tlercare        preserve  ^ 
resources  for  her  h.story,  during  the  Revolutionary  contest,  by  causing  to  be  DSbl  shed    h! 
JournaU  of  her  Colonial  Congress.     The  State  of  Georgia  has  no^an  Agen^ir^  L     don^ 

no   less  .nteres   .n  rescuing  and  preserving  the  memorials  of  her  Colonial  condition 

b,::  :xr.^?::T;s:r."°" " ' ""-  "-^"^  ■■"-'-'  «-*'°  -•  ^— 

"  WILLIAM  U.  SEWARD." 

This  message  of  the  Governor  and  the  accompanying  memorial  of  the  Historical 
Soctety  were  referred  by  the  House  of  A.emUy  to  a  select  committee,  who,  on  the 
19th  pf  February,  1839,  made  the  following  report,  by  their  Chairman.  Mr.  Chapzx: 

"  The  memorialists  constitute  the  Historical  Society  of  the  Stale  of  New  Y„rU    nn  i 

most  Z  Ztred  o  ^-""'-'"'°-.  -1  "— g^-d  l.y  the  counsel  and  inuHence  of  the 

most  d..t.ngu„hed  ol  our  cUuens.  the  petitioner,  represent  that  they  are  desirous  to  ob.ai^ 


I 


^    1 


it     •'  iS 


f-i    ♦ 


f  i 


xir 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


the  passage  oi  a  law  by  this  Legislature,  authorizing  the  appointment  of  an  Agent  to  visit 
Europe,  and,  under  the  sanction  of  legislative  enactment,  to  transcribe  the  documentary  papers 
there  to  be  found,  having  reference  to  the  history  of  this  State.  They  further  represent  that 
they  have  been  advised  by  many,  high  in  official  stations,  that  there  are  great  numbers  of 
letters,  records  and  official  documents  in  England,  Holland  and  France,  detrllingthe  particulars 
of  our  primitive  and  Revolutionary  history,  and  those  relating  to  public  and  private  negotiations, 
to  distinguished  individuals  and  influential  associations,  to  the  plans  of  foreign  goveruments  in 
their  treatment  of  the  Colonies,  to  the  character  of  our  people,  and  to  the  nature  and  resources 
of  our  arts  and  arms.  And  it  is  also  represented,  with  like  truth  and  force,  as  your  committee 
believe,  that  at  no  period  of  our  history  have  circumstances  been  so  auspicious  for  the 
prosecution  and  successful  issue  of  their  purposes  as  those  presented  at  this  time.  Not  only 
are  the  relations  between  the  governments  referred  to  and  our  own  more  intimate  and  better 
understood  than  heretofore,  but  the  increased  facilities  of  intercommunication,  and  the  mutual 
dependencies  of  trade,  and  reciprocity  of  public  and  private  favors  are  such  as  to  render  the 
present  truly  propitious  for  the  execution  of  the  designs  contemplated  by  the  memorialists, 

"  The  importance  of  these  fiicts  has  induced  other  States  and  associated  bodies  to  become 
enlisied  in  the  extension  of  similar  objects  ;  and  it  is  reasonably  inferred,  the  committee  think, 
that  the  State  of  New -York  — behind  none  in  her  extent  and  population,  her  arts  and  her 
commerce,  the  productions  of  her  soil,  the  interest  and  variety  of  her  historical  reminiscences, 
and  the  intelligence  and  publicspirit  of  her  citizens  — will  not,  on  this  subject,  remain  unfaithful 
to  her  honor,  her  interests  and  her  fame. 

"  Among  the  early  Colonies  and  the  people  composing  the  inhabitants  of  our  newly  discovered 
country,  none  were  more  dictinguished  than  New  York  and  its  enterprising  citizens;  and  up 
to  the  present  moment  it  has  continued  to  develope  the  elements  of  its  greatness,  thus 
characteristic  of  the  Empire  SLaie.  In  the  drama  of  our  Colonial  and  National  history,  she 
was,  and  continues  to  be,  proudly  eminent.  Her  soil,  her  streams  and  her  people  are  known 
to  fame.  History,  faint  as  it  is,  reveals  her  crimsoned  plains,  her  bulwarks  of  military  and 
naval  art,  and  the  chivalry  of  her  sons.  The  virtues,  the  heroism  and  the  councils  of  her 
citizens  were  felt  and  appreciated  during  the  primitive  condition  of  our  common  country,  and 
while  our  united  energies  were  called  forth  in  the  cause  of  freedom.  But,  though  History  has 
not  denied  us  the  evidences  of  these  truths,  yet  how  much  more  may  she  not  do  for  the  honor 
of  our  State  and  the  glory  of  our  ancestors,  when  our  own  historians  are  admitted  to  all  the 
sources  of  her  historic  treasures! 

"It  is  worthy  of  remark  that  the  only  ostensive  history  of  the  State  of  New -York  was 
written  by  an  Englishman,  and  dedicated  to  the  Right  Honorable  George,  Earl  of  Stanhope, 
Commissioner  of  Trade  and  IMantations,  &c.  The  extent  and  character  of  this  history  may 
be  estimated  from  the  confession  and  announcement  of  the  author,  in  his  declaration  that  it 
was  '  bul  a  narrative,'  and  that  '  it  deserves  not  the  name  of  history.'  And  further,  in  his 
dedication,  that  'it  was  not  presented  for  his  Lordship's  injhrmaium,'  as  'all  the  world  knows 
that  the  affairs  of  the  British  Colonies  have  been  for  several  years  past  under  his  principal 
direction,  and  the  wisdom  of  the  measures  pursued  for  their  prosperity  and  defence  are 
indisputable  arguments  of  his  acquaintance  with  their  condition.' 

"Thus  were  the  details  of  our  Colonnil  history,  and  all  the  ♦wisdom'  displayed  in  the 
governnK'nt  of  the  Colonies,  presumed  to  have  been  condensed  within  the  cranium  of  his  right 
honorable  lordship. 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 

"  The  further  URefulness  of  the  author  to  this  Prnv!nn«      a  . 
wa«  prematurely  arrested  by  hi,  refuB^Ito  renlnce  hTaH  '°''"'''''  ''  ™'^'^*  ^«  '''''' 

critical  juncture  of  our  hi«tory-hi8  confinement  ^h     '    ""'^'""^«  '°  '^'  ^rown  at  the  most 
to  New-York  by  General  wLhington  a  d  hi^  suh  7"^''''"  '''"°'"  '-•"'  '^''"^Portation 

and  of  his  choice.  ^      '  •"'  «"^««1»^"'  «h.pment  to  the  land  of  his  birth 

elaborate  work,  esclwin,.  always.  t^iVrHl  Z:I::r'  ^'"^^  "''  '°  '''  ^'™«  °^  '^'* 

of  theTat:  :rr^troS  nt:  :!:;  :n'h"?'h"'*  '!,  ^-— '«-.  Whether  the  history 
and  whether  it  should  not  b  tri  ten  b^  e  of  !  l"n  V '"  "''"'^  '''^"  *'"''  "^--'^  '' 
be  derived  from  the  sources  before  Lntionednndr  "I '°''"''' °'  ''^^ '""^^"«'«' '» 
supervision  of  the  State  HiatoricnlSocieT  '"'"■'^''   '"'^   ""''^^  '^' 

subsequently  as  an  L,glish  Cl  y  fl  I';,    t"  76    .  ""t"/'  "^   '"   ^'«*'  ""'^ 

intimate  relations  existed  between  the  iLit  and  Ihl  T  "  '""""  "'"'  ^'^^  ■""«* 
numerous  records,  documents  and  continuous  coesoondln  T  .''  "°""''"''''  """^  '''«*  '"« 
others  were,  a,  they  duly  should  hav3  b  en  (i  er„Td"  r  '^^  °V  '  T"""^"'"'  "^^"'^  ""'^ 
respective  governments.  These  related  to  the  nn.  ^  f  '"  "'^  "^''°"«  «<««««  °f  t^e 
public  officers  and  prominent  persono^l  "n  't .  Sr  tT  he^"?  '[  '^''T'  ^^^"'^'  *° 
our  new  country,  and  to  the  feelines  and  sufferinrif  ^'■"'*"  ""'^  productions  of 

addition  to  these,  they  related,  at  a  ater  and  !   II  "^  "    "°"'  """^  ''""''^  ^"•^««'°"-     ^^ 

events  that  brought  about  the  W  r      n  ^ol't  '    ^^^^"'"-""^  P-'od  of  our  history,  to  the 
to  our  condition  and  resources,  to  our  cou  and  to   . '      ,"     "T  '"'  '"''  "'  °"^  P-P'«' 

«^^w.h  the  reports  and  advices  ^'r^^l;  1^^- :  ^  =  Z^TlZ 

a:^,i:::^r::rr;i!::iri^^;::::s  :rr '--' ''-  -^-of  Eng^nd 

papers  having  reference  to  the  part  she  Ik   „  ou    iTl      r       '"  ''°''''"'°"  °'"  '^°'="'"«"tary 
relations  to  this  country,  and  to  « the  fVench  Inr    '  "?'^  '"^"^«'''  '"  ''^  ^"bsequent 

least  a.eeting  and  impo'rtant  porti^n^?  ^ CotiaUirorr"'   ^''^  ''  ''  '"'""'  ^"""  '"^ 

vario!;;;:;:  ;n;z:;:i:,::  ^  jd  °::tr '  ^"7  -r-  °^  — '°-  - 

subjects  of  lively  interest  with  .h„  ^  ''«°«P"-ed--o(ten  tragical  m  their  character -should  be 
incident  to  their  detriesTondioranir''    ""]  ''""  ""^  '"^^'^  '"«  '""'  ""<1  ''-Ser 

.-==;z~S  SHs-"^^^^^^^^^  

op.n,o„  ,l,„,  i,  d„i,„,  ,0  b.  f„|,„f„||j,  redd    r,d  u.^.h     7  ,"'  Vu   '°°""'""  ""'  °' 
•l..,ul»,  relic,  or  „r,.  tl,-,  »H,in  ,    "l,    n  I  '"  '"i;  ",""'  ''?  ""  "!■'•■■"  «r  tta  mo,. 

'"^" "' " -« "- .;;."-  :M:u"r„;  r;::i::i;;;::t;;.;:'  •"  ^""'• 


!! 

ii 


I    i"' 


XVI 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


"  Many  of  these,  like  the  chronicles  of  our  own  times  now  sought  to  be  saved  from  the 
same  oblivious  fate,  are  fast  disappearing  before  the  modern  '  march  of  improvement'  and  the 
destructive  influence  of  lime,  while  others,  if  known  to  the  early  colonists,  have  sunk  into 
ruin  and  forgetfulness. 

•'  It  appears  to  the  committee,  from  a  review  of  the  subject  submitted  to  their  examination 
and  opinion,  that  it  would  be  'voi  thy  of  the  pride  and  ambition  of  our  citizens  to  encourage 
the  enterprise  of  the  memorialists,  and  to  secure  for  the  State  the  materials  for  its  enlarged 
history.  And  your  committee  believe  that  no  subject  is  calculated  to  inspire  us  with  a 
stronger  love  of  freedom  and  of  country  than  the  records  of  the  times  and  the  chivnlric  deeds 
of  our  fathers — those  who  gave  us  life,  liberty,  and  a  country  made  sacred  by  their  blood. 
Ingratitude  alone  must  be  our  apology  in  failing  to  cherish  the  memory  and  the  annals  of  their 
history.  Nor  is  it  less  an  obligation  to  our  predecessors,  than  a  duty  to  posterity,  that  we 
encourage  the  perpetuity  of  their  examples  of  virtue  and  of  patriotism. 

"  In  the  execution  of  the  purposes  set  forth  by  the  memorialists,  and  commended  by  the 
Governor,  it  is  represented  that  two  years  should  be  employed,  and  that  an  expenditure  of 
$4000  may  accomplish  the  work. 

"  This  amount,  though  less  than  that  suggested  by  the  inclination  of  the  committee,  has 
been  deemed  to  be  an  adequate  appropriation,  which,  while  it  may  insure  the  successful  issue 
of  the  enterprise,  will  not  be  thought  unworthy  the  Empire  State  for  the  accomplishment  of 
an  object  which  cannot  fail  to  prove  honorable  to  her  fame. 

•'  With  these  views  of  the  subject,  the  committee  submit  the  accompanying  bill." 


Tlie  bill  reported  by  the  select  committee,  having  duly  passed  both  Houses  of  the 
Legislature,  was  signed  by  the  Governor  on  the  2d  of  May,  1839,  and  is  as  follows: 

"AN  ACT  TO  APPOINT  AN  AGENT  TO  PROCURE  AND  TRANSCRIBE  DOCUMENTS  IN  EUROPE 
RELATIVE  TO   THE  COLONIAL  HISTORY  OF  THIS  STATE. 

"  Passed  May  2,  1839. 

"  The  I'cnpfc  of  the  Sialc  of  New-York,  represented  in  Senate  and  Asscmhlij,  do  vnnct  as  follows: 

"Section  1.  An  Agent  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Governor  of  this  State,  by  and  with  the 
advice  and  consent  f^f  tha  Senate,  to  visit  England,  Holland  and  France,  for  the  purpose  of 
procuring,  if  possible,  the  originals,  and  if  not,  copies,  of  all  such  documents  and  papers,  in 
the  archives  and  offices  of  those  governments  relating  to  or  in  any  way  affecting  the  Colonial 
or  other  history  of  this  State,  as  "le  may  deem  important  to  illus'rate  that  history. 

"^  2.  The  said  documents  and  puners,  when  procured,  shall  be  deposited  in  the  office  of  the 
Secretary  of  th  s  State,  subject  to  the  use  of  the  State  Historical  Society. 

'"^3.  A  sum  not  exceeding  four  thousaad  dollars  is  hereby  appropriated  for  defraying  the 
expenses  of  said  Agent." 


The  words  of  this  act  arc  very  broad  and  indefinite,  and  they  seem  to  have  been 
purposely  made  so.     What  was  evidently  intended  was,  that  the  Agent  should  select 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 

and  obtain,  in  Europe,  historical  documents  and  papers  which  wh.n  ..  a     ^^ 

offlci.net.arto  the «„,.„„, .„:„«„,  W,„  .hat  two  ^ul^Z,^- JZf^Zl  7 
^..t  one  „.  the  othe.  „,  thL  ,J:L  tlTZZt^  TZZT 

.0.  i„  „„„.oa,  with  M.  B..,.,  ,e»„,f;:  th!  ll^'CZt'  h?H'°"' 

and  w.  t^  ,„™e  extent  familiar  with  the  p.„„„„  j,,.,  ,,  wa,    Cl  .o  '  rf«°°' 
In  order,  however,  to  a.oid  what  was  felt  to  he  the  .k-Jr  ^"P""^  <o  perform. 

and  the  investigation  of  ,hem  wT  7  °"°  "'''''"''"''"«"'•«'' ' 

waanooatalogne  or  I  rlt  „ffll  T^"  1  'T^"'  '""  """'^-'-y-  There 
*ndi„gthe,e  nnfavor^  ror*  11   :  "  T  "'  ""'""'^    ^°'"'"'- 

the  Agent,  and  every  nreca,,. iontrt^  ''""'  """"t  '"  ""'"""'""''°  """^  "»''''  V 
judgment  ^  far  «  „«  ,  111  i  n  T""  ™'""'  '"  ""'"  '"«  «"■'''=  '» 
foreign  arehive..  '  '°  '"""'''  ■"  ""«"«'"'  "'  "«  -'-tigations  in  the 

Previom  to  hi,  departure  for  Enrope,  the  A-ent  received  .!,„  f  IT      ■      ■ 
from  the  Governor;  received  the  following  mstnictions 


XVIU 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


J 


"  STATE  OF  NEW-YOllK, 

"Executive  Department, 

"Albany,  March  'Zith,  1841. 
"  To  John  IIomeyn  Brodhead,  Esquire  : 

"  The  Legislature  of  this  State  having  on  the  2cl  day  of  May,  1839,  passed  an  act  for  the 
appointment  of  nn  Agent  to  visit  England,  Holland  and  France  for  the  purpose  of  procuring 
the  originals  or  copies  of  such  documents  and  papers,  in  the  archives  of  those  governments, 
relating  to  the  Colonial  and  other  history  of  this  State  as  are  important  to  illustrate  that 
history,  and  you  having  been  duly  appointed  such  Agent,  and  being  about  to  proceed  in  the 
execution  of  your  duties,  it  seems  to  be  proper  that  I  should  communicate  to  you  the  views 
entertained  by  the  Executive  in  relation  thereto. 

"  This  communication  is  to  be  regarded  as  advisory  only.  The  language  of  the  acts  is  quite 
indeGnite,  and  was  undoubtedly  designedly  made  so,  in  order  to  leave  the  Agent  at  liberty  to 
exercise  a  sound  and  wise  discretion,  according  to  the  circumstances  afTecting  the  object  of  his 
mission.  In  recommending  those  objects  to  the  Legislature,  T  observed  that  their  successful 
accomplishment  would  advance  the  cause  of  free  government  throughout  the  world,  and  that 
it  was  due  to  ourselves  and  to  the  memory  of  our  predecessors,  and  to  a  just  regard  for  the 
respect  of  posterity,  that  every  important  circumstance  connected  with  the  rise  and  progress 
of  our  free  institutions  should  be  recorded  and  illustrated. 

"  The  general  policy  of  the  European  governments  towirds  their  transatlantic  possessions 
has  been  heretofore  studied  by  us  chiefly  in  the  acts  of  their  agents  here,  while  its  compara- 
tive unimportance  in  the  domestic  history  of  those  States  has  caused  it  to  be  often  overlooked 
or  superficially  treated  by  European  historians.  It  is  represented  to  us  that  there  are  now,  in 
the  archives  and  public  offices  of  Holland  and  England,  many  papers  relating  to  the  events 
and  persons  prominent  in  our  local  history  anterior  to  and  through  the  Revolution.  Among 
such  papers  may  be  expected  to  be  found  reports,  advices,  and  other  commnnications  from  I  lie 
Colonial  Governors,  Military  Commanders,  the  early  colonists,  and  other  individuals  resident 
here. 

"  The  policy  of  France,  in  establishing  her  military  positions  upon  this  continent,  is  regarded 
among  the  most  important  and  interesting  particulars  of  our  history;  and  her  long  struggle  to 
retain  those  positions  exercised  a  great  influence  for  a  long  period  upon  th^  condition,  disposi- 
tion and  purposes  of  the  people  of  New-York.  It  is,  I  presume,  chieliy  with  a  view  to  obtain- 
ing authentic  evidence  concerning  this  part  of  our  history  that  you  are  expected  to  visit  that 
country. 

"  It  would  be  highly  interesting  to  obtain  the  originals  or  copies  of  the  instructions  for- 
warded to  the  French  and  English  Governors  of  Canada;  to  learn  the  views  which  possessed 
them,  of  a  commercial,  military  or  colonizing  character;  their  expectations  of  the  future 
growth  of  their  settlements  bordering  upon  the  colony  of  New-York  ;  their  expenditures  and 
receipts;  the  nature  and  extent  of  their  alliance  with  the  Indian  tribes;  and  ihe  history  of 
their  expeditions  across  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  of  their  posts  upon  Lake  Ontario  and  the  Uiv  r 
Niagara,  so  far  as  developed  by  official  reports,  or  memorials  from  the  foreign  departments 
under  whose  administration  these  various  operations  took  place. 

"  It  will  be  equally  important  to  obti.in  in  Kngland  the  copies  of  those  papers  relating  to 
the  occupation  of  the  Colony,  which  are  said  to  have  been  removed  to  the  mother  country. 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION 

together  with  such  official  documents,  memoirs  and  statistical  details  as  were  doubtless  com- 
mun,cated  from  t.me  to  time  to  the  British  government  by  its  agents  here.     AmonTtheTe 

ransacfons  the  conduct  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  his  agency  with'the  Indians,  hinommunl 
cafonsto  h.s  government,  and  his  views  as  to  the  extension  of  the  British  Towe     ZTd  be 

.rirdtiir'Thrca^'^  expedition  or  Colo„e.  Nico.Is  has  never  yet  been'kl^nTo  '    ; 

Co  Jvl?r'''  'Ti"  ''"''  ''"'■"'■"''''  "'  ""''^  '■»  ^'''  '-"""""'  "f  '"formation  relating  to  the 
Colony  wh.le  ,n  subord.nafon  to  the  West  India  Company ;  but  the  official  reports  of  lovern- 
orsVan  Tw,IIer.  Stuyvesan.  Kieft.  &c..  to  the  father-land,  and  the  documents  which  must 
ecessanly  have  been  communicated  from  time  to  time  by  those  zealous  agen Lra  e  yTtto 
become  a  part  of  the  materials  of  our  history.  ^ 

.'Many  details  in  relation  to  the  patents,  manorial  rights,  &c..  and  much  information  relating 

f "  "^«««'  ««  f'*'-  ««  the  appropnafon  will  permit,  after  defraying  your  necessary  expenses 

and  the  pr.vate  charges  which  will  attend  you  in  your  various  journeys,  will  become  matter  of 

interest  to  you  in  your  general  investigations.  " 

"You  are  advised  to  proceed  first  to  Holland,  to  ascertain  what  documents  and  paoers 

eqmre  your  attent.on  there;  then  to  proceed  to  England,  and  institute  a  sim 2  examinaron 

r    e'df"'?'    !r  '""'""''  "'"*  "'"  '«  ™°«'  *'"P-'-"'  '"  'hose  countries TorwiU 

™e  H:  tZlffZ'T'  r "^  '""""'''^  '"  ''  ""''-'  "«  ---tances  shall  fndic: 

pe;;;rmrce'T;:v:ra;  t  J        ^°"  ^"'  ^-^  '^'--  ^«  p--^  -  p-'».  - 

"You  will  from  time  to  time  report  to  the  Executive  of  this  State,  and  will  be  at  liberty  at 
all  tunes  to  seek  advice  from  him  in  regard  to  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  your  n  •  sL' 

irtirj:;:^;^:^::;^  ^--- «--  -  --  -  pa.e.s\::rru 

"  You  will  be  allowed  at  the  rate  of  two  thousand  dollars  per  annum,  payable  quarterly  for 
your  compensat.on,  besides  your  traveling  expenses  and  disbursements  or  he  p  rle  o^^^^^^^^^ 
m,ss,o.:.  You  have  already  received  an  advance  of  fifteen  hundred  dollars  On  ender^n. 
sum  o"f  „      .h"     7:1  '"""^  °''''"'^"'"'  y°"  -n-wupon  the  Comptroller  fo'noTher 

ttVxen   o    r"  r  '"  "'""'^^'  '"  "'^  "'"""«^-  ""'^  -  -'  —ting  and  draw  „. 

the  extent  of  the  amount  appropriated  in  the  bill.  "rawing 

"In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  subscribed  my  name,  and  caused  the 
great  seal  of  the  State  to  be  affixed,  this  twenty-seventh  day  of  March  in  !he 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-one,  and  of  the 
Independence  of  the  United  States  of  America  the  sixty-fifth. 

"  WILLIAM  II.  SEWARD." 

In  pursuance  of  hi.s  com,nis«ion  and  instructions,  Mr.  Brodhkad  embarked  for 
Europe  on  the  fi..t  of  May,  1841.  He  cotnmeneed  Ins  investigations  in  the  archives 
at  the  Hague  tn  the  following  sun.mer;  and  for  nearly  three  years  was  diligently 
engaged  ,n  prosecuting  his  labors  in  the  several  Record  offices  of  Holland,  England  and 


[  L.    S.  ] 


XX 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


France.  It  was  necessary,  in  the  first  place,  to  procure  the  oiSScial  authority  from  the 
proper  departments  of  government,  without  which  the  documents  the  Agent  was  in- 
structed to  procure  could  neither  he  inspected  nor  copied.  In  Holland  and  in  France, 
the  requisite  permission  was  readily  and  liberally  granted.  But  in  England  the  official 
regulations  were  much  more  embarrassing. 

When,   at  length,   fairly  engaged   in   his    researches,   the  Agent  found    himself 
surrounded  with  difficulties,  which,  though  to  some  extent  he  had  anticipated,  he  had 
no  means  of  entirely  overcoming.     Among  much  that  was  altogether  new  and  of 
invaluable  importance  to  the  American  historian,  there  was  also  found  in  the  archives, 
especially  of  England,  much  that  was  more  or  less  familiar.     With   the  imperfect 
memoranda  which  he  had  been  able  to  make  of  papers  already  in  possession  of  the  State, 
the  Agent  was  constantly  exposed  to  the  chance  of  copying  duplicates ;  and  the  more 
so,  as  he  was  obliged  to  make  his  selections  upon  a  prompt  exercise  of  judgment,  and 
without  proper  opportunities  for  comparison.     All  documents  about  which  there  was 
no  doubt  were  at  once  selected  for  transcription  ;  and,  on  the  other  hand,  such  as  were 
positively  known  to  be  in  existence  at  Albany,  in  a  complete  form,  were  passed  by. 
But  the  temptation  to  secure  everything  in  any  way  illustrating  our  history,  of  the 
actual  possession  of  which,  by  the  State,  there  appeared  to  be  any  uncertainty,  was  ever 
strong.    The  duty  of  the  Agent,  as  defined  by  the  law,  was  to  procure  all  such 
documents,  "  relating  to  or  in  any  way  affecting  the  Colonial  or  other  history"  of  New- 
York,  as  he  might  "  deem  important  no  illustrate  that  history  ;"  and  in  executing  this 
very  comprehensive  trust  he  was  instructed  to  use  a  "sound  and  wise  discretion."    It 
was  thought  that  this  discretion  would  be  most  advantageously  exercised  by  securing, 
while  there  was  a  favorable  opportunity  of  doing  so,  ail  papers  coming  within  the  terms 
of  the  law,  the  suppression  or  omission  of  which  might,  in  the  judgment  of  competent 
historical  authority,  leave  incomplete  the   public  records  of  the  State.     Moreover, 
it  was  always  considered  that  the  object  of  the  Agency  was  to  add  documents  to  the 
archives  of  the  State,  and  not  to  procure  and  prepare  the  materials  of  a  work  for 
publicftion.     Besides,  the  existence  of  duplicates  of  documents  from  difibrent  sources, 
in  all  public  collections  of  papers,  is  known  to  be  not  only  universal  but  oftentimea 
desirable,  as  such  duplicates  tend  to  verification.     The  Agent  accordingly  thought  it  to 
be  his  duty  rather  to  risk  redundancy  than  deficiency ;  and  in  all  cases  of  doubt  he 
prelbiTcd  to  secure  papers  with  a  liberal  hand,  while  it  was  in  his  power  to  do  so, 
leaving  the  question  of  their  relative  importance  and  their  entire  publication  to  be 
coni^ider-id  and  settled  afterwards,  when  ampler  opportunity  should  be  afforded  for 
comparison  and  discrimination. 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 
Soon  after  co™menci„g  W,  i„«,.iga,i„„,  i„  Europe,  the  Age„t  found  that,  owing  to 

he  lai^ge  „„„ber  of  documents  di«„vered,  and  the  necessary  expenses  "f  that 

ranscnpfou,  the  origina,  appropriation  hy  .he  Legislature  would  rinffll: 
Keporte  were  from  t,Me  to  time  addressed  to  the  Governor,  who  commnnicaW  Im 

o  t  e  I.g»,.tnre ;  an    further  sums  of  three  thousand  dolla.  on  the  llth  of  ^ 
1842,  and  five  thousand  dollars  on  the  13th  of  Anril    ir^q  .  ^        ,      ^    ' 

expeuses  of  the  Agency.    Having  at  .enjhtlur'hj      rJLC  ^    ^T^r' 
^oHK^n  returned  home  in  thesummerof  :844,  and  wasoLupieddlg  h    Ijf 

Itv     ,     """f*  °°'  ""'"'''  *°  ''°°°™°''  ^«  '"■'  P— 0-    ^-e  fold 

deSi^simi'tffiistirrJdrf  tt-  •^t^";'"-  "^°'*'  ^*« » 

the  Le^siatnre  in  the  folCg  Za^: :       *""  '"°"^  """'  ™  «°°"°'"*"*<' '" 

"  EXECUTIVE  CHAMBER,  ^ 

"Albany,  21 /ti.,  1845.  5 
"  TO  THE  LEGISLATURE. 

of  the  general  results  aLmplXranrwi  ■   •  '^' ^^^  ^^^  ^  "^^ 

subject.  ^complished,  and  will  be  read  with  the  interest  belonging  to  the 

^o:2^^:^x:^;^::::f^^  ^^-^  -r^^  .peiracuainted  wi.h  the 

beyond  the  statements  of  the  rZ"  now  1-  '^^  -l"'^' "-"'''''  ^'""'^  ""'''  ""''"  '»«"'-«'l. 
degree  of  success  realised  froLThe  estrbHlZ  !  n.  '  """'*'  *'^^*^''"^'''  '^^'^^  ^'  *»'« 
has  eWterized  the  expenditure  of  trre;^;;^^::^!"^^'  ''  ''  '''  ^^^^"^  ^'^^^ 

last  portion^f  the  period  of  h'sevi^HlT  "     ."  "'  """  compensation,  for    ho 

course.  I  presume,  be' ready  fo  preseXion  o  ttTl.  \  T  "'r^"*^'  *°  "*^'  ^"*  -'"  «»• 
matter  shall  require  it.  Presentation  to  the  Legislature,  whene ,  ar  its  action  in  the 

coZLte^im:  llTr^  aTZl-tf^^t  "'^  ^-^^  •''^^  '  ^"^^  "«*  ^°""^  ^^  P-'^>«  *« 
for  so„,e  days,  iu  the  hope  tl  also  mth^  ^'•^"\"''««'«"  «^  ^he  report  has  been  delayed 

only  abridge  the  time  Xid  ti  be  a  w:dT:r'l'  '^  '"""'•  ^"^  '^''''''  '^'^'"^  -"'^ 
and  to  take  the  necessary  action    obnnltl  A  ^''^'^^^^^^  *«  "'^^e  these  exa„,i„atio„s. 

Agent  to  a  settlement  and  I  qu  dat  o'    iT^      "  """'  '^'"^  ""'^  ''''  "•^^"""'^  «f  t^e 

•qu.dation.    Hence,  the  report  and  accompanying  papers  are 


t?  -'"': 

'  III 
M, 


ZXll 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


transmitted  without  the  information  which  enables  me   to  make  any  recommendation,  or 
even  suggestions,  as  to  the  iegislation  called  for  or  the  appropriations'rcquired. 

"  SILAS  WRIGHT. 


'"REPORT  OF  JOHN  ROMEYN  BRODIIEAD. 

•'  •  To  His  Excellency,  Silas  Wright, 

"  '  Governor  of  (he  Slate  of  New -York, 

"  *  Sir — I  have  now  the  honor  to  lay  before  you  a  final  report  of  my  proceedings,  as  Agent  of 
the  State  of  New- York,  under  the  act  entitled  "  An  act  to  appoint  an  Agent  to  procure  and 
transcribe  documents  in  Europe  relative  to  the  Colonial  history  of  this  State,"  passed  May  2, 
1839,  and  of  the  results  of  my  researches  in  the  archives  of  Holland,  England  and  France. 

"'  Before,  however,  detailing  these  proceedings,  it  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  refer  briefly 
to  the  circumstances  which  led  to  the  passage  of  the  act  of  the  Legislature  by  which  the 
enterprise  now  brought  to  a  conclusion  was  sanctioned. 

"  •  This  Agency  is  the  result  of  the  antiquarian  spirit  that  has  lately  gained  so  much  ground 
in  our  country.  That  spirit,  growing  and  freshening  with  the  advance  of  years,  has  been 
greatly  strengthened  and  fostered  by  the  exertions  of  the  New-York  Historical  Society ;  an 
institutioii  which,  it  is  but  faint  praise  to  say,  has  more  than  fulfilled  the  high  hopes  entertained 
of  its  future  value  and  influence,  by  its  projectors,  in  the  year  1804.  Exerting  itself  laudably 
in  times  of  difficulty — struggling  with  adversity,  and  braving  obstacles — its  important 
objects  gradually  became  appreciated  by  the  public;  and  in  the  year  1814  a  memorial,  drawn 
up  by  the  late  Governor  De  Witt  Clinton,  then  vice-president  of  the  society,  stating  in  a 
clear  and  masterly  manner  the  objects  of  the  institution,  was  presented  to  the  Legislature, 
and  was  so  favorably  received  as  to  induce  the  grant  of  twelve  thousand  dollars  in  aid  of  the 
funds  of  the  society.  Its  library  to  this  day  remains  a  noble  monument  of  the  munificence 
of  the  State  and  of  the  liberality  of  individuals. 

"  'In  this  memorial,  the  prescient  mind  of  Clinton  suggested,  in  effect,  the  measure  which  it 
was  left  to  after  days  to  see  carried  into  execution.  Referring  to  the  gaps  and  deficiencies  in 
our  own  existing  records,  the  papers  of  the  Dutch  West  India  Company  and  the  archives  of 
the  then  government  of  the  Netherlands  were  pointed  out  as  the  sources  whence  materials 
for  the  Dutch  portion  of  our  history  were  to  be  obtained  ;  and  the  records  of  the  Plantation 
Office  (Board  of  Trade)  in  London,  and  the  library  of  the  British  Museum,  were  also  alluded 
to,  as  affording  an  important  and  inestimable  fund  of  information  respecting  the  period  of  our 
subjection  to  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain.  The  public  offices  in  Canada,  it  was  also  suggested, 
might  contain  much  of  interest  to  our  historians.  But  circumstances  for  a  long  time 
prevented  any  direct  effort  being  made  by  the  society  to  obtain  the  T  vorwble  consideration 
of  the  subject  by  the  Legislature,  and  it  was  not  until  the  year  lii6a  ib.:<J  atv  formal  steps 
were  taken  in  the  matter.  In  the  month  of  April  of  that  year,  upon  d  I'jr'  ;fiM:  f  Mr.  Geo:^^ 
Folsom,  a  memorial  was  prepared  and  presented  to  the  Legislature,  ai^jing  the  importance 
of  an  investigation  of  European  archives,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  those  materials  for  the 
illustration  of  our  history  which  our  own  State  records  could  not  furnish ;  and  praying 
the  State  to  undertake,  for  the  benefit  of  the  people,  an  enterprise  the  society  of  their  own 
means  were  unable  to  carry  into  execution.  This  memorial,  however,  was  presented  so  near 
to  the  close  f  '  ; ,  e  "ission  as  to  render  it  expedient  to  postpone  further  efforts  till  the  next 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


XXIU 
yeor;  when,  the  subject  havin-  been  clearly  and  forcibly  introH.,P^,l  h 
Governor  and  its  i.nportance  urged  upon  the  me^Ter  ^f  t  wTI^^^^^^^  '^  ''l 

unwearied  attention  of  Mr.  John  L.  Stephens,  the  late  Mr.  Williu  rfr  St„l      ^l*';,^"'*'"''  """^ 
was  passed,  with  great  unanimity  on  the  2.1  AfL  lA?o        u  .    ®'°"«' "^nd  others,  an  act 

"  to  yisit  Engl  ,.d  lIolIandL  France  for^h«'  '  ^"'J""=^'"8*^«  appo.ntment  of  an  Agent 

and  if  not,  top.;,  of  aU  s:ct"d:Z,;^rl^;Tpr  f^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 

goyernments,  relating  to  or  in  any  way  aflecting  L'colo    a   or  o  h  r  h  s  o"'  ^Ts  S    I     " 
he  may  deem  important  to  illustrate  that  history,"  and  directin.TJTl  !  J  f       '  "' 

and  to  France.     The  inspection  of  thTstV  "//^'^ntion  there  ;  and  then  to  England 

is  not  a  mere  matter  cf  r^b:?- ^sL^TlV^^^^^^^^^  '  '  T  ''-' 

m  most  cases  only  upon  applications  backed  by  ld«rpersonaI  or  offi      ,     '/"^^  "  ^T'"' 
an  interyiew,  accordingly,  with  the  Secretary  of's  ate  oHre  United  St^.^;^  '  '"' 

of  procuring  specific  instructions  to  the  American  Milter,  .fTi       I     '    "',"'"  P"""?"'" 
infayorof  my  Agency;  but  he  haying  decH     d  gW    ^        ^^"^^^^^^^ 
Europe  on  the  1st  of  May,  1841.  *""®'  ^  embarked  for 

"  '  On  my  arrival  at  London,  on  my  wav  to  Hnllan,!   t  u   i 
Stevenson,  then  American  Minister  aUhlcourt of  S     J         had  several  interviews  with  Mr. 
fully,  the  objects  of  my  mis   rn      Mr    T  r''' ''°'*  "°'"'""°'*^''*«*^  *«  him.  very 

Government  \n    this  pit        teriste     him  e.fT'  *'   ""'"^"^^^'^   ''^   *•>«   ^«--' 

advised  an  application  Lthwitrto  Her  M'  ''    "^'•>' ^"™'y'  i»  "^e  subject;  and 

make  selectil  and  trans"  i^s^d^^^^^^^^^^^^^  f  P™-"  to  the  Agent  to 

and  other  history.    A  note  was  ^ccnrZ         n         ?  '"■*''"^^'  '^'""^^  *»  «"'  Colonial 

22dMay.l841,LpllnTtheobec     ofh^S^^^^^^^^^^     *«  the  Marquis  of  Normanby,  on  the 
that  the  necessary  facilities  mi2  be  1   A   f  "  "      "»  *•"'  application,  and  requesting 

possible,thepurpVo  TyZ  ionto  1^^^^^^^^^  ^'*"  ^  "ttle  delay  a! 

Normanby  to  Lord  Palmers'^^on.  ^ncta^  I  "1 J  '  %??  was  referred  by  the  Marquis  of 
20th  July  following  an  answer  rs  rein  J  tl?f«.  ^"■'"«"  ^*^"^"'  ^°^  °"  the 

.ome  difficulty  in  Lcedinrto  mv  a.  nioT     *  V\^'''""'°"'  '^'''  ^"^'^  Paimerston  felt 

competent  person,  and,  if  no  objection  should  be  found  to  ttp.rh  "^   ^^  '"'"' 

should  be  copied  for  my  use.  on  the  usual  terms  at  ryexpelse  '  ^"---"-ted.  they 

object  of  the  State  was  to  have  its  Colonic  hU^  .1     I     ^'"*  "'^  New-York  ;  that  the 

of  which  w.re  presumed  to  ^i  "ihot:  Pa;  r^ffiTf::  ^  'T™^"^«'  ^"^ 

not  be  known,  and  that  they  could  not    S!f        ,',''/'"''' P"'''""''''" '^hara^^^^ 

restrictions  imposed  in  formlr  Tse    were  o  ''  '  '''^*  ''''  ''"''"^'""^  ""^ 

and  that  the  Agent  would     nfa.T  ,     >       T  ""^''^''^  *"  ^'  "'^^"^^d  in  the  present, 

department.     ^  '   "  '''''  '''''''^''  '""•«'^'*  ^^'^J^'^t  to  the  control  and  pleasure  of  the 


I' 

!,  I 


XXIV 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


"•It  was  hoped  that,  on  a  review  of  the  subject,  Her  Majesty's  government  would  have 
looked  more  auspiciously  upon  the  application,  and  that,  so  far  from  perceiving  in  it  anything 
objectionable,  v/ould  rather  have  viewed  the  objects  of  the  State  as  of  a  purely  literary  and 
altogether  praiseworthy  character,  and,  as  such,  commending  tiiemselves  to  the  favorableaiid 
liberal  consideiation  of  an  enlightened  government.  But  the  then  mini-itry  went  out  of 
office  without  having  altered  or  modified  their  decision,  which  —  considering  the  impossibility 
of  my  pointing  out  the  particular  documents  I  might  wish  to  have  transcribed,  without 
having  the  opportunity  of  Iciirning  even  the  date  of  one  of  them  —  amounted,  in  fact,  to  a 
refusal  of  the  appUcation  of  the  State.  While  icferring  to  this  subject,  I  cannot  omit 
avaihng  myself  of  the  occasion  to  acknovvledge  the  warm  and  ready  interest  Mr.  Stevenson 
took  in  tlie  objects  of  the  Agency,  and  the  personal  obligations  I  feel  for  the  courtesies  he 
extended  to  the  Agent. 

"  '  Meantime,  pursuant  to  my  instructions  and  to  M>.  Stevenson's  advice,  I  had  proceeded  to 
Holland,  with  a  view  of  investigating  the  archives  of  that  country  for  documents  relating 
to  our  early  Colonial  liistor;  ;  intending  upon  the  termination  of  my  researches  in  the 
Netherlands,  to  return  to  London,  and  avail  myself  of  the  expected  liberality  of  the  British 
government.  Immediately  on  my  arrival  at  the  Hague,  I  opened  tlie  business  of  my  mission 
to  Mr.  Bleecker,  then  the  Charge  d' Affaires  of  the  United  States  near  the  King  of  the 
Netherlands.  The  well  known  interest  of  this  gentleman  in  the  cause  of  historical  research, 
induced  liim  to  enter,  at  once,  cordially  into  the  views  of  the  State;  and  I  gladly  and 
gratefully  embrace  this  opportunity  to  renew  the  expression  of  my  thanks  for  those  valuable 
counsels,  and  frieiuily  efforts  to  furtlier  the  objects  of  my  appointment,  which  he  was  always 
ready  to  give  and  anxious  to  make. 

"  '  In  order  to  obtain  the  necessary  facilities  for  investigating  the  archives  of  the  Netherlands, 
an  application  was  addressed  by  Mr.  Bleecker,  on  my  behalf,  to  the  Baron  Verstolk  de 
Soelen,  Minister  of  Foreign  Aftiiirs.  Upon  my  presentation  to  the  King,  a  few  tiays  afterwards, 
His  Majesty  received  nie  in  the  kindest  manner,  expressing  much  pleasure  with  the  objects  of 
my  mission,  and  a  warm  interest  in  its  successful  accomplishment.  The  general  direction  of 
the  royal  archives  being  entrusted  to  the  Minister  of  the  Interior,  the  application  was 
promptly  referred  to  the  Baron  Schimmelpennick,  the  head  of  that  department;  and  an 
interview  was  accordingly  had  with  His  Excellency,  who  at  once  informed  me  that  he  would 
give  directions  to  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  archives  to  afford  me  all  facilities  for  the 
purpr>8e  of  fully  carrying  out  the  objects  of  my  commission,  and  which  had  been  directed  by 
the  King  himself  to  be  as  liberal  in  their  extent  as  the  exigencies  of  the  service  would  allow. 

"•The  government  records  at  the  Hague  are  placed  under  the  supervision  of  an 
•' Archivarius,"  at  present  Yonkheer  J.  C.  de  Jongo,  a  gentleman  of  great  intelligence  and 
urbanity,  and  from  whom  I  received  numerous  marks  of  kindness  and  courtesy,  which  I  am 
happy  to  acknowledge.  M.  de  Jonge,  on  my  presenting  myself  at  the  archives,  pointed  out 
the  various  depositories  in  which  the  documents  presumed  to  relate  to  the  subject  of  my 
research  were  coiitained  ;  and  gave  directions  that  every  book  and  paper,  known  or  supposed 
to  contain  information  allecting  our  Colonial  history,  be  submitted,  without  reserve,  to  my 
inspection,  and  every  arrangement  made  that  could  facilitate  my  labors. 

"  '  The  archives  of  the  Netherlands,  it  is  believed,  constitute  one  of  the  richest  depositories 
of  historical  information  to  be  found  in  Kurnpe  ;  commencing  with  the  period  of  the  Union 
of  Utrecht,  in  J 07U,  and  extending  down  to  the  French  Revolution.     They  are  contained  in 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION 

XXV 

an  immense  suite  of  apartments  in  the  old  palace  of  the  Binnenhof  •  and  th.  ^ 

in  general   very  well  arranged,  though  not  all  equally  ^.ell  preserved      Th         T""''  "'"' 

contained  in  parchment-bound  volumes  in  mosf  in«  J  Preserved.    The  greater  part  are 

ordinary  and  secret  meetings,  kept  by  their  a^.a  P'°  ,^'''"fe'^«*  ^^e  States-General,  at  their 
the  resolutions  of  that  bodVo::;n  tlrs!  l;'  "^J^^  ^^  ^  -*;-''  ^"  ^-ail. 
with  the  year  J.079,  and  are  preserved  in  an  nnhrnf  /  '"  '■^»"*^''«  commence 

correspondence  of  the  gov  rnm  .  a"  Tl  f  """r""  *'"''"'"  The  diplomatic 
instructions  and  commi  Jons  isrfi  J  hIL'^"''''''   "'  ^''"^™'    ''''''"'   ""^^   «'««   the 

of  books.  The  origin,  papers::^  z!::!^  ::^T^z7^;::r''  m'-  -'-- 

time,  arc  arranged  on  Li.„se»  or  fil..«  «,  »  .•  ,  ®  '  "^^  "'e  htates-General  from  time  to 
Secrrte  and  Lot  K..s.  T  "e  p  ip  r  '  hav  s..;  7  " .'""""'  "'^''="  '"'^  '^"P-'^^^  '"  *he 
exposure  than  those  in  thrbounTvoIumes  ""'  "°"  '^•""  ^'^^  ^^"-^^  "^  «-«  -d 

the  "Commis  CharterLest:  "  at  he  roT^af  ,,  ."e,  "'  r^"""*'  "/  ''^-  ''•  ^^  '^•'  ^--"' 
cooperation,  I  am  proud  to  acknowledge  contrirr  "'"  enthusiastic  and  untiring 

the  resenrch-I  was  unre„iitti„g3  ^ed  durin.  '"  T  ""u"''  ''^"^  *"  *'"  '"^^^  «' 
in  the  course  of  which  upwards  XuXniroiretTrh::;,::  7'^"'"^  ^"^^^*'«"^'""' 
examined.     Many  of  the  documents  were  wnm      ?  ,    I         ^  °'  P^P""  ^^''^  carefully 

that  most  of  them  were  written  .^  T  nerveTsT    ",  "f  '"''^'''  "^"^  ''''  circumstance 

information,  on  poinds  either' ntirelvnov,'  o  t  '  f.'  ^'""I  ?'  ^^'""^'«  --""t  of 
was  there  contained,  the  records  of  tl^  Z  h  w^  /  ,  il' r  ""P^^^^^'f  .'^--"  *"  our  history, 
and  direction  of  the  Colony  of  New  Ne  er  am  te  M  '^"7'  "'"''  '""^  the  supervision 
•■ope  to  find  those  more  particular  detaH    of  v^^^^^^^  •"««'*^'-  '"  -''-"  I  -ight 

personal  narratives,  which  woul.l  bo  of  the  \,\iZ7    T    IT'  ?""«'""*'«"«•  settlements  and 
-ttlers.  a,  well  a,  to  the  histon'    of  N  I'vtk      til  ^  ''T"'*"*^  «' ^''^  «-'y 

l^een  given   me   at   the   Ifague    that  thp«!  ,    ^^  ""  *''^  '»<^»™«tion  which  had 

organizutmnof  thocompan;'     in'tw  re  pZ^^^^^^   ^'""T!""'^   ^''"  *"«   P"""^  "^  *»« 
..cconlingly  obtained  from  L  Miniro    tl  U  7    '"  "*  Amsterdam,  an  order  was 

«n.l  West  Imlia  Companies'  paper      t  A  .ste    am  tZP  ;""'*  '"°  '""'''"■  "^  *'^"  ""'»  «» 
.locuments  in  his  custody.     L    rcM   1     ^  I"  c^^!Z  7  77  '"'""^■^  ''or  examining  the 
contain  important  information  relative  to  tie  Col.    v  of -TT  """  "'""  ^^''^""-'^  *« 
".Hlert..ok  to  manage  i„  the  year  J.i.O(iTa       «       L   i         '7^  "'"'^''  ^'•«'  '^'ty 

addressed  by  the  Minister  of  t.^-  Interior 'to  ule  B  ^m  r^    ::.""'   '"   ^^"-'^-- 
duty,  I  areordinglv  visit..!  Amsterdam.  g"n'a«ter.     I,,  further  prosecution  of  my 

•'  'Rut,  on  applying  at  the  West  India  House,  I  was  to  mv  infmU 
t.on.  informed  by  Mr.  .le  Munnick,  the  keeper    hat  all'    h     I    .       "  "'""f""""  """^  '""^"""ea- 
every  kin.l,  beU.nging  to  the  ol.l  Kast  a.     I!  't  I      :Com:  .."«'/     •""'"''  ""*'  ''"'"'^'  '' 
been  sold  at  public  auction  in  the  rear  1N>|      v  o  .  "  .  "       '  ^''''  *°  ^^""'  ''"'^ 

'''""t  nothing  ..ould  ,...  |..rt  u„.lon.r    „;;    .  ,  i ^t    .  tedt;'"'"'"".' '"'  """  ^"''"•^'""<^''- 


J 


XXVI 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


tion  of  the  order.  But  I  regret  to  say  that  this  examination  waa  attended  with  no  favorable 
result ;  and  I  reluctantly  abandoned  the  cherished  hope  that  the  archives  of  the  West  India 
Company  would  have  proved  a  rich  mine  of  historical  wealth  to  our  State.  Examination! 
were  also  made  in  the  papers  of  the  East  India  Company,  in  the  hope  that  something  might 
be  ascertained  relative  to  Hudson's  voyage  of  discovery,  which  was  made  in  their  service. 
The  only  trace  found  of  that  voyage  is  a  memorandum  in  one  of  the  "  ship  books,"  which 
accidentally  escaped  sale,  stating  that  the  yacht  HaJve-Maan,  of  forty  lasts  (eighty  tons) 
burthen,  had  been  sent  "  towards  the  north,"  in  1608.  Unwilling,  however,  to  abandon  all 
hope  of  recovering  a  portion,  at  least,  of  the  records  which  had  been  sold,  I  caused  adver- 
tisements to  be  inserted  in  the  most  widely  circulated  journals  of  the  country,  requesting  any 
person  who  might  have  in  his  possession  any  documents  relating  to  the  history  of  the  Colony 
of  New  Netherland  to  have  the  goouiiess  to  communicate  with  the  (then)  Consul  of  the 
United  States,  at  Amsterdam,  Mr.  J.  W.  Van  den  Broek.  The  kind  attentions  and  friendly 
exertions  of  this  gentleman,  to  further  the  objects  of  my  visit  to  Amsterdam,  have  imposed 
on  me  an  obligation  which  I  would  do  great  injustice  to  my  feelings  if  I  did  not  take  this 
opportunity  to  acknowledge.  It  was  subsequently  ascertained  that  a  portion  of  the  records, 
sold  at  Amsterdam,  was  in  the  possession  of  the  original  buyer,  a  person  residing  at  the 
Hague.  I  purchased  permission  of  him  to  make  an  examination  of  this  portion,  which  was 
accordingly  effected.  Nothing,  however,  relating  to  our  history  was  found ;  and  the  mortify- 
ing conviction  is  now  forced  upon  us,  that  the  papers  of  the  West  India  Company  relating 
to  New  Netherland — which,  until  the  year  I8'21,  were  easily  attainable  by  the  State,  and 
whose  destruction  has  left  such  a  chasm  in  the  original  materials  for  the  illustration  of  our 
annals — are  now  irrecoverably  lost! 

"  '  The  application  to  the  authorities  of  the  city  of  Amsterdam,  for  permission  to  examine 
their  archives,  was  at  once  acceded  to  in  the  most  courteous  manner,  and  prompt  arrange- 
ments were  made  to  facilitate  my  investigations  of  the  records  in  the  Stad-Huys.  Quite  a 
number  of  interesting  documents,  relating  to  the  City's  Colony  on  the  South  river,  were  found 
and  copied. 

"  '  Examinations  were  also  mode  of  the  valuable  collections  of  manuscripts  and  pamphlets 
in  the  Royal  library  at  the  Hague  ;  and  the  most  courteous  attention  was  shown  by  the  esti- 
mable librarian,  Mr.  J.  W.  Holtrop. 

"  '  The  result  of  my  researches,  in  the  various  repositories  in  the  Netherlands  just  referred 
to,  is  the  procurement  of  sixteen  volumes  of  transcripts,  conta'ning  upwards  of  four  thousand 
pages.  As  a  full  and  accurate  catalogue  of  the  documents  transcribed  is  appended  to  thia 
report,  it  is  unnecessary  to  give  any  particular  analysis  of  their  character  hero.  I  will  only 
remark  that  they  commence  with  the  year  1614,  and  oxtonu  down,  in  a  tolerably  complete 
series,  to  1678,  consisting  cbietly  of  memorials  and  papers  presented  to  the  States-General 
respecting  New  Netherland,  and  the  proceedings  of  that  body  in  relation  to  the  various  mat- 
tors  from  time  to  time  brought  before  them  affecting  the  Colony  and  its  inhabitants.  The 
act  of  the  Legislature  directed  me  to  procure,  if  possible,  the  originali,  and  if  not,  a>i>iei  of  all 
documents  illustrating  our  history.  I  applied  for  the  originals,  but  the  regulations  of  ofltce 
did  not  allow  a  com])lianc«  with  my  recjuest;  copies  were  therefore  made  of  the  papers 
selected.  Not  the  slightest  difficulty,  however,  occurred  in  obtaining  these,  and  not  a  single 
objection  war  made  to  my  having  any  dnrminMit  ♦ranscribcd  I  wished.  The  most  unbounded 
liberality  waa  evinced  on  every  occasion  by  tlie  government  of  that  country  to  which  wa 


GENERAL   INTRODUCTION. 

XXVll 

brought  me  into  communication.  ^  mission  trom  time  to  time 

the  Earl  of  Aberdeen  as  prtinal  Zeta  !  XTf  p"'-  ^^Tr'  ^  "^"  "'"'«^'y'  -*»• 
and  Mr.  Stevenson  had  been  su^ceedeTbv  Mr  f'"*"  t  "^"^"  ^^'"''  ^"^  ""™«  ^-^t"  P«^«'. 
Her  Britannic  Majesty     It  the  t^^^^^^^  United  States,  near 

importance  to  the  Union  as  weH  asT  f  f  1^%^°'"''''''  ''"'^  J^-^'X  appreciating  the 
by  the  State  in  sendhg  an  Lent  to  eI!!  «  p  ^^'1'"'''  ''  '""^  "'•'•'"'''  ^o^^^-plated 
Mr.  Everett  to  apply  foTh^BHih  ^  '         /'"'''"*  °*^  ***'  ^'"'^^"^  States  had  instructed 

the  success.,  P^L^t-  l^fn^pt^^^^^^^^^^  as  might  be  necessary  Tor 

him  ^;;::;r:ie:.;r'^^:^:;:^;::;--^^  "^^  ^^^-  ^--"'  -^  -^-^-^^ 

It  need  scarcely  be  said  that  the  virsTf  the  Sf-Ti  T'''""'  '^'P"  '*"'*  ^"^  ''««"  ^a^^*"' 

into  by  the  distinguished  In tleZ^ 

friendlyandvaluablcounsfls  hreLd  1  T'  1,°"'  '^"""^''^  ^"  ^"S'''^'^'  ""'^  ^^ose 
acknowledge;  or  that  itTas  fortunat!^^  "       '  "r  l*"'""  '  ^*"'"  "'""y«  ^^  P™"'^  *« 

that  th3  Ea'rl  of  AberdelTra^X/ 1-*-^:^^^  ""'  i"'"'"'  ""^"^*""" 

State  made  a  renewed  attemnttn  13     ''^*''"^*"'y  f  ^'^«"*  »"'»'"  when  the  Agent  of  this 

the  duties  of  hi  mi  sioa  No  Ume  wasToT"";"  "".''"  """J"*^""  «"^^™™-'  '"  -«-*« 
addressed  a  note  to  Lord  Aberdeen  Tan  it  '  t  T  *''  '"'  ''''''"''''''  ''^''  ^^-  J^-^^" 
the  late  ministry,  and  expre^  a  LpetC  Ih    '  T  ""''  ^'^^«"'«"  '"^  *'"^-  ^'t*' 

objects  of  my  ml.ion  won  d "orbe  affl  d  t^^T  ""'!":  '°""  ^^^^  ""'"""^"^  "'"  ^^^ 
it  is  claimed  that  it  has  "  nererpStedLerf  77""'  °' ^"'^^  ""**'"  '  ^°' ^^'^^^ 
countenance  which  it  has  at  all  thne,?./..  ^'  ""'P'"'"'^    ''^  ""^   «*»'«'   i"  th. 

useful  knowledge."     Sol  til    ubl  l^nM      r     V^?  Jf '-«-  ^^ort  for  the  promotion  of 

it  might  not  be%ssibleTrrt:tZr:^;ptclt:t^^^^  ''^'  ''^^^' 

yet.  that  a  general  statement  of  thoir  „„f  !  T  '"storical  documents  desired, 

decision  on  the  pendinga  M.  ication   I  "  T'  ^  P™''*'^»'''«'  ""'^  would  facilitate  a 

.pecific  a.  the  na':  e  :f^h   'e:^  iL^rh    t  TT"'  "'  '''  '""^  '"'^'''^''  ""^  - 
in  a  note  dated  lUh  February.?^     "1^:,.,  \  ^""''''  ^^""""""^  ^«  '"«  'ordship. 

commi«.ion  were  again  urJT  and  tt  h„^.  ^J  '"""^  '='""■'''''«'•  ""'^  "^'J-^"  »'"  '"X 

ren.ove  whatever  ifesitato     may  have  ex  sJ  177        '  S'"  '•^'""'"*'  '  *"^  ''^"P'*''"'  ^^'^ 
•'  •  It  is  unnecessary  to  ^l^^^ZZ^Z^Z       "  •^""'''"*"""'  ^''"  "'^  ^«'l"-»- 
delay,  that  occurred,  before  the  des^rnTn     •''""'""'*'"  "'"J  ^"«  ""countered,  and  the  many 

April.  1842.  I  commencdn  flat's  i    '^ZZ^  T  tl^f    ^'  '""»'"'  °"  '"«  «'"  <^- 
-"t   by   Lord    Aberdeen    to^he  k  e     r  o      ho        ^  T^ '''"^^^       An  order  wa. 

documents  in  the  o.ce  relative  to  ::!vr::!^^ J'ZJZ::  ^ZZZ  ^^ '"T^  l'^ 
my  examinations  were  to  be  made  in  th«  .,r„.  r  „       '  ''"  ""•^""  *•""''"><  »'"»t 

I  was  merely,  in  the  Hrnt  i  .  tl  i  rZ  T     "  ^    '"  '''.''"  ^"«''''«"-"'-  -<'  ^hat 

to  transcribe,  and  not  to  trac  iL      '       1     ^     P"  ''[^''^'''  **"'  docun.ents  I  might  wish 

indi.;a.d  ho.d  --^en^^d  i:;;;;^^:^;:^  A^       ---  - 


Hi 

s 


iiitiiiimi 


xxvm 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


note  or  memorandum,  even  of  the  dute  of  a  uocumeut;  which,  under  the  circumstances — the 
mass  of  papers  to  be  gone  over  being  so  large  —  was  desirable,  and  even  necessary,  in  order 
to  avoid  the  risk  of  marking  duplicates,  and  the  embarrassment  of  depending  on  memory  alone. 
This,  and  other  points — one  of  which  was  a  permission  to  employ  copyists  of  my  own  selec- 
tion, by  whom  the  transcripts  could  have  been  made  at  a  much  less  expense  than  that  incurred 
by  the  charges  of  the  regular  clerks  of  the  office — formed  the  subject  of  a  subsequent  note 
of  Mr.  Everett  to  Lord  Aberdeen.  His  lordship  promptly  replied,  giving  me  the  further 
permission  desired  respecting  the  making  memoranda,  <&c.,  but  declining  to  accede  to  the 
request  that  I  might  be  allowed  to  employ  a  private  copyist.  I  was  obliged,  in  consequence, 
to  pay  to  the  clerks  of  the  office  4d.  sterling  for  every  folio  of  72  words  that  they  transcribed. 

"  *  Her  Majesty's  State  Paper  Office,  in  London,  is  strictly  a  part  of  the  Sovereign's  own 
private  library — an  appendage  to  the  Secretary  of  State's  office.  Being  entirely  a  government 
establishment,  it  is  not  considered  as  on  the  same  footing  as  the  manuscript  department  of  the 
British  Museum,  or  other  institutions  of  a  like  character.  No  person  is  allowed  to  visit  the 
office,  for  the  purpose  of  consulting  documents,  until  an  order  for  the  purpose  has  been 
obtained  from  one  of  the  Secretaries  of  State-,  who  alone  have  the  right  of  granting  the 
privilege.  This  order  usually  specifies  the  series  of  papers  to  which  the  visitor  is  to  have 
access ;  and  its  directions  are  strictly  and  scrupulously  followed  by  the  keeper.  This  office 
is  the  depository  of  all  papers  and  dispatches  that  pass  through  the  offices  of  the  Secretaries 
of  State,  which  are  there  arranged  under  the  superintendence  of  a  keeper,  deputy  keeper, 
and  other  officials ;  and  the  accurate  and  perfect  manner  in  which  this  is  done  reflects  the 
highest  credit  on  the  gentlemen  to  whom  the  government  entrusts  this  important  duty.  The 
building  in  which  these  papers  are  contained  was  erected  in  the  yea'  1830,  in  St.  James' 
Park,  near  the  government  offices ;  and  is,  in  svery  respect,  well  adapted  to  its  purposes. 
In  addition  to  the  papors  from  the  offices  of  the  Secretaries  of  State  (among  which  is  to  be 
found  a  very  voluminous  correspondence  with  the  Governors  and  Military  Commanders  in 
America),  the  State  Paper  Office  now  contains  the  whole  of  the  records  of  the  "  Board  of 
Trade,"  down  to  its  dissolution,  in  the  year  ]782,  which  were  transferred  to  it  by  order 
of  government,  in  March,  1842.  Upwards  of  two  thousand  large  folio  volumes,  relating 
chiefly  to  the  American  Colonies,  were  thus  added,  in  one  mass,  to  this  invaluable  repository 
of  historical  wealth. 

*'  '  The  general  supervision  and  maniigemont  of  the  British  Plantations  in  America,  and 
elsewhere,  was  entrusted  by  King  Charles  IL,  by  royal  commission,  dated  1  December,  l(i(iO, 
to  a  standing  council,  who  were  instructed  to  correspond  with  the  several  Governors,  &c.,  and 
in  general  to  dispose  of  all  matters  relating  to  the  good  government  and  improvement  of  the 
Colonies.  Subsequent  commissions  were  from  time  to  time  issued  to  various  individuals,  sub- 
stantially of  the  same  tenor,  constituting  them  a  Council  iur  Foreign  Plantations,  for  the  time 
being.  On  the  21st  of  December,  1074,  the  King  revoked  the  conmiission  for  the  existing 
council,  and  directed  their  books  and  papers  to  bo  delivered  to  the  clerk  of  the  Privy  Council. 
By  order  in  council,  dated  12  March,  1(!75,  King  Charles  II.  referred  whatever  matters  had 
been  under  the  cognizance  of  the  late  Council  of  Trade  and  Foreign  Plantations  to  a  commit- 
tee of  the  Privy  Council,  consisting  of  the  Lord  Treasurer,  the  Lord  Privy  Seal,  and  others, 
and  directed  them  to  meet  once  a  week,  and  report  their  proceedings  to  the  King  in  council, 
from  time  to  tinie.  During  the  reign  of  King  Junius  II.,  (he  afliiirs  of  the  Pluntutions  coa- 
tiuued  to  be  managed  by  a  similar  committee  of  Privy  Council ;  ami  upon  the  uccessiou  of  this 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


XXIX 


monarch  (6  February,  1685),  the  Province  of  New-York  having  devolved  to  the  Crown  it  w„» 
placed  under  the  supervision  of  this  committee.  Upon  the  accession  of  Kin^l^Zr^uill 
February,  1689  a  comnnttee  of  the  Privy  Council  continued  to  manage  fhe^  affls  of "t^e 
Plantafons  until  the.r  growing  importance  suggested  the  necessity  of  a  Larate  and  distinct 
department  of  government  for  their  direction.  separate  and  distinct 

S;  and  and  f  E::"ir'  "^f"'  r  ^^^-^^^^  -*°*'-  «--^'  co„diti'o„of  the  ttd  ;f 

entitled  "  Papers."  i7w      h  a        1  or         Z     '"  ■"""•^"'^  *"  *'"  '^''"'^'^^'^  '  "'"^  ^^e  other 
iurn,  in  lie  uoanl  of   Trade  series,  commencing  with  166^1  and  extenilii..r  tn  i7so 

devolution  of  the  Province  to  thn  <Vn«,n  „„  .i  •      "    '?        """ations,  &c.,  upon  the 

t,  1  ruvintt  to  tno  (.rown  on  the  accession  of  K  np  James  II      n.inii.,...,.*.    r 


I 


rMmwrHi 


zxx 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


and  down  to  1781,  the  correspondence  is  full  and  voluminous  ;  that  relating  to  this  Province, 
alone,  filling  nineteen  large  folio  volumes,  and  comprising,  as  well,  the  letters  of  the  Secreta- 
ries to  the  Governors.  Besides  the  several  series  relating  to  the  different  Provinces,  there  is 
a  set  of  volumes,  numbering  eighteen,  ektitled  "  Plantations  General,"  in  which  the  general 
correspondence  of  the  Secretaries  with  the  Colonies  and  with  the  Superintendents  of  Indian 
Affairs,  &c.,  between  1760  and  1781,  is  preserved. 

"  <  In  addition  to  the  volumes  above  mentioned,  amounting  in  all  to  356,  a  series  of  books, 
sixty-two  in  number,  entitled  ••  Trade  Papers,"  embracing  a  miscellaneous  collection  of  docu- 
ments relating  to  trade  and  foreign  plantations  from  1542  to  1761,  was  submitted  to  my 
inspection,  agreeably  to  the  terms  of  the  Secretary  of  State's  order.  In  the  course  of  my 
researches  I  ascertained  that  there  were  other  sets  of  books  and  papers  in  which  documents 
relating  to  our  history  were  contained,  but  which  my  order,  as  it  stood,  did  not  allow  me  to 
examine.  I  was  consequently  obliged  to  apply  to  Lord  Aberdeen  for  further  permissions, 
which  were  granted ;  and  nearly  a  hundred  other  volumes  and  bundles  of  papers  were  sub- 
mitted to  my  inspection. 

"  *  Thus  upwards  of  five  hundred  volumes  and  bundles  of  papers  were  thoroughly  and 
carefully  examined  in  the  State  Paper  Office.  Each  document  desired  for  transcription  was 
indicated  by  a  slip  of  paper,  and  subsequently  reexamined  by  a  gentleman  connected  with  the 
Foreign  Office,  under  Lord  Aberdeen's  direction.  Such  of  them  only  as  were  not  objected  to 
were  copied.  The  copies  were  made  by  the  regular  clerks  of  the  office  on  the  terms  above 
stated  ;  and  in  every  instance  the  orthography  of  the  originals  was  scrupulously  followed. 
In  making  my  selections,  the  greatest  care  and  caution  were  necessary  in  order  to  avoid 
marking  duplicates  of  papers,  which  are  very  numerous ;  and  the  immense  number  of  the 
documents  themselves,  and  the  unexpectedly  high  charge  for  transcribing,  were  also  causes 
of  considerable  embarrassment.  I  cannot  close  this  reference  to  my  researches  in  the  State 
Paper  Office,  without  bearing  testimony  to  the  excellent  and  orderly  arrangement  of  every 
part  of  the  establishment ;  and  I  should  be  greatly  wanting  to  my  feelings  if  I  were  to  omit 
an  expression  of  my  admiration  of  the  politeness  and  attention  of  Messrs.  Charles  Lcchmere 
and  Robert  Lemon,  the  deputy  keeper  and  chief  clerk.  To  the  latter  gentleman,  particu- 
larly, I  feci  under  great  obligations,  not  only  for  his  personal  courtesies  to  myself,  but  for 
the  ready  and  zealous  interest  he  manifested  in  the  success  of  the  undertaking  I  was  charged 
by  the  State  to  execute. 

••  «  Presuming  that  the  office  of  the  Privy  Council  might  contain  information  relative  to  the 
subject  of  my  reserach,  I  addressed  a  note  to  Mr.  Greville,  one  of  the  clerks  in  ordinary, 
requesting  permission  to  examine  its  earlier  records.  A  prompt  and  most  courteous  answer 
was  returned,  complying  with  my  request;  and  I  examined  the  registers  under  the  care  of  the 
librarian  of  the  archives,  Mr.  Henry  Reeve,  to  whoso  kindness  I  am  much  indebted  for 
the  facilities  he  afforded  me.  Very  few  documents,  however,  were  found  relating  to  our 
Colonial  history.  There  are  no  separate  papers  whatever,  in  the  Privy  Council  Office,  of  a 
date  prior  to  1700  ;  but  the  registers  of  its  proceedings  are  preserved  complete  from  the  time 
of  Queen  Klizabeth. 

"  '  The  library  of  tiie  Britisii  Museum,  nirendy  a  mngiiificent  monument  of  the  public  spirit 
of  the  nation,  is  daily  becoming  more  and  more  worthy  the  admiration  of  the  world.  The 
collection  of  printed  books  nnd  pamphlets,  whose  ninnber,  though  not  accurntely  known, 
certainly  exceeds  300,000  volumes,  is  one  of  the  most  perfect  in  existence  ;  and  there  are 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION 

xxxi 

nearly  40,000  volumes  of  manuscripts.    The   arran£rem«nf-  f„,   ^i,  •      . 

literary  treasures  are  very  convenient-  and  thoiTh^f         k  '  ^^^m^nation  of  these 

regulations  are  necessary'to  e  clud  '  roLr  nefsls"  Z  "  -«;™Polis  as  London,  some 
complied  with  that  the  library  ma/berartoLTT' t''  7"  '*'""'  "''  '"  '''^  *°  ''^ 
kind  and  polite  attention  of  sTr  LnrT El Hs  ^ °  Tru"  ''''  P""^*=-     ^'^'""^'^  *»>« 

afforded  me  for  examining  the  wious^intdlndL^"^"  .""''''  '  '"'  '^''^  '"•'"^^^ 
of  transcripts  were  made  of  pales  bear  nil       """^T^'  collections,  and  quite  a  number 

institution,  I  may  be  pe  mUted  to  rerrr^hT"  "Z  "'T'  ^'"^  '^'"'''^^  "^  *»>»  "«bl« 
of  the  indispensable  necTs  ty  to  th^  inv  r  T  7"  ''"'  ^'^  ^  '""''^  ^^^^^^'^  ««°^'-«d 
books  andfo'rmanuscn^ts    ^;ltno7L!ot^^  ^°'  P-*«^ 

catalogue  of  the  printed  works  of    nl  7         P'-eparat.on  a  systematic  alphabetical 

pies  about  twentyTrge  fZ  ;;il:;  ZZtmi  *'"*  *'^  '^**«'  "^"  "'-«  -- 
the  learned  and  Lmpeten    Jn  le^^    Notwithstanding  the  active  and  skilful  exertions  of 

many  years  before  ir'an  be  c'omp Ltd  The"'  "''"I  "  ''"  '""'"''''''  ^''^'  ''  -»  »>« 
examination  thus  rendered  peTctt  ^ 'l  H  T'  tr'/'"*'^  "^*^'°«"^^  -*^  '^^- 
collections,  by  means  of  the^r  accuLL  L  T  u""'  *•"'  ^'^"«*^«^»«  «"d  the  Cottonian 

govemment.  [re  aJost^s  reirZ::  tTu  ry^nt ^  f^rf  I^"'  ^^^  T  ^^ 
in  Europe  ;  and  each  addition  to  th^  m„  •  .  j  **'®  °*'^*'»  »«  *»  t'lose 

catalogu'ed  and  thus  Ldetracllle    """"^^  '^P"*"^"*'  ''  ''  "  '«--'^' '«  ^^  <>- 

™:;:'!:  "^'Ssi  toZi:^s::^  catr  ^^^  -^  ''^'  ^"^^^^^'-^  '•^-^^-' 

in  the  library  was  promptlv  and  chee  n  !!„  ^  Canterbury  for  permission  to  make  researches 
to  have  this^ppor'tunTy  Vait^e^^^^^^^^  -^  it  gives  me  great  satisfaction 

prelate  at  the  head  of  the  1^1^  Ph  ^^       V^  ""^'^'^   '"''"''"•^y  «f  "'«  venerable 

played  by  His  C^^^fl^^ti^u:^^^^:^  -^ "'?  ^"'  friendly  interest  dis- 
my  convenient  examination  of  the  doculnt  t  ^IT:4  "^''"^  "'^^  '^"^"«^™«'^*  ^«^ 
cu;e;'nr.;^Vv:uZT:^^^^^^^^^  *-  which  refe-rence  has  just  been  made.  I  pro- 

which  fill  forty-seven  vo  uZs  A'cororet^™"^"'^  "'  '°'^"'"'"*^  "'"*'"8  to  our  history, 
ments"  is  appended  to  thrreport  bvit  of  ^ZT  T''''''  ''  ''''  "  ^""'^^  ^ocu: 
once  ascertained,  and  any  parrcul^a  a  v^rof  The tn  t""*"  °'  ^"'^  ^'^''  '=''"  ''^  »* 
cessary.  It  commences  with  imZiZ  wi  h  ITsT'r  "■""'"  iV  ""'''"''  '^""«- 
dence  of  the  Governors  of  New-York   from  if-  f  'Comprising  the  official  correspon- 

the  Revolution,  as  well  as  various  do^urntsnTT"  *'•'  '''''''' '"  '"^^  *«  ^'^^  -'  «f 
".aking  my  selections,  the  great!  ca  e  was  tat'f "  ?"'"'  '""  P"^**«  '"'"^«-  ^^ 
already  in  the  Secretary  of  Itat  's  oZ  ItA  h  r"'"*^  P'"*''"""^  P'^^"  "^""^^  *»  »>« 

original  books  of  record  oft  ndanComm''"'"  T-  ?""''  *"  '"'^  ''"^  *^''-''  "^  *''« 
removed  from  this  State  duinTtheltevoll^tr'"'.^''''''  "'  '"PP*^^^'*  ^°  '-^«  been 
William  Johnson's  official  eterso  uLbS"^  """''  '"*  *^"P'"  '^^"^  ''««"  '"»'^«  "^  «»  «- 
Office,  as  well  as  of  the  g  eater  "ar"  oMf  "  «";•"•'""«»*'  ^'"^h  remain  in  the  State  Paper 
from  time  to  time  sent  t'oLtidon  proceedings  respecting  Indian  affairs,  which  were 

co;:;„unic:ui.:;t'iDi;:t?ori':ti''"^^^    ''''  ''-'^  »^«'-  ^'^p-^^'^-  or 

f.3w  from  th.ni  to  HIh     ,yal    L,  Jr'  "i;  rir^'r^  ['  f  "'''=''"  '"  ^«-^'-'^'  -<1  ^^^ 

Duke,  commences  with  IUtVIS  Zi  h1  /.f^  ''""'''  "•■  '■^•'"'■*^  "*'  '«"«"  ''•«'"  the 

wiu.  W7i,  ond  from  that  period  they  are  tolerably  well  preserved.     There 


I 


xxxu 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


are  several  deficiencies  in  the  series  of  letters  from  Governor  Nicolls,  and  very  few  of 
Governor  Lovelace's  communications  were  found.  There  does  not  seem  to  have  been  any 
file  of  Governor  Andros'  letters,  to  the  Duke  or  Sir  John  Werden,  handed  to  the  Committee 
for  Trade  and  Plantations  when  the  affairs  of  the  Province  came  under  its  supervision,  upon 
the  devolution  of  New- York  to  the  Crown,  on  the  accession  of  King  James  II. ;  but  after 
that  date  the  records  are  much  more  perfect.  After  the  final  organization  of  the  Board  of 
Trade,  by  King  William  III.,  in  1696,  the  New-York  papers  are  full  and  complete. 

•"The  policy  of  France  in  regard  to  her  Canadian  possessions — the  establishment  of  her 
military  positions  on  our  frontiers,  and  her  negotiations  with  the  Indian  tribes  on  our  borders, 
and  within  the  very  limits  of  our  territory  itself,  are  directly  and  intimately  connected  with  our 
Colonial  history;  and  her  long  struggle  to  maintain  her  influence  in  the  northern  portion  of 
our  continent,  affected,  in  no  small  degree,  the  condition,  disposition  and  purposes  of  the 
people  of  New-York.  It  was  with  a  view  of  obtaining  authentic  historical  materials, 
illustrating  these  points,  that  an  examination  of  the  archives  of  the  French  government  was 
made  a  part  of  my  duty. 

'"  Having  made  some  progress  in  my  researches  in  London,  and  commenced  the  transcription 
of  documents  there,  I  wrote  to  General  Cass,  then  Minister  of  the  United  States  at  Paris, 
explaining  the  objects  of  the  State,  and  requesting  his  intervention  with  the  French  government 
(or  the  purpose  of  procuring  me  permission  to  examine  its  archives  for  papers  relating  to 
Canada  and  New-York.  A  simple  statement  of  my  object  was  all  that  was  necessary  to 
awaken  the  warmest  interest  of  that  eminent  gentleman ;  and  he  forthwith  applied,  on  my  behalf, 
to  Admiral  Baron  Duperr^,  then  Minister  of  the  Marine  and  the  Colonies,  for  permission  to 
examine  the  papers  relating  to  Catiada  in  the  bureaus  of  his  department.  An  answer  was 
promptly  returned,  authorizing  me  to  make  the  researches  I  wished,  without  limitation;  and 
adding,  that  "  all  the  facilities  he  can  desire  will  be  accorded"  to  the  Agent.  I  will  only 
remark,  in  passing,  thc.t  this  liberality  did  not  prove  to  be  mere  formal  phrase. 

"  '  In  further  prosecution  of  the  duties  of  my  mission,  I  accordingly  went  to  Paris  in  June, 
1842,  and  commenced  my  examinations  in  the  archives  of  the  Marine  and  the  Colonies.  The 
general  management  of  the  French  dependencies  in  America  having  been  from  an  early  period 
entrusted  to  this  department,  its  archives  are  very  rich  in  materials  relating  to  the!  -  history. 
They  consist  chiefly  of  instructions  of  the  French  government  to  its  agents  in  America  ;  letters 
and  dispatches  to  the  King  and  his  ministers,  and  original  papers  from  the  Colonial  authorities 
to  the  Home  government;  correspondence  with  the  neighboring  Knglish  Colonies;  reports  of 
interviews  with  the  ludian  tribes;  plans  of  campaigns  and  details  of  battles  and  skirmishes, 
&c.,  &c. 

'"  The  documents  relating  to  Ciinada  and  New-York  are  contained  in  two  several  divisions. 
The  one  is  a  series  of  bound  volumes,  commencing  with  the  year  10G3  and  ending  very 
abruptly  with  1737.  It  comprises  about  70  volumes,  and  contains  the  dispatches  and 
commissions  of  the  King  and  his  ministers  to  the  Governors  and  other  functionaries  in  the 
French  Colonies.  It  is  greatly  to  be  regretted  that  the  volumes  subsequent  to  1737  appear  to 
be  missing.  The  other,  and  by  far  the  most  fertile  repository,  is  a  series  of  upwards  of  an 
hundred  enormous  "cartons"  or  port-folios,  each  larger  than  two  ordinary  folio  volumes,  and 
in  which,  at  the  time  of  my  examination,  were  placed  loosely  and  without  chronological  order, 
or  even  the  least  attempt  at  arrangement,  a  mass  of  original  documents  relating  to  Canada, 
from  1G30  to  the  Treaty  of  Paris,  10th  February,  1763.    The  state  of  deplorable  confusion  in 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION 

xxxm 
wh>ch  I  found  the  contents  of  these  cartons  can  scarcely  be  conceived  bv  anv  ohp  „h    h  . 

made  personal  investigations,  and   it  must  be  very  evidenMhat  it  1,     ^  ''•' "°* 

small  degree.     It  not  only  very  greatly  increased  the  labo.o    the  res:  arch  tT  •?:"'  7  "h 
that  ,„  „„„y  instances  paper,  of  presumed  importance  were  IrgTom  ^  mis;    Tt 

'^::z:;its:::^  ;"r::;:rt::r"r '--'  -^'^-^  ^^-^^^^l^ 

perhaps,  of  the  Revo.utra;f:ry)rx-sr^^^^^^^^ 

order  that  generally  prevail  in  th'e  French  gover^:n^u^^^^^^^^ 

manner  consistent  with  their  hi^h  imDortnnrp  nS        u      .""f'  '^'"  '°°"  ^^  arranged  in  a 

the  Ml„i.„r  or  WaHLtl  s™  .    Duke^rn''!     r'T  ""  ■'''"'™"°"  ""'  '"'''»"■>  >» 

Wa,  Dep.„,„e„.,  ..  r„  ,„  p„,p,./„,  rJl  JJ/      '7"    "  '.  '  ^J"' •»"  »-hiv„  «r  .„e 
the  operations  of  the  French    in  CinnHa    ,.«»  i  .1  ^"P^"?  ""  "^^  documents  relative  to 

This  frank  and  liberal  order    so  char-ren^^^^^      ^t^''"'""  '  treaty  of  Paris,  in  1763." 

Council  of  Ministers,  was  vervh»nr  f''  «""""'  '"''^''''  ^'"^  P^^-'^'^"  over  the 

Director-Genera  :hrarchL  of  edtVr"  "'"  f"'  '^  ^^""'"  «"-  »'«'«»'  ^-^^ 
am  very  greatly  indebted^^^rr  ^omJZX^L  1^  rextS^  t  'f'  ""^"'""  ' 
custody.  The  archives  of  the  Department  of  War  nil.  "«•">"  "S  the  documents  in  his 
to  arrangement,  to  those  of  the  Mar^ea  The  E  J  TLCnr'''°"'r^'7^^''''''^ 
arranged  in  bound  volumes,  and  their  examination  waaT  al«  h^.  T  '='''-'"'°'°g'«»"y 
the  cartons  of  the  Marine  was  laborious  anrannovin/^rT  .'  ""' P'«"'«"'  «"  ^"«^  "f 
transcribed  relate  chiefly  to  the  period  beLen   m^  /'..  documents    selected    and 

the  correspondence  of  I  Mm.!;^^:^^ ^Z::^:^:^^!!::'''  "'  '''"'''' 

that  Colfny  and  the  P  ovince  o  tt-Vo     •  buTM  P        ;"'"'  .""'  ''^  '"''''^"""^  ^•^»--» 
thus  expressed  himself:  "  I  would  b  Terv    a-lnv  tn  r    '.'"  ""  "^'^  ^°  '"'"•  ^»'"''  "«'«' 

possessed  any  documents  reTati  e  to  tZ  rTr       7 ''J!  ^l?'  ^°"'"  ''''"•'''•  ^^  '"y  department 
you  have  already  applied  Ts  tl  e  „nlv  k   1'  "'^  '^""'"""y  "^  '''«  M»""«.  ^o  which 

-ubject.CanadaLvCa,way.^t^^^^  ^""/"^"'«!:  ^^  ^'^^  '"''--'"ion  on  this 

with  my  department."  ^  '  Buperv.s.on.  and  never  having  had  any  relation. 

an^  'J^^:^r::z:^  rth::t::!r'°"' '-  ''%''r'  ''^-^  -^  ^-" ' « --  '^" 

Public  instruction,  and  ev  ry  adi  tv  „ned7".7""'"    ''  "'  ''""'"'"'  ^"^  *""'^'-  "^ 
institution.  ^  ^    "^'^"'*  ^y  "'"  ««ntleman  in  charge  of  this  magnificent 

m:;^f  rS:r  ;:  r^Trrlt^^^'  ^^s.  ju.a„uded  to.  occupied  me  several 
upward,  of  six  thousand  page/  A  fJa;  "  r-.  "'"""  "'" '^"""-P'^.  containing 
which  every  paper,  i„  Z/Tnd  a  r  T"'    '  ""'"'"«"'  "^  "'«  "  ^'«^'«  Documents."  In 

this  reportf  r'eL;,    a  n::^^^^^^  '«  indicated,  bei.g  also  appended  to 

They  commence  with  1631    and    Id  to  1  63      ''T;""""?  "— "y  in  this  place. 

,  anu  extend  to  1703;  includ.ng  selections  of  the  correspondence 


it 


if 


XXXIV 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


of  the  Governors  or  Canada  with  the  nuthorities  in  France  respecting  Indian  affairs,  the 
relations  with  this  Province,  &c.,  as  wel!  as  the  dispatches  of  the  Military  Commanders  during 
the  romantic  and  exciting  period  in  our  history  of  the  •'  French  War." 

•' '  As  at  the  Hague  and  in  London,  the  reguli  tions  of  the  offices  at  Paris  did  not  allow  me 
to  execute  that  part  of  the  law,  establishing  the  Agency,  requiring  the  procurement,  if  possible, 
of  original  documents.  Transcripts  were  made,  therefore,  of  the  papers  selected,  and  the 
orthography  of  (he  originals  was  followed  as  accurately  as  possible.  In  closing  this  reference 
to  my  researches  at  Paris,  I  cannot  forbear  the  remark,  that  the  proverbial  reputation  of  tlie 
French  government,  in  regard  to  all  matters  connected  with  scientiHcand  literary  investigation, 
was  amply  sustained  in  the  courtesies  that  were  extended  to  the  Agent  of  this  State  ;  and  that 
the  historical  treasures  which  were  found  in  its  archives  are  only  equaled  by  the  prompt  and 
generous  liberality  with  which  they  were  thrown  open  to  my  inspection.  That  much  of  the 
good  feeling  exhibited  was  owing  to  the  high  standing  of  our  Minister  at  the  French  Court, 
is  unquestionable  ;  and  I  feel  it  a  duly,  not  less  incumbent  than  grateful,  again  to  acknowledge 
the  marked  kindness  of  General  Cass,  and  the  personal  and  zealous  exertions  he  never  failed 
making,  to  render  my  visit  to  Paris  most  advantageous  to  the  State. 

" '  The  researches  in  the  French  archives  being  completed,  I  returned  to  London  and  was 
some  time  occupied  in  further  investigations,  and  in  making  preparations  for  my  return  to 
America.  The  documents  transcribed  at  Paris  and  in  London  were  carefully  packed,  insured 
and  shipped  for  New- York  ;  and  my  arrangements  having  been  completed,  I  embarked  for 
home  on  the  7th  July,  1844. 

"  '  From  this  detail  of  proceedings,  it  will  be  perceived  that  the  execution  of  my  mission  was 
attended  with  considerable  embarrassment.  This  occurred  chiefly  in  London,  where  the 
regulations  of  office  were  much  more  stringent  than  at  the  Hague  or  in  Paris.  In  both  these 
iatter  places  there  was  no  difficulty  experienced,  either  in  obtaining  access  to  the  archives  or 
in  procuring  transcripts  at  reasonable  rates.  The  price  paid  f  r  copies  was  about  eleven  cents 
for  each  page.  In  London,  however,  as  before  stated,  my  application  for  permission  to  employ 
a  private  copyist  having  failed,  I  was  obliged  to  pay  to  the  regular  clerks  in  the  State  Paper 
Office  4d.  sterling  for  every  folio  of  seventy-two  words,  or  about  twenty-five  cents  for  an 
ordinary  page  transcribed.  This  circumstance,  and  the  unexpectedly  large  number  of  volumes 
to  be  examined,  caused  me  much  embarrassment,  it  became  desirable  to  limit  my  selections 
as  much  as  possible,  in  order  to  keep  the  expenses  within  the  amount  of  the  funds  appropriated 
for  the  Agency ;  while  at  the  same  time  my  duty  did  not  allow  me  to  pass  by  a  single  document 
coming  under  my  observation,  "important"  to  illustrate  our  history.  I  have  before  stated 
that,  in  the  course  of  my  investigations  in  the  State  Paper  Office,  I  ascertained  that  there  were 
other  series  of  books  and  papers  than  those  the  terms  of  my  original  permission  allowed  me  to 
inspect,  containing  information  respecting  our  history  ;  and  that  a  subsequent  order  from  Lord 
Aberdeen  gave  me  the  liberty  to  examine  a  large  number  of  additional  volumes.  I  am  far 
from  affirPiing,  however,  that  everything  in  relation  to  our  history,  in  the  British  archives,  has 
been  obtr  ned  ;  though  I  think  it  may  safely  be  said  that  the  greater  and  more  valuable  portion 
of  the  "•...crials  there  preserved  has  been  secured.  Had  sufficient  funds  been  placed  at  my 
disp;»sal,  I  should  have  pursued  my  researches  until  everything  accessible  had  been  obtained  ; 
and  should  especially  have  endeavored  to  procure  copies  of  the  correspondence  of  the  British 
Military  Commande'-s  in  America,  from  the  surrender  of  Canada  to  the  end  of  the  American 
Revolution. 


LIBRARY,   ARCHIVES 
INDIAN  AFFAIRS   BRANCH 


GENERAL  INTRODUOTION 

XXXV 

publication.  thevTesrilv  be  rnn'^r'''  "'""'"  *°  '""^  '°  ''  «^"^^«  *°^">y  "^ 

-ppre^ed.  «:^l^er  beXT^^^^^^^  y'^' ^^  '^^  very  (.properly 

pnper.  or  on  account  of  sor'othe    X~^^^^  '"'""''"^ 

the  reader."  circumstance   which    may  not   immediately  occur  to 

Paris  were  unarranged,  and  as  i    wlTsse„   17^  rh      '^%";""^^"P'«  '""^e  in  London  and  in 
in  accurate    chronolgcal   ordrblnT  it    v"  -^""^     ''''''''"'''' '"^"^^ 

deposited   in    the  Secretary  of  Stae'offi       t  e  7'  '"'"u'^^'l  '''''''''  ''^'"^^  ^«'"8 

occupy  myself  with  this  du'y/andpntuMvt      he  f""°;         "'''  ''  '"'   ''"'  '  «''°"''' 
adding,      been  diligently  Jngaged  i:l'erti:^';:;:rr:l"crC:;tt"•    '  '''" 

in  one  particular  set  o    book    or  nlT  T  '        ""'"  '^  '''  "'^'""'^  "^^«  "»'  »"  '^""'-■•"«<1 
The  documents  c"  i^d       t      H.fXT '"    "f  ^  -"y -d  various  series. 

myself  during  leisure  ev  i  i     "hr     wM  ""  '"'''^''  ""'^  '"^^''^'^  »>y 

were  bound  fnd  «ent  to  I      n'y  i„    hL  «  1"     r".""'  ""  *''  "'"'^^  ^"'^  ^^""^  «^  ^^*«'  -^ 
occupy,  as  before   stated       «7  .  *''"'  ^'"'■-     '^'^^««  "Holland  Documents" 

Secrrt^'ryof^^-.E'  arTan"  H^^.T'S^^^^^"  ^^  ^^  '^-  ^  ^-r  in  the 
in  order  to  avoid  the  aoDarent Tnf  r  .  Documents,"  great  care  was  necessary. 

prevailed  i„  Eng,.:l  i  I  y  aT^J^  ''uTl  TZ'  'j  '"  "^^  °'"  ''^^  ^"^  ^'^'^  -'"'^ 
carefully  guarded,  and  that  the  nhn  I  ^d.^t  .  1'  ^''^•*'^'''-' *'"•>*  ^'"«  Point  has  been 

commenced  on  th;  1st  o  J  „u  ryf iL"^  1 J  T'  z  "^  °' ^'^  "^^'"^'"'^  ''''  ^^"'^'^ 
March),  and  of  the  Old  Style  u,  H  mo  ^  ?  '^  ^'"'  ^^""'^'^  commenced  on  the  25th 
.0  have   been  judical,  a  rtometti"  r^°'^'''"""'' '°°' ^^^^^^ 

Documen.s"arearrang;d  accodinrtoth    V   '';?  r'"V°u ''^   investigator.     The   .-Paris 
"  '  The  calendars  to  the  "Ho  Id  "  •     ofd      "  '  ,'  "n''  ""  ''"''''  '"  ^'^^"^«  ''"  ^^^2. 
report,  have  been  prepared  wiVh  m.,  l'  ,        "'"'  "  ^'"'     Documents,  appended  to  thi. 

.he  number  of  eacrdoc'ln  „  t  ;«  vol"' "  /'  '  '""f  "'"  ''  '""'"^  "«'^^"'-  ''^y  -^^'-'^ 
r^«e  ;  and  thus,  persons:!  .  :  rj;'  ^.f  ",7  "°''^""'  ^•^^^'^"^^-  ''^  ^"'«-  ""^  ■"' 
bearing  of  each  paper  in  the  whoL  serl    o^e  ;:y:    r:7'::;"'=V'^  ""'''"'^  """  '"^ 

"  '  By  the  act  of  the  2d  May.  1830  establishing  ,h    1  u       '^'""  transcripts, 

was  appropriated  towards  defrav  n.  ^  ^'"'^'  '*'"  '"■"  "^ ''°"'"  ♦'^""^"•"J  J«"ar. 

of  thri:  thousand  ZZ     w  aaCo    U^r,""?'    ?  '"  '  '^'^  *''  ''''''  ''''' '''  ^-'•^  «- 

was  approp.iated  by  law  for  its  prosecution;  and  on  the  13th  of 


ll 


Mmmt^aamitmmKttmm 


XXXVl 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


April,  1S43,  a  Further  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars  was  appropriated  by  the  Legislature.  These 
several  approprintions,  amounting  to  twelve  thousand  dollars,  have  been  drawn  from  the 
treasury  and  entirely  exhausted  in  defraying  the  expenses  of  my  missior  ;  accurate  accounts  for 
which  have  been  rendered  to  the  Comptroller.  I  will  only  add,  that  J  have  advanced  from  my 
own  private  means  a  considerable  amount,  in  addition,  which  has  been  applied  to  defraying 
the  expenses  of  transportation,  insurance,  binding,  and  other  incidentals  connected  with  the 
arranging  and  cataloguing  of  the  documents;  in  which  duly,  as  before  stated,  I  have  been 
constantly  occupied  since  the  month  of  August  Inst. 

"  '  I  have  endeavored  to  lay  before  your  Excellency  as  full  and  as  concise  a  report  as  possible 
of  the  execution  of  the  duties  of  the  Agency  I  had  the  honor  to  have  entrusted  to  me  by  the 
government  of  my  State.  The  whole  question  of  thic  Agency,  and  of  its  results,  is  now  before 
my  fellow-citizens,  and  to  their  judgment  it  is  cheerfully  submitted.  Under  any  circumstances, 
and  in  any  event,  and  however  unworthy  the  instrument  selected  to  execute  her  high 
commission,  it  must  ever  be  a  source  of  proud  reflection  that  the  State  of  New-York  —  not  less 
faithful  now,  in  her  time  of  power  and  greatness,  to  her  honor  and  to  her  fame,  than  in  her  day 
of  difficulty  and  oppression  to  tlie  principles  she  then  so  fearlessly  asserted — has  been  among 
the  foremost  of  the  Confederation  to  vindicate  her  self-respect  to  the  world,  by  rescuing  from 
obscurity  and  long  neglect  the  scattered  memorials  of  her  Colonial  existence,  to  place  them 
side  hy  side  the  records  of  her  independent  progress. 
"  '  I  have  the  honor  to  be.  Sir, 

"  ♦  Very  respectfully, 

"  '  Your  Excellency's  obedient  servant, 

'•'JOHN  ROMEYN  BROUHEAD. 

«'  'Albany,  12//i  February,  1845.'  " 

The  message  of  the  Governor,  and  the  Agent's  final  report,  communicated  therewith, 
wei-e  referred  to  a  select  committee  of  the  Senate,  of  which  Mr.  Folsoji  was  chairman. 
On  the  5th  of  May,  1845,  that  committee  made  the  following  report: 


"  A  respect  for  the  memorials  of  the  past  may  be  justly  considered  as  one  of  the  marks 
of  advanced  civilization.  Among  saviige  nations  the  only  care  is  for  the  supply  of  present 
wants,  which,  being  e.>i*lusively  of  a  physical  nature,  like  those  of  irrational  animals,  are 
easily  satisfied,  with  equal  indifference  to  the  past  and  the  future.  But  as  mankind  rise  in 
the  scale  of  intelligenco,  a  growing  solicitude  is  felt  in  regard  to  circumstances  and  events 
beyond  the  present  moment;  the  necessity  of  making  provision  for  future  exigencies  becomes 
more  and  more  apparent,  and  leads  to  untiring  exertion  to  accomplish  so  important  an  end. 
It  is  reserved,  however,  for  a  still  higher  degree  of  progress  to  develope  any  considerable 
interest  respecting  the  past.  It  is  an  old  utilitarian  maxim  that  makes  a  dead  lion  of  less 
claim  to  consideration  than  a  living  ass ;  and  the  mind  requires  to  be  raised  above  the 
ordinary  calculations  of  mere  thrift  to  appreciate  the  value  of  what  no  longer  possesses  actual 
power  or  influence  in  the  esteem  of  the  busy  world.  The  monuments  of  history,  standing 
aside  in  the  seclusion  of  by-pluces  and  deserted  spots,  or  buried  beneath  what  is  generally 
regarded  as  the  useless  rubbish  of  the  remains  of  antiquity,  are  passed  by  with  indifference 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION, 

aXX  t  21 

unlil  an  enlightened   desire  is  awakened  to  know  something  of  the  early  foundations  of 
society,  or  to  explore  the  sources  of  national  greatness. 

iullL^"'  been  made  a  subject  of  reproach  to  this  country,  by  the  enemies  of  republican 

nsttufons.  that  no  care  «  taken   among  us  to  preserve  our  ancient  records -a  chZ 

m.ply.ng  a  sem.-barbarous  condition  of  society,  and  far  from  complimentary  to  our  national 

t  will  not  be  long  deserved  ;  for  public  attenti,  ,,  is  beginning  to  be  more  and  more  directed 
to  the  .,       t„„,,  ^f^  ,,^,^  ^^^^^^^^.^^  ^j^^^^^^^  J  ^^^^  ^^  illustrate  the  rise  and 

Sr  1  «"V":  '^"'•«"«'  ""'J  «»'ibit.  in  bolder  relief,  the  character  and  labors  of  the 
pioneers  of  civilization  upon  the  shores  of  the  New  World 

of"it '"  *^"  ■"■"'■"'•'""«  «f  this  State  that  its  early  founders  have  been  held  up  to  the  ridicule 
sat  re  in  '  ""  "  ■''  ""*  ''''"'  ^°"^'  "^"^  ""''  ^^'^-^^^'^  *»>«  resourced  of    is  wit  and 

TrlV  .  7T"^  r°^""""^  *™''  •"  '^'''  '^'''''''''  ^bile  the  most  polished  effortrof  h" s 

fnT  r^     eT  ''""''  ''"'''"^  *"  "'^°'-"  *'•«  ««""'»•*'">  «=«!'"""«  of  Sic  more  aHstoc  atL 
nstitutions  of  fo.-eign  countries.     A  late  excellent  writer,  the  author  of  a  valuable  SLrTS" 
the  United  States,  although  a  stranger  to  our  country,  has  spoken  in  proper  ter"ontht 
subject;  he  remarks  as  follows:  'Founders  of  ancient  colonies' have  sortfres  be"  deified 
by  their  successors.     New-York  is  pe.haps  the  only  commonwealth  whose  founders  have 
been  covered  with  ridicule  from  the  same  quarter.     It  is  impossible  to  read  the  inTenious 
and  diverting  romance   entitled   Knickerbocker's    History  of  New -York  ZithLlt   I 
that  the  author  had  put  a  little   more  or  a  little  less  tr'ntl  in   t^  Ld  t\.at  ht  al-'t  Vof 
humor  and  sarcasm  had  found  another  subject  than  the  dangers,  hardships  anS  vTtue  "f  the 
ance  tors  of  his  national  family.    It  must  be  unfavorable  to  patriotism  t'o  connec    historical 
recollections  Wivh  ludicrious  associations.'  vuuueoi,  nisioricai 

"To  remove  the  reproach  thus  thoughtlessly  attached  to  the  annals  of  our  State   it  i. 
only  necessary  to  bring  to  light  the  true  character  of  its  early  colonists  who,l  VT'        ? 
ranked  at  that  period  among  the  foremost  nations  of  European  pit  of\:^r^^^^^^^^^ 
and  enterprise,  and  before  all  others  i.i  the  freedom  of  its  government ;  a  reXm  purrid 
by  forty  years'  struggle  against  the  bloodthirsty  myrmidons  of  Spanish  despoUsm      The   .  t 
ascribed  by  the  mock  historian  to  the  first  settlers  of  New  York  In      ^7*,  *' 

way  attecting  the  Colonial  or  other  history  of  this  State.'     The  sum  nf  f..,,.  h  a  \  \, 

]841.  neariy  two  years  after  the  passage  of  the  law,  John  Romeyn  DrodhLl:  of  the  Z7; 


I     a^-a 


II 
ii 


■  ! 

I' 


.  '..-^^^ii^A*;;^imjmiii&i^  < 


iifilMIWi 


XXXVlll 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


of  Ulster,  was  appointed  to  this  Agency,  and  embarked  for  England  on  the  first  of  May  fol- 
lowing, for  the  purpose  of  entering  upon  the  duties  of  his  mission.  A  copy  of  his  instructions, 
from  the  Executive  of  the  State,  is  annexed  to  tiiis  report. 

"  In  pursuance  of  these  instructions,  Mr.  Brodhead,  on  his  arrival  in  London,  applied  to 
the  British  government  for  permission  to  make  transcripts  of  such  documents  in  its  archives 
as  related  to  our  Colonial  history.  The  application  appears  to  have  been  coldly  received  by 
Lord  Palmerston,  then  Principal  Secretary  of  State  for  Foreign  Affairs,  notwithstanding  the 
kind  offices  lendered  to  tiie  Agent  by  Mr.  Stevenson,  Minister  from  tlie  United  States  near  that 
government;  and,  without  losing  time,  Mr.  Brodhead  proceeded  at  once  to  Holland,  where 
a  very  different  reception  awaited  him.  Repairing  to  the  Hague,  he  was  presented  to  the 
King  by  the  Hon.  Harmanus  Bleecker,  the  American  Minister  to  the  Netherlands ;  and  it 
was  soon  found  that  His  Majesty  took  a  lively  interest  in  the  objects  of  the  mission,  and  was 
disposed  to  grant  every  possible  facility  to  aid  the  researches  of  the  Agent.  It  seems  to  have 
been  regarded  in  that  country  as  a  gratifying  circumstance,  that  the  descendants  of  Dutch 
ancestors,  who  had  left  the  fatlier-land  two  centuries  ago,  should  so  fur  cherish  the  remem- 
brance of  their  ancient  lineage  as  to  dispatch  one  of  their  number  across  the  wide  ocean  to 
seek  memorials  of  the  olden  time  ;  and  a  warm  feeling  of  kindness  was  extended  by  all 
classes  towards  the  Agent,  and  liberal  arrangements  were  made  to  lighten  and  facilitate  bis 
labors. 

"The  results  of  Mr.  Brodhead's  researches  in  Holland  are  sixteen  volumes  of  transcripts 
in  the  Dutch  language,  an  analysis  of  wliich  is  contained  in  his  printed  calendar.  It  will  be 
observed  that  these  documents  comprise  a  great  variety  of  details  relative  to  the  original 
discovery  and  settlement  of  our  State;  commencing  with  notices  of  the  first  navigators  who 
explored  the  North  and  East  rivers,  and  embracing  copies  of  the  decrees  of  the  States-Gene- 
ral, granting  the  privileges  of  trade  and  further  discovery  to  companies  of  merchants,  which 
led  to  the  subsequent  colonization  by  patroons  or  patentees  of  lands.  One  of  these  grants, 
bearing  dote  October  11th,  1014,  is  accompanied  by  a  iliscriptive  map  of  tlie  North  river  and 
the  adjacent  country,  executed  witiiin  five  years  after  the  discovery  by  Hudson.  It  only 
remains  that  the  seal  of  a  foreign  language  should  be  taken  otf  from  these  valuable  .nd 
curious  records,  to  render  them  accessible  to  all ;  and  to  this  end  the  committee  would 
recommond  that  a  suitable  person  be  employed  to  translate  them  at  the  public  expense. 

*'  Among  these  documents  the  committee  would  particularly  notice  one  that  possesses 
peculiar  interest  in  its  relation  to  the  Dutch  Colony  on  the  Island  of  Manhattan.  The  precise 
year  in  which  that  Colony  was  plante(l  is  not  known  ;  the  oldest  records  in  possession  of  tlio 
State,  before  the  receipt  of  theses  documents,  commence  with  tiie  administration  of  Governor 
Kieft,  in  the  year  l(i38,  with  the  single  exception  of  some  grants  of  land  which  go  back  to 
lfi30.  But  there  was  found  a  few  years  ago  among  the  papers  of  (lOvernor  Bradford,  of  tie 
I'lymouth  Colony,  a  corresponilence  between  that  functionary  and  the  Dutch  authorities  of 
New  NetherliUid,  on  the  Islaml  of  Manhattan,  bearing  date  in  the  year  l(t'27 ;  and  Bradford, 
in  a  letter  written  at  that  time,  says  of  the  Dutch,  *  that  for  strongth  of  men  and  fortifica- 
tions they  far  exceed  them  and  all  others  in  the  country.'  Until  the  reception  of  these  fruits 
of  the  Agency,  wo  were  thus  indebted  to  another  Colony  for  tlio  first  notice  of  the  coloniza- 
tion of  our  own  State.  It  is  true,  a  few  trading  houses  had  been  established,  and  forts 
erected,  liotli  on  Manhattan  Island  and  at  Albany,  several  years  before  ;  l)ut  no  accounts  <f  a 
regular  settlement  of  the  country  by  families  from  Holland  at  that  early  date  have  reached  us. 


adH* 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 

sHl'i  Ih-^T'"T,'  '"""^"^  '"'/'though  brief,  enable,  us  to  show  the  existence  of  the  Colony 
st.ll  eari.er  than  the  correspondence  with  Governor  Bradford.  The  attention  of  the  Legislature 
ha  already  been  called  to  U  ,n  a  report  made  to  this  body  during  the  last  session.bu  fir" 
very  dtfTcrent  purpose,  and  in  an  incomplete  and  inaccurate  translation;  it  is  therefore 
reproduced  here.  It  »  a  letter  written  from  Amsterdam  by  Mr.  Schagen,  th  Deputy  of  the 
States-General  at  the  meeting  of  the  West  India  Company,  to  the  Dutch  Governme  t  at 
L^'r^  "-»""-",?  the  arrival  at  Amsterdam  of  a  ship  from  New  Netherland,  with  adv  ce 
from  the  Dutch  colonists  on  the  Island  ofManhattan;  bearing  date  November  5th.  1626  tI 
following  IS  a  translation  of  this  document: 


'"TO  THE  mGII  AND  MIGHTY  LORDS  OP  THE  STATES-GENERAL  AT  THE  HAGUE: 
"  'My  LoRDS,-There  arrived  here  yesterday  the  ship  called  the  "Arms  of  Amsterdam  " 
which  sailed  from  the  river  Mauritius  [the  Hudson]  in  New-Netheriand;  on  Th  23  of 
September.  Report  is  brought  that  our  people  there  are  diligent,  and  live  peaceaWv  t  eir 
wives  have  also  borne  them  children.  They  have  purchased  ti.e  Island  of  Z  aTes  Lm  t  e 
Indians  for  he  sum  of  sixty  guilders  ;  it  contains  11,000  morgens  of  land.     Tl  ey  lave  To  vn 

mairsllf rf^ll"  '"'"^  "'■  '''''  """^  ''"''''  ^"  "'«  -••^^'^  °^  Angus  .'eidy:: 

brillZtx  ""'""  '""^'^  "'"^^^'  'y^'  ^"^'•^^'  -^«'  '>-'^whU  canary  sJed^ 

"  '  The  cargo  of  the  ship  consists  of  7,246  beaver  skin^. 

178i  otter        " 
67,0       •«  •' 

48  mink  " 
30  cat-lynx  " 
«33  mink  •' 
34  small  rat  " 
together  with  a  considerable  quantity  of  oak  timber  and  nut-wood 


'  Commending  your  High  and  Mighty  Lordships  to  the  favor  of  the  Almighty 
••'la.    your  High  Mightinesses'  humble  servant, 

iG26.'  "'1'.  SCHAGEN. 


*'  'At  Amsterdam.  Nov.  r%  t 


ng  character  of  this  document  cannot  fail  to  strike  any 

10  first  cfTorts  to  introduce  «he  arts  of  civilized  life  into  a 

vvh.ch  has  since  grown  from  these  small  beginnings  into 

wealth,  excelling  in  population  and  resources  some  of  the 


"  The  historical  value  f     • 
one  who  is  capable  of  apj 
new  and  widely  extended 
a  large  and  llouriMhing  oo 
monarchies  of  the  Old  Wor... 

«.  tl,on  lil'  by  r Ir  Mi  °  I  t;  ■  •, "'"';""»"«'  '' T  «"""»")•  ."I'l™..!  .l..t  the  ofn™ 


t-f 


xl 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


in  the  Secretary  of  Stute's  office.    It  is  the  only  official  act  now  extant  of  the 'first  Governor 
of  the  Colony. 

"  It  is  not,  however,  the  intention  of  the  committee  in  this  report  to  pursue  the  analysis  of 
the  documents  procured  by  Mr.  Brodhead  from  the  different  archives  to  which  he  had  access. 
The  calenc'ars  printed  with  his  report  are  sufficient  for  this  purpose,  and  exhibit  with  great 
clearness  the  variety  and  richness  of  ma.tniel  comprised  in  the  collection. 

"The  committee  will  only  add,  that  Mr.  Brodhead,  having  finished  his  labors  in  Holland, 
returned  to  London  in  December,  1841,  where  in  the  meantime  a  change  of  ministry  had 
taken  place — Lord  Palmcrston  having  been  succeeded  by  Lord  Aberdeen  in  the  office  of  Foreign 
Secretary.  A  more  friendly  policy  towards  the  objects  of  the  Agency  was  now  manifested, 
and,  with  the  valuable  aid  of  the  new  American  Minister,  Mr.  Everett,  the  preliminary  difficulties 
were  removed,  and  Mr.  Brodhead  entered  upon  the  labors  of  his  mission  ;  not,  however, 
without  encountering  many  precautions  of  the  government,  that  contributed  to  embarrass  these 
labors  and  add  to  the  trouble  and  expense  attending  thenS.  It  will  be  observed,  in  the  report 
of  Mr.  Brodhead,  that  he  did  not  confine  his  researches  in  England  to  the  archives  of  state, 
but  extended  them  to  the  magnificent  collections  of  manuscripts  contained  in  the  British 
Museum,  as  well  as  other  repositories  in  London  and  its  vicinity. 

"In  the  summer  of  1842,  Mr.  Brodhead  proceeded  to  Paris,  where  the  active  kindness  of 
General  Cass,  the  American  Minister,  procured  him  all  desirable  facilities.  The  seventeen 
volumes  of  transcripts  obtained  in  the  French  capital  commence  with  the  year  1G31  and 
extend  to  17G3.  They  are  beautifully  engrossed,  and  will  be  consulted  with  great  interest  by 
every  student  of  American  history,  especially  in  relation  to  the  border  wars  that  led  to  the 
final  reduction  of  Canada  and  the  extinction  of  French  power  on  this  Continent. 

"Having  completed  his  researches  in  Paris,  Mr.  Brodhead  returned  to  England,  and  on  the 
7th  of  July,  1844,  embarked  for  New-York,  where  he  arrived  early  in  the  following  month. 
Immediately  after  his  arrival,  he  reported  himself  to  Governor  Bouck,  and  made  known  to 
him  the  general  results  of  his  mission.  From  that  time  until  the  date  of  his  final  report,  the 
12th  of  February  last,  he  was  employed  at  the  city  of  New -York  in  arranging  the  documents 
in  chronological  order,  framing  indexes,  and  preparing  his  report.  The  documents  were  at 
the  same  time  bound  up  in  eighty  distinct  volumes,  viz:  Sixteen  volumes  of  Holland 
Documents,  seventeen  volumes  of  Paris  Documents,  and  forty-seven  volumes  of  London 
Documents,  —  the  latter  coming  down  to  the  year  1782. 

"Should  it  be  supposed  that  no  practical  utility  will  be  derived  to  the  State  from  the 
possession  of  these  documents,  it  may  be  stated  that  important  references  have  already  been 
made  to  them,  in  the  course  of  legislation,  during  the  present  session  of  the  Legislature.  The 
following  extract  from  the  report  of  a  committee  of  the  Assembly,  in  relation  to  lands  granted 
by  the  State  for  military  services,  shows  their  value  in  this  rcupect: 

"  'The  committee,  also,  in  the  spirit  of  the  ruleof  rendering  justice  to  whom  justice  is  due, 
feel  constrained  to  acknowletlge  the  important  aid  they  have  received,  in  this  investigation 
and  search  for  the  musty  records  of  olden  time,  from  the  report  and  documents  of  J.  Romeyn 
Brodhead,  Agent  to  procure  and  transcribe  documents  in  Europe  relative  to  the  Colonial 
history  of  this  State.  Important  papers  and  references,  relating  even  to  this  claim,  have  been 
brought  to  light  by  his  researches,  uiid  exhibit  the  iuiportaiice  of  the  objects  and  execution  of 
his  trust.'  — IlfiHirt  of  Mr.  liuug/ilun,  iy».,  Ajitil  21,  184.'i. 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION 

XJl 

"  The  committee  cannot  better  close  this  account  of  the  fruits  of  this  interesting  mission  than 

by  quoting  a  few  passages  from  a  private  letter  addressed  to  th.  Aae  t  bv  th^ZTo 

Baneroft  the  American  historian.     After  having  consulted  the  cot.fctLf  ^  th  r   e'^^^^^^^^^^^^ 

"  'Your  papers  I  examined  very  carefully,  from  1748  to  the  close  of  the  series  and  w^ 

inexorable  caul  ""''""'  ''"'  ^^'^^  '''  •^^«^'^™-'  ''^-'y-  *«  •'•"t-ct  and 

n  Jp'/'''  "i«  following  period,  your  collections  were  also  most  interesting,  and  were  absolutelv 
theT;i«  n    Tu^lt  -^-^-'^^-^  °^*.«^«  politics  of  New-York  during  tLyetst: 
tne  Kevoiution.    The  less  numerous  papers  in  the  years  of  the  Revolution  contain  some  of 
the  most  curious  and  surprising  character.'  ° 

Comp°rorr'^rat*'tLrh""r'  *''^f''"°°•  '*  "PP^''"'  ^^^^  *»^«  «-ount  rendered  by  the 
«12  00^  h    '     i  '  ''''°  P"*'^  *'  ^'^^  ^Sent,  from  the  State  treasury    the  sum  of 

it;!        .  ?.^         """r"*  appropriated  by  the  Legislature  to  defray  the  expenses  7the 

appears^!;  Mr  Brodh    ?  ^''^'^^Vf/P"''  1«43.  |.5000.    By  the  Compt;oller's  books.  U 
appears  that  Mr.  Brodhead  has  furnished  accounts  and  vouchers  for  il2  014  '^-^  inni  -i-      I 
c.,„p.„..«.„  .„  U,y  7th,  1844,  leaving  .  balance  i„  hi.  ,av  Hi  a  t  dl  ^f^i  43     '     ' 

The  Paris  documents,...       ^'^^  13 

The  London  do.,..  9^4  80 

4,078  01 

sxx 'r  *"°  ''"•"  "-•»  "■»-"■•  "'■ '-  '^y  •'  •^««'p.'  .»n„„,  s  ^ 

439  42 

112,014  23 
"  It  also  appears,  from  the  account,  that  there  remains  dne  to  the  Agent  the  sum  of  «1390  98 

;  fctz^rryTsr  '^T'  X  'T''''" '-' ''-' ''-''''  o;  A:g::T84Tto' 

±*ui  oi  j-eoruary  last.    The  committee  have  examined  this  account,  with  thn  vo.,rh«« 
and  recommend  that  it  be  paid,  and  ask  leave  to  introduce  the  accon.panybg  bUL" 

of  m'  ""VTT'y  *''  "''"'*  ''™™'"^  ^"""^  ^«"  J"^^'  '"^  •  J-  -  the  18th 
of  May  1846,  the  Agent'n  accounte  were  duly  settled,  and  hm  duty  was  completed. 

The  document,  thus  collected  by  Mr.  BBomiicAi,  remained  fur  several  yea«  in  the 

oomhtionm  which  they  h.l  b.en  deponitod  in  the  Secretary's  office,  aflbnjing  light  and 

aid  to  hmtoncal  inqmrers,  not  only  of  this  hut  of  other  States.    The  "  Paris  DocumenU" 

9 


ii 


zlii 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


.■ 


were  found  to  be  of  special  interest  to  the  literary  investigators  of  Canada  and  the 
northwestern  States,  while  many  of  the  papers  procured  in  England  contained  new  and 
important  facts  illustrating  the  general  history  of  the  Union.  The  "Holland 
Documents"  related  more  particularly  to  the  local  annals  of  New -York,  while  it  was 
the  Dutch  Province  of  New  Netherland.  Nevertheless,  there  were  many  papers  found 
in  that  series  which  had  an  important  bearing  upon  points  of  great  interest  to  the 
neighboring  Colonies,  and  which  explained  some  uncertain  passages,  especially  in  the 
history  of  New  England,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware  and  Maryland.  The  documents 
procured  in  Holland  and  France,  however,  were  in  the  Dutch  and  French  languages — 
the  law  of  1839  having  required  the  Agent  to  obtain  "  if  possible  the  originals,  and  if 
not  copies,"  of  papers — and  proper  translations  were  necessary  in  order  to  render  them 
generally  useful. 

In  the  meantime  the  new  State  Hall  at  Albany  had  been  completed,  and  the  records 
of  the  Secretary  of  State,  together  with  those  of  the  other  State  officers,  had  been 
removed  thither.  A  better  opportunity  was  thus  afforded  to  ascertain  the  character 
and  extent  of  the  historical  archives  which  had  remained  so  long  in  great  disorder,  and 
almost  inaccessible.  Measures  were  afterwards  taken  by  Mr.  Secretary  Moegan  to  have 
these  old  papers  properly  arranged  and  bound ;  and  more  than  two  hundred  large  folio 
volumes  of  original  documents  were  accordingly  prepared  and  placed  in  a  condition  for 
easy  reference.  For  the  first  time,  the  State  archives  were  thus  reduced  to  comparative 
order,  and  a  necessary  work  was  accomplished,  the  want  of  which  had  caused  many  of 
the  embarrassments  already  referred  to.  A  general  catalogue  or  calendar  of  all  the 
records  in  the  Secretary's  office,  which  shall  indicate  the  date,  character  and  contents  of 
each  document,  is  still  greatly  needed ;  and  it  is  hoped  that  it  will  soon  be  prepared 
and  printed. 

The  attention  of  the  Legislature  having  been  again  directed  to  the  subject,  an  ap. 
propriation  was  made,  in  the  session  of  1848,  for  collecting  and  translating  some  of  the 
documents  belonging  to  the  State,  connected  with  its  history.  In  pursuance  of  this 
action,  certain  papers  were  compiled,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Secretary  Moboak, 
by  Dr.  E.  B.  O'CAtLAonxN,  which,  on  the  Tith  of  January,  1849,  the  Legislature  ordered 
to  be  printed.  In  the  following  April,  the  Legislature  directed  the  Secretary  of  State 
to  cause  to  be  printed  a  second  volume  of  what  was  styled  the  "  Documentary  History" 
of  New  -York.  Of  this  work,  four  volumes,  in  all,  have  been  pu1)lished.  They  contain 
a  miscellaneous  compilation,  among  which  are  some  of  the  manuscripts  procure*!  by  the 
Historical  Agent  in  Europe. 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


xliii 


It  was  thought  by  many,  however,  that  such  of  the  documents  of  the  Agency  as 
were  in  foreign  languages  should  be  translated,  and  that  either  the  whole  collection  or 
a  selection  of  the  most  important  papers  in  it,  should  be  published,  as  a  distinct  work  'by 
the  authority  of  the  State.  This  proposition  was  favorably  received,  and  a  bill  was 
mtroduced  into  the  Legislature,  which  was  passed  into  a  law  on  the  30th  of  March 
1849, as  follows:  ' 


"AN  ACT  TO  PROVIDE  FOR  THE  PHBLICATION  OP  CERTAIN  DOCUMENTS  RELATING  TO  THE 

COLONIAL  HISTORY  OP  THIS  STATE. 

"PA.SED  March  30,  1849, '  THR«E-FirTH8  being  prbimt.' 
••  The  People  of  the  State  of  New-York,  represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  do  enact  as/olUnas: 

bKCTior.  1    The  manuscript  documents  relating  to  the  Colonial  history  of  this  State,  now 
n  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  which  were  procured  under  and  by  virtue  of  an  act  of 

ran  .T  H     "■  ^T     ^^  ^'  ''.'''  '°''"^'*  '  ^"  «*='  ^°  "PP°'"'  «»  ^gent  to  procure  and 
ranscnbe  documents  .n  Europe  relative  to  the  Colonial  history  of  this  State.'  or  such  portion. 

nrinTn  T  ^^  ^'^'^  f^'^"  hereinafter  named  shall  deem  advi«ible,  shall  be  translated  and 
printed  for  the  use  of  the  State. 

"^  2   The  Governor.  Secretary  of  State  and  Comptroller  shall  cause  said  document,  to  be 
prepared,  prmted.   and  bound  in  volumes  of  such  size  as  they  may  determine  upon,  and 
for  such  purpose  are  h.reby  authorized  to  employ  some  suitable  person  to  translate  .uch  parU 
thereof  a.  are  necessary,  at  a  reasonable  compensation  to  be  fixed  and  certified  by  them. 
JLl       1  State  officers  shall  issue  proposals  for  the  printing  and  binding  of  such 

number  of  copies  of  said  documents  as  they  shall  deem  advisable  to  cause  to  be  printed,  not 
exceeding  five  thousand  in  the  same  manner  as  proposals  are  required  to  be  issued  for  the 
prmting  and  binding  of  legislative  documents,  and  shall  make  a  contract  for  .uch  printing 

Thl.'  *7  /"I  ^"'"\°'  ^"'°'"'  ""  '"^""  ^'"'^  ""'""'"^^  P^^PO^-^'-  therefor,  which.  aU 
thmg.  considered,  hey  may  deem  most  advantageous  to  the  interest,  of  the  Stat^.  provided 
any  of  said  proposals  shall  be  by  them  considered  reasonable.  provided 

"  ^  *•  The  said  State  officer,  are  hereby  authorized  to  c-.use  .uch  portions  of  said  document, 
to  be  stereotyped  as  they  may  deem  the  interests  of  the  State  to  demand,  and  to  secure  or 
'    .  .  :  "T'T  ''""r''  "  *"  ''*'^  J"'^*"'^"*  '''""  »'«  f"^  '►'<'  ""«™.t  of  the  State 
with  th   ^"^  '.       Tc  '°^'""f  '"'^  documents,  when  printed  and  bound,  shall  be  deposited 
with   he  Secretary  of  State,  and  one  copy  thereof  delivered  by  him  to  each  member  of  the  pre.ent 

A  Jmh.""'  ';^^"f  •"!'  °^  ^"^  «-"'«•  '='"'^"  -'J  e'-tive  officer,  of  the  pre.ent  Senate  and 
Assembly,  and  twenty-three  copies  thereof  (being  one  to  each)  to  the  several  State  officer, 
who  are  entitled  to  bound  copie.  of  legislative  documents;    and  the   residue   of  said   one 
thousand  copie.  .hall  be  by  said  Secretary  of  State  retained,  until  disposed  of  a.  the  Governor 
Secretary  of  S  ate  and  Comptroller  may  direct  for  the  purpose  and  in  the  way  of  1  terary 

IbT.!"   d      ;rt^  """'  ''"''""*«''  ""''-  ^'^  provision'of  t hUac^ 

hall  be  .old  under  the  direction,  of  said  State  officers  for  such  price  a.  .hall  be  determined 
byt  em  not  less  than  twenty-five  per  cent  over  the  actual  co.t  of  preparing,  print  nT.„d 
bind  ng  the  .ame.  and  the  proceed,  thereof  pnid  into  the  State  treasury  '^        ^ 

"  %  6.  This  act  shall  take  effect  immediately." 


jBbEBif'iivaiaiitiiiawwi 


xliv 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 


It  became  a  question  whether,  under  the  discretion  vested  by  this  law  in  the  State 
officers  therein  named,  the  whole  of  the  documents  or  a  selection  of  them  only  should 
be  published.  Mr.  Bbodhkad,  who  was  then  Secretary  of  the  American  Legation  at 
London,  and  about  to  return  home,  offered  to  superintend  the  publication  of  such  a 
selection,  if  it  should  be  determined  upon,  without  any  charge  to  the  State  for  his 
services.  It  was,  however,  on  full  consideration  of  the  subject,  deemed  best  to  print 
the  whole  of  the  documents,  and,  under  the  authority  vested  in  the  State  officers  by  the 
second  section  of  the  law,  they  employed  Tl.  B.  O'Cali- .chan,  M.  D.,  to  make  the 
necessary  translations  and  to  superintend  t  \tion  generally.     In  a  communication 

to  the  Assembly,  dated  the  29th  Januai,  ,  -lol  (Assembly  Documents,  No.  66), 
also  in  a  report  from  the  Comptroller  to  the  Senate,  made  on  Ist  February,  1863 
(Senate  Documents,  No.  24 ),  and  in  the  annual  reports  of  the  Comptroller  to  the 
Legislature,  will  be  found  detailed  statements  of  the  progress  of  the  work.  The 
arrangement  adopted  was,  that  the  publication  should  consist  of  ten  quarto  volumes. 
Of  these,  the  first  ad  second  were  to  contain  translations  of  the  "  Holland  Documents ;" 
the  third,  fourth,  fifth,  sixth,  seventh  and  eighth,  the  "London  Documents;"  and  the 
ninth  and  tenth,  translations  of  the  "  Paris  Documents."  The  publication  of  the  work  was 
commenced  in  1853  by  the  issue  of  the  third  volume,  or  the  first  of  the  English  series  — 
the  translation  of  the  papers  to  form  the  first  and  second  volumes  not  having  been  then 
completed.  The  fourth,  fifth,  sixth,  seventh  and  ninth  volumes  were  afterwards 
successively  issued,  all  of  them  accompanied  by  foot  notes  by  the  translator. 

It  will  be  observed  that  no  editor's  name  is  attached  to  the  third  volume  of  the  work  — 
the  first  which  appeared  as  above  stated  —  the  note  on  the  back  of  the  title  page  having 
been  thought  to  afford  sufficient  information  as  to  the  manner  of  its  publication  ;  but  in 
the  subsequent  volumes  the  name  of  the  translator  was,  by  the  permission  of  the  State 
officers,  affixed  as  editor. 

At  its  session  of  1856,  the  Legislature  passea  the     llowing  act : 


"  AN  ACT  IN  RELATION  TO  THE  COLONIAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  AND  THE  PUBUOATION 

AND  DISTRIBUTION  THEREOF. 

"  Passed  April  12, 18S6, '  THREC-rirTua  beino  prisemt.' 

"  Tke  People  of  the  Slate  of  Nete-York,  repretented  in  Senate  and  Auembly,  do  enact  aifoUowi: 

"Bbotion  1.  The  publication  of  the  documents  relating  to  the  Colonial  history  of  the  State, 
pursuant  to  chapter  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  of  the  Laws  of  eighteen  hundred  and  forty- 
nine,  shall  be  completed  under  the  direction  of  the  Regents  of  the  University,  who  shall 
hereafter  have  the  charge  of  the  same,  and  of  ail  things  relating  thereto,  in  place  of  and  with 
th«  ■am*  powers  as  the  officers  named  in  said  act. 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION 

is  hereby  authorized  to  permit  ail  oroopr  ,„v!.h    V-        '^°['^''^-    The  Secretary  of  State 
doc«™e„;  or  books  thereKthi;;::;:;:^^^^^^^^^^^^  "  ''"  ^*'''"  "'^  *'>«  "-  "^ -^ 

priit  L^s,::::  aiate'eVpt'tiorsZ^^^^ "'' ''  '-'T'  '^ '-'  -"''-  °^^^« 

reporters  of  the  pre  ent  SenLZllu/  J  *  *"''"'  *°  ''''^  "^  *''«  "'«'''»'  offi^""  and 
to'bound  cop ie.  o7  egi.l!  iTd"  lent?  ^^^^^  [" ''/  T""'  P"""''  "'«'=«"'  -»">  "«  -'*"«d 
the  Regents  of  the  Un  ^rZ  rdTw„  H  IT  Tt'^  '''""'  "'"''"'  ""«"  ''«  P'«"=«<J  ^'i'" 
State  for  literary  exchanr,LH.,trn  .  '^  u""^  ^"^  ''°P'"  "'•'"°'"  '''*»'  ^he  Secretary  of 
.hallbeofferedTorslTnd      .eS^^^^^^^^^^ 

terms  and  price,  not  le.  than  wo  do  a  and  fit  .^^f''  °", """''  ""'""'  '"''^'  «"^  °''  '"«'»» 
and  such  copies  as  remain  unsold  a  th        I  I  •""■  '°'"""'' "  ^''^^  """y  ''«•""  P™Per ; 

the  Regent,  of  the  U Tv  itT;  Let  to'f^tur  ."^  """*"••  ••"^»  "«  P'-e^^  in  the  custody  of 
of  any  such  sale,  made  b^t'^e^arRell/'?. "''"''  '^  *'*  Legislature;  the  proceed, 
thi.  act.  .hall  be  paid  in.rth.  StatftTeauVv^^^^^  nece.sary  expense,  under 

for  or  purchased  said  documents  or  IhoM.I""""'  "'t  "^^  have  already  .ub.cribed 
credited  with  the  amount  th^Jtay  ha  e  paid  anTh"  7'  f'*  '""  P"*""*""''  """'  ^^ 
price  fixed  by  the  Regent.  a.IfZaid       ^      '  "  "'^'"'^  '°  '"""P**^''  '^'"  "»«  »» th. 

"  §  4.  Thi.  act  shall  take  effect  immediately." 


TRANSCSIPTS  OF  DOCUMENTS 


HOTA.  ^CHIV)«  ,r  THE  H.OU.  A.D  IK  ^  SXAX^HUTS  OP  THK  CXTT  OK  AMSmD,,, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :   I-VIH. 


1603-1656. 


tfi 

A 

th 

b« 
eai 


1 

ord 

1 

prei 

1 

Stal 

on  ( 

— n 

Stat 

A 

repo 

1. 

the  . 

matt 

the  J 

2. 

respe 

16,i8 

3. 

whiol 

The  V 

4. 
of  Go 
6. 
8.  . 


HOllAND  DOCDMESTS, 


Amsterdam,  during  the  year  184 1  ^''«"''  ""*^  '"  *^"  ^'«'>'^«''  of  i^e  city  of 

thought  advisable  to  re.in  them  be  ^    !i    „      J  m^h  "  "T"'*  """  '"""'"  ""'^  "'  ^^  ^-> 

ba  to  the  investigator,  but  rather  becl      hev  . ff   H  °°  "'"""  "'  *'"^  P""""'"'  "'«  ^'"^^  -»  »<>'' 

each  document.  "  '  "''''^  ""^'''^  "  '=""<'"«  ""^  valuable  proof  of  the  authenticity  of 


strictly  ctronological 


ROYAL  AKr-HIVES  AT  THE  HAGUE 

...:.■::  ?i':;ra  ::i7z  L:-:.rr'J'.;C£:r '•  -^°'-^  •— • «'  -  «- 

tb«  ,e«r  1578.  '         '"I"  '''  ""  S"*"  "  *''•  ''  "■«  8t.l«.  „J  cooa,«„  ,i,i 

res:;i::;,^tif!rr  w2;^:s::4 1  !r:s;r " "  t*- "^^'  "■  ^^^ — -  ^- 

16«8.  and  extend  to  1670,  .hen  they  were  dTsc^nLrd  '       "'""''  ''''^"''"-     ^''"''  """^^  -'^ 

w^..i:rr;i:;ro^:^sr::;::tr:z:"  V  ^^^  ^^^^ '-'-'  -  -^-^  -  -^- 

The  volume  16D0-1015  is  missing  '  '  '"''*  "  ^™''"'''''  declaration,  of  war.  Ac,  Ac. 

of  O™:^"'*'-    '''-  -^«'»  '^«  ^---  i-od  from  time  to   time  to  officer,  and  agenU 

«.  2?o.*«..    Co„ta.nmg  th.  original,  of  all  Laws,  PlacaaU,  i  -.,  of  the  Statos-General. 


1 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS. 


7.  Registers  of  Uytgaamle  Drieven.  These  contain  copies  of  letters  from  the  States  to  their  officers  and 
diplomatic  agents,  as  well  as  to  Foreign  powers.  They  coramenco  with  the  year  1640,  previous  to  which  the 
drafts  of  letters  were  preserved  on  the  Liasses — of  which  presently. 

8  Registers  of  In</ekomcn  Bi-ieven  General.  Those  contain  copies  of  General  letters  received,  commencing 
with  1050.  Tiio  originals  arc  preserved  on  the  Liasses  ;  aTid  it  often  happens  that  the  Bylagen  or  appendi- 
ces to  the  letters  are  not  copied  in  these  Registers. 

U.  Registers  of  Irigekomen  Brieven  uyt  Jingeland.  Those  books  contain  copies  of  letters  from  the  Legation 
in  England,  the  originals  of  which  are  on  the  Liasses. 

10.  Registers  of  Ingekomen  Brieven  uyt  Spanje,  containing  copies  of  letters  from  the  Ambassadors  in  Spain, 
the  originals  of  which  are  on  the  Liasses. 

11.  Liasses.  Loopemle.  These  are  tiles,  on  which  the  originals  of  all  general  letters  and  memorials  received 
by  the  States-General  are  preserved.  Each  paper  is  marked  with  the  day  of  its  date,  and  of  its  reception  by 
the  States.  They  are  arranged  and  referred  to,  according  to  the  latter  date.  Those  Liasses  also  contain  drafte 
of  general  letters  sent  by  the  States. 

12.  Liasses  Admiraletiet,  containing  papers  relating  to  maritime  affairs,  and  communications  from  the 
Board  of  Admiralty. 

13.  Liasses  West  Indien.  These  contain  papers  relating  to  the  concerns  of  the  "West  India  Company. 
They  commence  with  the  year  16'.'3  and  are  arranged  in  a  mmncr  similar  to  the  foregoing. 

1 1.  Loket  Kas.  A  large  case  with  pigeon  holes  and  drawers  properly  labeled,  containing  bundles  of  papers 
relating  to  various  subjocU,  which  were  probably  deposited  here,  on  account  of  their  being  too  bulky  to  be 
conveniently  placed  on  tlie  Liasses. 

15.  Secrete  Kas.  A  case  similar  to  the  foregoing,  containing  papers  relating  to  matters  recorded  in  the 
Registers  of  Secrete  Resolutien. 

10.  Notulen  van  de  Raad  van  Staat.     Those  books  contain  the  proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State. 

17.  Notulen  van  Holland  ende  West  Friesland.  This  is  a  large  series  of  printed  volumes  of  Proceedings 
of  these  two  Provinces.  It  was  usual  for  the  States-General  to  ask  the  opinion  of  the  Provincial  States  on  all 
questions  of  great  public  moment. 


ARCHIVES  OF  THE  CITY  OF  AMSTERDAM. 

1.  Resolutien  van  de  Vroedsehappen.  Those  books  contain  the  minutes  of  the  Acts,  Proceedings  and 
Resolutions  of  the  City  Council  of  Amsterdam. 

2.  Muniment  Register  van  den  Raad.  In  this  series  of  books  are  registered,  at  length,  ReporU  of  Commit- 
tees, and  important  ;rapers  relating  to  the  affairs  of  the  city.  One  of  the  volumes— ''  Muniment  Register  B  "— 
is  not  now  in  the  Archives,  and  is  supposed  to  have  been  lost  about  thirty  years  ago. 

3.  Oroot  Memorial.  These  volumes  contain  records  of  Public  acts  of  the  City  Council,  Instructions  to 
Officers,  Contracts,  &c. 

4.  Gemien  Missiven.     Containing  Records  of  letters  sent  under  the  direction  of  the  Council. 

5.  A  bundle  of  papers,  entitled  Rckerdngen  rakende  Nieuw  Nederland,  containing  accounts,  &c.,  relating  to 
the  Colony  of  the  City  on  the  South  river. 

C.  A  largo  bundle  of  papt.-s,  entitled,  Verscheide  stukken  rakende  de  Colonie  van  Nieuxo  Nederland.  These 
papers,  relating  to  the  general  concerns  of  the  City  Colony,  including  letters  and  reports  received  from  thence, 
Ac,  Ac,  have  all  been  arranged  in  chronological  order,  as  nearly  as  their  dates  could  be  upcertained. 


CONTENTS. 


1608. 

tTLr    I:  r"?!-""  1  T  ^""<=-°-""'  »PP<"»«ng  C"!"--  I>«le  to  «  con,p.ny  of  foot. ''""[ 

D      1      J'  n  Tr  °    V'"  «'»'-«--'  that  Capt„i„  Thoma,  Dale',  com.i«i„Jb.  expedited  

December  24.  Re.ol„t,on  of  the  States-Genera,  on  the  subject  of  Captain  Tho.ua,  Dale's  pay,  *«•,. ....!.:::  ..■.::::  J 

November  15.  Memorandum  that  Thomas  Dale  and  Sir  Thorns  Gate,  were  in  garrison  service  at  Oudewater a 

April          .4.  '^-•"^^tglX"  "  '"'"'  '""""  «'''"'°"— '°  •'^  »•>--  ^™-  •'^'  -mpa„,..e.. 
18U.  '^ 2 

S;."  °;;i::  ■'■•■"' ""-" '-"  "•  -'-' '-  ""• "- » <■'"■  - «- » v,^,ir;: 

September   7.  Re«,lution  of  the  State,  of  Holland.  *..  „p„„  the  memorial  of  certain' a,"eVoh.nUabo„t  .■„;wi;dis  ' 

covered  navigation, ^"»"w»  uuout  a  newijr  dia- 

1614«  ' A 

March        20.  Resolution  of  the  States  of  Holland,  upon  the  memorial  of  certain  merchants,  that  the  Stales-General 

Msrch  2.  ■  --rri:i^:— >:t— r-^  . 

March        27    GoJToT     ""1  "  '"^"^  "'  ""  '"""  """  <"'^°^"  ""'  "^  ""'<^-  pX-  H  "'  "  « 

27.  Gen^ral^Octroy.^  -^  <3i-^eover  an,  new  pai.'h.ven,' lands';  pi;;;  ' 

July    IS.  Resolution  of  the  Stat;,  oVu„;;and;;p;;'th;  ™;m"oVi;i  p;;;;„t;j  ;n";;h;iVo"f"  "cVru,;'  m';rV.:a'nu ;;«    ' 

^n.  ^  ..  Ke=-?;:r:i3t;t=sr ^^'--^  -- ••^■•^   e 

.ptember. «— :!  ^r^z  i^^^  ^  rsi^  ^^  ^  •  ^ 

8eptember3aResol.^ionoftl.8tates.Oener..up„;;hc-A;.g^ng-i;«;;:;;;,i;;8;;X^^  « 

October      , ,    n     T  '.'"""V"  ^  '''^"""  "■""  ""''  "'«•'  MiB''t"'e.»^«  «l.»n  otherwise  direct, . 

October      n.  «-  "  -on  of  the  States-Oeneral  (upon  the  report  b,  the  Deputiea  of  the'  U  iVed  c;mpVny  ^i  ^:;.  " 

chanty  who  have  discovered  New  NetherUnd.  of  the  particulars  of  their  discoverv).  to  fllow  t 

October     „.  OH.i..«.^raa<>f  the  'V'^^'^^.r.,.  .  .^la  :,::^^^  ••> 

veVr^    „Z     ^       ,     7      '•      ••  "*  -^"^  ^'-^h-land.  for  four  voyages,  within  the  period  if  three 
ye.r^  commencing  1st  January.  1015,  or  soonsr  (with  ui.p), 


lii 


CONTENTS. 


1614. 
October      11. 


leic 

August 


18. 


August       18. 


Augnat       19. 

August  19. 
Sept«mbarl2. 
KoTeinbur    3. 

1617. 
January     18. 


July 


29. 


August  2. 

1618. 

January  26. 

1617. 

Deeembtr  2. 

1618. 

January  26. 

January  26. 

January  29. 

Fabruary  3. 

Fabruary  6. 

February  ». 

August  10. 

Oeto)>er  4. 

Ottobar  9. 


1620. 
Fabrnary    11 


Fabruary    1 2. 


OflTieial  eopy  of  the  above  special  grant  to  Oerrit  Jacobsen  Witssen  and  others,  of  an  exclasiTe  right  to 

trade,  dec.,  to  New  Netherland,  from  the  "Aete  Boek  "  of  the  States-General IS 

Minute  of  the  appearance,  before  the  States-General,  of  Captain  CorneliG  Uendricksen,  Ac,  in  behalf  of 
Gerrit  Jacobsen  Witssen  and  others,  Directors  of  New  Netherland,  and  of  his  submitting  his  second 
report  of  certain  discoTeries  be  had  made  in  New  Netherland,  in  a  small  yacht  of  eight  lasts  burthen, 
called  the  Onnut,  which  the  Directors  had  caused  to  be  built  there,  Ac,  &c, ;  jpon  which  the  States- 
General  resolve  that,  before  com'ug  to  any  decision  on  the  special  grant  asked  for,  the  report  be 

committed  to  writing,  Ac, IS 

Memorial  of  Gerrit  Jacobsen  Witssen  and  others.  Directors  of  New  Nothcrlond,  to  the  States-General, 
in  relation  to  the  discovery,  under  their  direction,  by  Captain  Cornelis  Uendricksen,  of  Munnichen- 
dam,  of  certain  lands,  bay,  and  three  rivers,  in  the  latitude  of  from  38°  to  <0°;  with  an  explana- 
tory map,  and  also  a  copy  of  the  general  charter  or  ordinance  of  27th  March,  1614,  annexed IS 

Report  of  Captain  Cornelis  Hendrlcksen,  of  Munnichendam,  of  his  discoveries  in  New  Netherland, 

presented  to  the  States-General 13 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  thereupon,  14 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  upon  the  foregoing  memorial,  ic,  postponing  a  decision 14 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  upon  the  same,  again  postponing  a  decision, 15 

Minute  of  the  presentation  to  the  States-General  of  a  memorial  of  Lambrecht  van  Tweenhuysen  and 
otller^  praying  the  government  for  a  ship  of  war,  to  eneourage  the  fishery,  dsc,  at  Terra  Nova,  Ao., 
a  decision  upon  which  is  postponed It 

Resolution  of  the  Slates  of  Uolland  upon  the  petition  of  the  Directors  of  the  Australian  Company,  pro- 
hibiting William  Janssen  from  printing  or  publishing  the  journals  or  maps  of  voyages  made  in  behalf 
of  the  said  Company,  do.,  IS 

Resolution  of  the  States  of  Uolland  forbidding  William  Janssen  to  make  any  corrections  upon  the  globe, 

or  to  publish  any  map  containing  the  newly  discovered  passage  from  the  North  to  the  South  Sea,  Ac.,         18 

Address  of  Sir  Dudley  Carleton,  English  Ambassador  to  the  States-General,  on  the  subject  of  Sir  Tbomaa 

Dale's  petition  to  their  High  Mightinesses, 18 

letter  of  Noel  da  Caron,  tha  Dutch  Ambassador  at  Ixindon,  to  the  States-General  on  the  same  subject,        17 

Petition  of  Sir  Thomas  Dale  to  the  StatesGanrral,  setting  forth  his  services  in  Holland,  Virginia,  Ae., 

with  two  endorsements  of  the  action  uf  the  Slates-General  thereupon IT 

Resoluti'm  of  the  States  General,  referring  Captain  Dale's  petition  to  the  Council  of  State,  Ac IV 

Report  and  cdviee  of  the  Council  of  State  to  the  States-General,  upon  the  foregoing  reference 19 

Minute  of  the  States-General,  postponing  a  final  resolution  upon  the  report  of  tha  Council  of  State 

upon  Captain  Dale's  petition, S>) 

Resolution  of  the  Stalea-Generel  upon  Captain  Dale's  petition SO 

Resolution  of  the  Slates-General,  that  their  determination  upon  Captain  Dale's  petition  ba  put  into 

tha  hands  of  the  Council  of  State,  in  order  to  be  carried  iato  effect 30 

Resolution  of  the  States  of  Holland,  upon  the  ooniplalnt  of  William  Jansaan  of  tha  intardiet  against 

his  publishing  maps,  Ac  ,  allowing  him  permission  to  publish SI 

Resolution  »f  the  States-General,  upon  the  petition  of  tha  Company  trading  to  the  Island  of  New 
Nethorland,  praying  for  a  continuation  of  thair  special  grant,  to  examine  the  same  bafera  coming 

to  a  decision, .         SI 

Resolution  of  iha  States-flaaeral,  upon  the  petition  of  Henrick  Kalkens,  and  others,  participanta  in  tha 
New  Netherland  Company,  Ac,  that  tha  petitionan  ba  allowed  to  aend  their  ship  to  New 
Netherland, SI 

Raaolution  of  the  Btates-Ganaral,  upon  tha  petition  of  tha  DIreators  of  tha  Company  trading  to  Raw 
Netherland,  praying  for  two  shi|s  of  war,  in  ordsrto  colonise  that  country  unJer  the  protection  and 
authority  of  their  High  Mi|{htinew«a,  that  before  coming  to  any  conclusion  thereupon,  the  opinian 
of  the  Admiralty  ba  taken , ,         St 

Memorial  of  the  Diraotora  of  tha  Naw  NetherlaDd  Company  to  tha  Prinae  of  Oranga tl 


CONTENTS. 

F.bru.ry   26.  "-'"'^  of"'' 8t.t...0ener.I.  apon  the  report  of  th,  A^n^ir.Uy.  th.t  before  c^^^^^  ••       ''*'* 

upon  the  iubjcct  of  the  foreffoinir  n.(,H.>n  fi.  ,    .     „  coming  to  any  deoiuon 

M.reh         ,„.  Re,o,nU„nof  thist.t.,.0.„eJ^7.^;tr2r:„;Cr  '''  """•""'•''  ""''" " 

Apr.  10-  Father  resolution  of  the  St.te..Gen«r.l,  thereupon  " 

rruitful  U„d.  a'^^d  Jk    g  fl.   peouT'rnt  r*  ""    r        T"''  "^'"■'   "*"  ""'^"•''•"  "' 

othor^  praying  their      JhMi'htiMerf       '       "•.      """'"""  P*""'"  "'  "'"""'  ^"■•"•-  •"«' 

.hereupon  both  partieafeir       ^     1  S  t""",       ."'  C"'""'  *""  ""  P*"""— "d  that 

^         ^  .nd  try  to  arrange  Jter'nicX    '         '"'"  ""'"  ""'  '"'''  '"*  >"«"■  """'  "-'  to^e"-. 

N.-nb.r .. «-o>utionof th.stat..Gen.r.,tor..„;,the«wg;.j;p.;.-a;;;;„;^;:^  II 

Sr^:;:r:;r:;r^°:ri:-:;:^:i:ji-^^  « 

Se,t      H     ,,    „    "^°''''^'-P"™i--o'.end.:Ct';fwV^^^^^^^ 
S.U.her..He,.u.noft.S.^.„.,,^  " 

to  New  Xetherland  and  the  ^dSr.andrlc  .^      "  ."'";«-"'"••  "^  <""•".  '«-<'  t-  ."i.- 

that  Hurgomaeter  P.«w  be  requ.lTto  wr  L  L  th  '"".''  '°  ""  «'*"-«"«»'  ••»•"'  Virginia. 

th„t  they  inform  the  Stat«  Gene "uf  thl  it  ..T  "'%''""'"''"''  '"  *"•  '""«  *"  "ew  Neth.rlaod. 
April  ,,.  R.„,„tio„  If  the  State,  of  ^Ln  T  Jut  the  Z^^^^^^       -"er  referred  to  by  the  Amba-ador. . .         „ 

April  «.  R..„,„tion  of  the  SUte.-Genera..  upon  .he  ttC        ^  "of  fZ^  tl^l'::  """  '"J'"-  "  V "         " 

;"i:z^:zrzx:'' -'°  ^°^ '-  ^-^  -  -  - -^- - 

;::;  -^::::rrs:ii;^!;r^--;;zt:f,^T'""""°'^  " 

about  the  arre,,  at  lioorn'lf'l'l:;:::  ^i;  tg^'''""'  "  ^'"''^"'•-  '"  •"--.O-er.,. 
..W.er«fth,Con,n.itte.oftheWe.t,ndiaCo.p.,,yatHoorn,eJn-;g-;^  .0 

Apr,,  ,  Let^r^oj^th.  SU.e..Oe„era,  to  the  Chamb;;  ;.X,x:;;-o;;  W^-rindiV  C^.;.--.,;.  ;h.  above        " 

June  *•  Fjtract  of  the  journal  of  Memre   Van  A»i«.n  .„  1  I       t"'i"\"l •« 

September  4.  A  ilateraent  of  the  property  and  effeeU  of  th.  W..i  r-  i-    r. 

Oetobe,      ,0.  Ke«.,«.ion  of  the  S.lte'olr.t  appl   „««.!.;     ^  VSriH     ""  {'"  !"" «« 

ing  of  the  We.t  In.lU  Company  '  ■^'"«'"  """"  "*''"''"  '»  ""  -"«'• 

Ncemb.   .  •-- - --^;-  0-^^^^^^^  " 

NoTember   '■  MinuU  of  the  reeWpt  of  the  above  Uter »» 

N 


i; 


liv 


CONTENTS. 


1827. 
Korember 

1610. 

October 
November 

1880. 

■"■July 

'  August 
1632. 
March 

April 

April 
April 

April 

May 

May 

M«y 
May 
March 
April 

May. 

Hay 

i«3a. 

March 

June 

Jun< 

1A!)4. 
March 
May 

May 

May 
May 

Jan* 
Juo* 
Jun* 


16.  Extract  of  a  letter  from  the  XIX  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  Stntes-General,  with  news  from 

New  Netherland, ''8 

23.  Letter  of  the  West  Imliii  Comimny  to  tlie  Stf.tcvGcneral,  remonstrating  ngainft  n  peace  with  Spain,. . .         .S!> 
16.  Keasons  and  considenitions  offered  by  the  Wcat  India  Company  to  the  States-General,  concerning  the 

proposed  peace  with  Spain,  <tc, 40 

15.  Patent  to  Samuel  Godyn  <^nd  Samuel  Blonimaert,  for  lands  at  South  Iloeck  on  the  South  river,  signed 

1)}'  Peler  Minuit  and  his  Council 4S 

13.  Tatint  to  Kiliaen  van  Rensselaer  for  certain  lands,  Ac,  signed  by  Peter  Minuit  and  hia  Council, 44 

19.  Extract  from  the  Pointen  van  Btwhrymng  (  or  points  upon  which  the  Deputies  of  the  States-General 

to  the  XIX.  are  to  obtain  information  ),  for  the  meeting  of  the  West  India  Company  on  20th  March,         48 

6.  Letter  of  G.  van  Arnhem  (one  of  the  Deputies  of  the  States-General  to  the  Xl.X. ),  to  the  States- 

General,  upon  the  information  of  the  West  India  Companj',  that  onr-  of  their  ships,  the  EtndragI, 
coming  from  New  Netherland,  had  been  arrested  by  the  English  Oovernnient  at  Plymouth,  Ac,  Ac,         46 

7.  Resolution  of  the  Sttttes-Goneral  to  write  to  thi'ir  Ambassador  at  London,  thereupon, 40 

7.  Letter  of  the  States-General  to  Mejurs.  Joaohimi  and  Uiasacr,  their  Ambassador  ar.d  Deputy  at  London, 

about  the  arrest  of  the  Kendmgl, 49 

10.  Letter  of  Messrs.  Joachimi  anil  Brasser,  to  the  States  General,  with  an  account  of  their  interview  with 

the  King,  about  the  EemWatjl,  ,le 4" 

6.  Loiter  of    the  West  India  Company,  to  the  States-General,  about  the  affair  of  the  Eendragt,  with  a 

deduction  of  tlieir  title  to  New  Netherland,  Ac,  Ao 60 

6.  Resolution  of  the  States-General   to  write  to  their  Ambassador,  Ac,  at  London,  and  to  send  a  copy  of 

the  above  letter,  Ac,  to  them 62 

6.  Letter  of  the  States-General  to  their  Ambassador,  Ac,  at  London,  thereupon 53 

23.  Letter  of  Messrs.  Joachimi  and  Urasser,  Ambassador,  Ac,  at  London,  to  the  States-General, 68 

27.  Memorial  nf  the  Ambassadors  of  the  Statet  (ienerul  to  King  Charles  1.,  among  other  matter^  respecting 

8.  the  arrest  of  the  Etudragi,  and  stating  the  purchose  if  the  Island  of  Manhattan  from  the  Indians,  by 

the  Dutch,  Ac 58 

Answer  of  the  English  (Jovernment  to  the  remonstrances  preceuted  to  the  King  by  the  Ambassador  and 
Deputy  of  the  SutesGeneral,  in  April,  1632  (in  which,  among  other  things,  the  Dutch  claim  to  New 

Netherland  is  dtni.d,  Ao  ) 61 

27.  Letter  of  Messrs.  Jonchimi  and  llrasser,  to  the  Slates-General,  communicating,  am  jng  other  things,  that 
the  Lord  High  Treasurer  had  agreed  to  release  the  h'tmiragi,  with  a  proviso,  saving  any  prejudice 
to  Ilia  Majesty's  righta,  Ac,   60 

23.  Extract  fiotn  the  Pointen  van  Htuchrgting,  for  ths  meeting  of  the  Weat  India  Company  on  the  lirat 

of  April,  l(!;i3 61 

in.  Resolution  of  the  States  of  llullund,  U|>on  the  subject  of  the  trade  of  the  East  and  West  India  Compa- 
nies, Ac,  Ac. CI 

10.  Remonstrance  of  the  We<t  India  Company  to  the  States  of  llolliud,  against  a  peace  with  Spain,  eon- 

tainiiig  a  general  account  of  the  cnmmercial  concerns  of  the  Company 63 

IS.  Extract  from  the  Poinirn  van  Hfuhri/iiing,  for  the  meeting  of  the  West  Imlia  Company  this  day tig 

13.   Ilesolulinn  of  tin-  Stales  (ioiicral,  appointing  a  enmruiltee  to  hear  ami  examine  the  matters  in  difference 

between  the  West  India  Ciimpany  and  tlie  Palroniiii,  Ac,  i'{  the  colonies  in   Ni'W  Netherland fi» 

13.  letter  of  the  States! ieneral  In  the  Atnstirdnm  I'liamlior  of  the  West  Inilia  Cimipany  on  the  foregoing 

iuhjcot, nt» 

IH.  Letter  of  the  States-General  to  the  I'atroons  of  New  Netherland,  on  the  foregoing  matter 70 

aa,  Ucsnliilion  of  the  Slal.'s  (i.niral.  refiM-ring  a  letter  In. m  the  Wist  liidi:»  Company,  asking  for  a  delay, 

Ac,  to  the  eomiiiittee  eppnintid  on  the  sol  j.el  of  the  diffpre  iices,  Ac  , 70 

10.  Further  resolution  of  the  Slali's-Gein-ral  upon  llie  foregning  matler 70 

10.  l.etter  of  the  Slaltntienfral  to  the  I'ntroons  of  New  Netherland  Ihi-teupon 71 

1(1.  Lett,  r  of  the  Slates  (ieneral  t"  the  Amsterdam  Cliiind)erof  the  West  India  Company  thereupon 71 

87.  Letter  of  Mr  .loaeliimi,  the  Unleh  Ambassador  at  London,  to  the  States  (lepieral,  nsp.eling  a  complaint 
iif  •lime  Kiiulisli  iiii'ii'liaiilit  ii^^nliiiil  ilit-  utliirin  <<f  thi'  lluti'h  W.st  India  ConipuH),  in  New  Nethir 

bind,  for  interrupting  tloir  tnt.le  theri-,  and  causing  lliein  duinagc,  iVe. 71 


CONTENTS. 

Iv 

1633. 
Nov.         1-7.  Various  depositions  of  the  sailors,  Ac    bclonoinrr  in  u,»  p„  r  i.    i  •  .  P*"*- 

,.„      ..u„. .,  .„.  „,... .  „,.  ;.„„ .;  riLvraX»;T;'.rs;,,rT "- '"'-'  ,. 
"■•   "■  "X-it  !"rr:':  "'"""■  "•  '•"-  -  "■• '---"  — ^  -■■ «» .-... 

""•  '"'^r.rrr.:;:;:"r;r:i;;::;r-'»-  " 

,.,„  „  „  ■; "•'"•■■; - «;Hrjrr;4;:rr..;.  rt"  -  '"• "- ""-  "-— 

....   .,  .j:^7;,'T';r'^^^^-^^"-^^^^^- """  " ""'  '"*•  .. 

Company.  '^'^  Netherland.    to  lUe  answer  of  the  West  India 

..nioable  settlen,en,.  A-c       '        "  """  ''^■'''  '"  "'"  '"  """'''''  ""^  »""•'-»  to  come  to  an 

to  the  ,,ues,i„„  of  the  .limcultie,  with  the  in^sh  i    LTn  .'i      r    '"  '"''"'""  '"  "  '"'"'''i'  ^"^ 

e...ti:;:i:Mht'^;;L  "L^::';s:rr:^,r :":'"'^'^^rr-  ""••"  '^^ -^--^^hV.im:  " 

thereto.  fro,„fi„tdi.oov,.rv,,,uri'sei  "^  a  deJuctiou  of  their  ri«hl.  and  ,i„e 

"'""'  ^"-  "i;:rrt:r::i'c';::Xhitr^  '' 

under  the  West  India  Con.pan;.  ZHHT!!^!:.   .  !'.T.' !T!!^''''  *"'  '"  ''"  ''"'"'"'"'"'• 

Ma.   ..  Kuraot  irom  the  p, ,.,.  ,.„,^,„^ ,,  „.„  -etin^'^i^ui^  wi/j^;;;;;:;,;;.;:;,!;," ^ 

October        «.  Ue,„,u,i.,„  „f  i,„  Htato,.0..,.eral    r,  "ri 7,  1    it        '     "'"       "':"'"■  "'•■"'"'"" •«' 

October        6.  L„tter  of  the  Ht.te,.(Jen«r.l  to  ,1  1, '  'T"':  "'     "'*'  ""■'■  """"■  """••"• '"  '""-'-'  J«>« 101 

October      ,0.  Resolution  of  the  Itate    ,"„  "  .'        '"'  ''"'"''"'"•"  '' '"  "" -"I-" o 

I.. of  Mr,  val  nlS:;:        '  '"  '"^  '"''^•■'  '"™--'  '^ '"«  ^^-  "■"-  Co„„ ,  in  [L 

w.b.r..  -- r^;;^  u.  .w,. ..  --..:..'.;-ti«;;:eu^;/.;:w:;t  i^ii; c^n,;.^,--^,  '«» 

1687.  

**' 1  An 

A|.r,l  30.   Letter  of  ,he  S,«le,  (iener.I  to  the  XI.X.  ot  li  W«t  in  Vl.  r ;••••; '"« 

Se,,tc.»bor    1  Iio,„luti»n  of  the  Slatosdenoral  .....  ,     ■         r    ■  '""'""^  "'"'"'  "'■"•'•K<'"'«  <>ff«>ir^  Ac 108 

NethcrUnd.  in  pU;:  „"  wl;';'::;::;,':;'';:  ."''""-■-"  -^  "^i"'-  Kiert  .s  ..rector  ,„  N.W 

January      1».  K.traet  frn,„  tlie  Points,  „.,  iWAr««..»    f  .  .i. 

January.  ,038 "   .    '".'^"f].  """"*  "'  "*"    *"'  «"-li«  Company  on   »8th 

108 


ii 


Ivi 


CONTENTS. 


less. 

April  IS. 


April 

April 

April 
Jan* 
Jon* 


11. 

86. 

80. 
14. 
21. 


Auguit       30. 
August       30. 


September   2. 
September   B, 

1A39. 
January      28. 
JkDuary     17. 


U»T 


13. 


1640. 
Miroh         13. 


Mar 


81. 


Jul/ 

IB. 

Mr 

IB. 

ib«i. 

February 

6. 

February 

6. 

1642. 

March 

12, 

May 

21. 

Joljr 

July 
Au;{UKt 
AuguU 
Auguat 


81 


AuKUiit  21. 
Bopteniber  It. 
October  17. 
Oatobar     St. 


Paoi. 

Geaolution  of  tbe  Statee-Geoeral,  that  from  tliis  day  forward  all  the  resolutione,  letters,  do,,  conoeroiog 

the  East  anU  West  India  Companies,  shall  be  kept  and  registered  in  separate  books,  &e,, 105 

Kesolution  of  the  States-General,  referring  the  memorial  of  certain  participants  in  the  West  India  Com- 
pany, respecting  the  plantiig  of  colonies  in  New  Netherland,  to  their  Deputies  to  the  meeting  of  tha 
Xi:C,  Ac, 106 

Resolution  of  the  States  General,  instructing  their  Oep  ities  to  the  meeting  of  the  XIX.  to  endearor  to 
hare  proper  church  discipline  introduced  into  Brazil,  and  also  to  induce  colonization  to  New 
Netherland ;  the  States  undertaking  that  they  shall  not  be  dispossessed  by  any  foreign  power,  dee.,  ie.,       106 

Re[)ort  to  theStates-General  in  answer  to  questions  proposed  by  their  High  Mighiinessts  concerning  tha 

state  of  the  Colony  of  New  Netherland  in  the  year  1638, 106 

Letter  of  Mr.  Joacbimi,  the  Ambassador  at  London,  to  the  States-Qeneral  about  the  English  oomplaiota 

concerning  New  Netherland,  <&c.,  dated  24th  May, 108 

Extract  from  the  Poinlen  tan  Bethryiifig,  for  the  meeting  of  the  West  India  Company  on  Stb  July, 

1638, no 

Articles  and  conditions  for  the  trade  to  New  Netherland,  tic.,  proposed  by  Mr.  de  Laet, 110 

Resolution  of  tbe  State8-Qe<<eral,  referring  to  a  committee  certain  Articles  and  conditions,  under 
which  trade  to  New  Netherland  may  be  carried  on,  proposed  by  Mr.  John  de  Laet,  for  the  approba- 
tion of  their  liigh  Mightinesses, 114 

ResolutI'        f  the  States-General  upon  the  report  of  the  committee  charged  to  examine  the  foregoing 

con.        lis,  die 116 

Extract  from  the  Pointm  van  BtMhryving,  for  the  meeting  of  tbe  West  India  Company  on  the  27  th 

September 116 

Resolution  of  the  States-Qeneral  to  pay  to  Killaen  van  Rensselaer  his  expenses  of  coming  to  the  Hague,  116 
Letter  of  the  Enckhuysen  Chamber  uf  the  West  I  jdia  Company  to  the  States-General,  in  answer  to  tha 

complaints  of  the  Swedish  Minister  about  the  arrest  of  a  ship  coming  from  tbe  West  Indies, 1  IS 

Resoluliuri  of  the  States-General,  referring  the  further  memorial  of  Lubbert  ran  Dinolageu  to  their 

Deputies  to  the  meeting  of  the  XIX. 117 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  instructing  their  Deputies  to  the  XIX  to  exert  themselTea,  in  order 

that  the  inhabitanta  of  New  Netherland  may  be  put  in  the  best  condition,  die 117 

Reaolution  of  the  States-General,  instructing  their  Deputies  to  the  XIX  to  press  for  free  access  to  New 
Netherland,  in  behalf  of  the  Count  of  Solms  and  others  who  are  prepared  to  plant  ooluniaa 
there,  Ac, US 

Resolution  of  the  Slates  General,  on  a  draft  of  Freedoms  and  Exemptions  for  Patroons,  Aa.,  in  New 

Netherland,  &<: US 

Draft  of  Freedoms  and  Exemptions  for  all  Patroons,  masters  or  private  person^  who  may  plant  any 

colonies,  die,  in  Now  Netherland,  die 119 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  giring  to  Killaen  van  Reosaelasr  xtniam  UUandi,  for  his  property  in 

New  Netherland 18* 

Grant  of  tli*  States-General   to  Killaen  van  Ranaselacr  of  a  right  to  dispose  of  bis  property  in  New 

Netherland  by  last  will  and  testamsut, IH 

Extract  of  a  report  made  to  the  States-General,  of  the  proceedings  of  the  XI.V.  for  the  year  1642, 126 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,   referrim;  the  further  memorial  of  Lubbert  van  Dinclagen  to  the 

Deputies  to  the  XIX.,  in  order  that  the  orresrsgee  due  to  him  may  be  settled,  Ao 126 

Letter  of  Mr.  Joachini,  the  Dutch  Anihiissadur  at  Lonilun,  to  the  States-General,  about  tha  eomplainta 

of  the  New  England  people  against  the  Dutch  of  New  Netherland,  Ac.,    « ....•  IIT 

Letter  of  Lord  Say  and  Scale,  conporning  the  intrusion  of  tbe  Dutch  Into  New  England,  4o 116 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  to  send  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  letter  to  the  West  India  Company,  ...  12B 

Latter  of  the  SlaUs-Oenoral  to  the  Directors  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  tha  West  India  Company, .  128 
LctUr  of  Mr.  Joacbimi,   Ambassador  at  London,   to  the  SUtes-Oeneral,    about  tbe    New    Kjigland 

complaints,  Ac,  .    '•• 

Extract  from  the  Poinltn,  Ac,  for  the  meeting  of  the  West  India  Company.  September  18,  1642 181 

Letter  of  Mr.  Joaehimi,  Ambassador,  Ac,  to  tha  SUtas-Ueneral,  about  Naw  England,  Ao. 181 

Letter  of  aame  to  the  States-General,  about  New  England,  Ao "♦ 

Resolution  of  the  SUtaa-Ganeral,  upon  tha  racaipt  of  the  foregoing  letter,  to  look  into  the  RetroaoU, . .  186 


CONTENTS. 
1648.  Ivii 

July  28-  Resolution  of  the  St»te8.L.r„rnrr^,'*''''°'''"^"™P»"y.J''ly^  

A..gu,t       20.  Lettcrof  'he  St„tes-(Wal  to  the"  .VetingV/ ;h;' xVy  '  of"  Vhe' w  ' '  V  V- ^ 

NovemlMrat     ..oruli..nofll,ea..(..p.„      /" '"•^""^'"P»"r.  m  SepUmbar. 

.>«.-.- ...  «»,„„„  „  .:.s;r;. :;  cr;r::?r"'  ■-"•  ■^'•"'■"'.  •.xrrr,:::::;-   ; 

April  21.  Lett,.rof  the8tat.,.(3„,„„,  toth,  XIX    of  ,ho  We.»   r    r     n     '" 

J«ly  12.  Ro,,..rt  to  the  Sftes-Uencr,!,  I'r  tW  n:;utVe;\:  VhV'xl"'c'"„;  V,'' " '  -^  •.• l" 

ll.e  lath  OctoUr,  1645 .......  ""''"•'""•8.  from  the  Mlh  „f  8.,.teml„r  to 

188 

n 


,f 


Iviii 


CONTENTS. 


v'i 
1 


1646. 
May 

July 

July 

July 

July 
July 
July 

July 
July 

July 
July 

July 
1647. 

1648. 
January 

January 


1644 

Juno 

1643. 
October 


February 
March  27, 


IMS. 

January 
February 

1647. 
June 
June 

1644. 
Otwber 

1617. 
July 

1648. 
January 
January 


26.  Letter  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  States-General,  about  a  ship 

confiscated  in  New  Ncthcrland  by  the  Director  and  Council  there 173 

13.  Letter  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  Stales-General,  asliing  tlicir  High  Mightinesses  to  ratify  the 

oommissioD  for  Mr,  I'eter  3tuy vesant,  as  Director  in  New  Ncthcrland, 176 

13.  Resolution  of  the  States-General  thereupon,  that  before  taking  any  action  lliey  must  be  informed  what 

disposition  the  Company  has  made  of  the  complaints  from  New  Netherland,  Ac,  Ac, 176 

24.  Letter  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  States-General,  again  asking  that  Mr.  Sluyvesant's  commisaion 

may  bo  expedited, 175 

24.  Resolution  of  the  States-General,  further  postponing  a  decision  thereupon 176 

26.  Letter  of  the  West  India  Company,   again  praying  that  Mr.  Sluyvesant's  commission  be  expedited,  itc,  176 
26.  Resolution  of  the  States-General,  that  the  West  India  Company  send  to  their  High  Mightiuesaes  an 

authentic  copy  of  Mr.  Stujvesant's  instructions 177 

28.  Resolution  of  the  States-General,  ratifying  and  approving  Mr.  Sluyvesant's  commission,  &<•., 177 

28.  Minute  of  the  appearance  of  Peter  Stuyvesant,  Director  of  New  Netherland,  Ac,  before  the  States- 
General,  and  of  his  taking  the  oatb,  Ac,  Ac, 177 

28.  Comniisaiou  of  Mr.  Peter  Stuyvesant  as  Director-General  of  New  Netherland,  Ac,  Ac 178 

28.  M.nute  of  the  appearance  before  the  Slates-General  of  Lubbertus  van  Dinclagen,  Deputy  and  First 

Councillor  to  the  Director  in  New  Netherland,  and  of  bis  taking  the  oath,  Ac. 179 

28.  Record  of  tlie  oath  of  Lubbertus  van  Dinclagen  before  their  Uigh  Miglitinesses,  Ac 179 

Short  account  of  N«w;Netherland,  .rom  the  year  1041  to  the  year  1 040 179 

7.  Resolution  of  the  States-General,  referring  a  loiter  of  Peter  Stuyvesant  to  their  High  Mightinesses, 

dated  October  6,  1047,  to  their  Comniilleo  on  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  Ac 188 

11.  Resolution  of  the   States-Generul,  referring  the  memorial  of  Joclicm  Pietersen  Cuyter  and  Cornells 

Melyn,  with  the  appendices,  to  their  Conmiitteo  ou  tiie  alfairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  Ac 188 

Papers  concerning  the  situation  of  atfaira  in  New  Netiicrland,  and  the  proceedings  against  Coruelis 

Melyn  and  his  adherents,  marked  letter  A.  to  letter  U.,  viz : l&li 

21.  Excise  Laws  of  New  Netherland,  1644, 188 

24.  Letter  of  the  Eiijht  Men  at  the  Manhattans  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX., 1 00 

Resolution  adopted  by  the  commonalty  of  the  .Munlmltiins,    I'Jl 

Certificate  of  the  election  of  the  aiorcsaid  Ki<,'hl  Men 192 

Petition  of  Maryn  Adriuenseu  and  others,  for  i^ave  to  attack  the  Indians 193 

26.  Commission  to  Maryn  Adriacnsen  to  attack  the  Indians  at  Corlaers  Hook 194 

,  28.  Sundry  deposilious  rcspeoliug  conversations  witli  Director  Kiei'l, 194 

Interrogatories  to  be  proposed  to  Fiscal  II<M\drifk  van  Dyck 195 

Interrogatories  to  be  proposod  to  Dr.  Johannes  il.:  In  Montaigne '. . .    197 

Interrogatories  to  bo  proposed  to  Cornelis  van  Tieuhoven 198 

Interrogalorios  to  be  proposed  to  the  Hcvcrend  Kverardus  liogardus, 200 

21.  Petition  of  the  Twelve  Men  at  the  .Manhattans,  and  answer  thereto, 201 

8.  Order  dissolving  the  Board  of  Twelve  Men, 203 

8.  Letter  of  William  Kieft  to  Director  Sluyvcsimt,  complaining  of  Jochcm  P.  Cuyter  and  Cornells  Melyn,  203 

22.  Letter  of  Jochem  P.  Cuyter  and  Cornelia  Melyn  to  Director  Stuyvesant,  in  answer  to  Kieft'a  charge, . .  206 

28.  LtUer  of  the  Eight  Men  of  the  Manhattans  to  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company, 

describing  the  aad  condition  of  Now  Netherland  and  complaining  of  Director  Kieft 209 

26.  Judgment  of  Director  Stuyvesant,  banishing  Joohem  Pietersen  Cuyter  from  New  Netherland 213 

18.  Resolution  of  the  States-General  upon  the  proposition  to  throw  open  the  trade  to  New  Nrlhcrlnnd,  Ac,  214 
20.  Resolution  of  the  States-Genenil  that  the  iuhiibitiints  of  New  .Notlieiland  miiy  ship  their  produce  to 

lirazil,  Angola,  Ac 215 


CONTENTS. 
1648.  liz 

^^^:^:^zz::£:;:::^;x■:::::^'^-'^'•'■^->^ '7. 

Februfliy    10.  Minute  concerning  the  Lulation  of  ..     !   T    .       '""  ^"'"P''"^  ""^  ^'«^  Netherland,  Ac  o,< 

Feb™..,  ,3.Gene.,.poH„Aheco2t  :  t?^;^^^^^^^^^^  ...:;:;:::: 

and  the  means  of  putting  them  on  ^b^t^  WW  l"'""  .  "  ''^'''''  "'  '"^  '^««'  ^■"'"'  Company. 
««>"e. «  *"'^^'  ^"o'"'S-  Ac,  with  extract,  of  paper,  accompanying  the 

Apnl  9.  R«»"l"tionoftheState8.Gener8l.refenw'tho'f,!,.h '■', 218 

sentence,  pronounced  against  tifem  by  DircTor  Sh,         "r"";'"'""^  ''"'  ""   interdiction  of  the 
Apnl          28.  Letter  „f  the  States-General  to  the  Direl.      t   ^L"^"''""'  ""<^  Council,  on  the  26th  of  July.  1647        249 
April  28.  Mandamus  in  Case  of  AnnLl         r       ^  "^  Netherland  thereupon ^'        ^'       1*1 

theDircetorr;CotENe:T.r.rL^'  Stf^tt '^""^''^  ^^'^"- "--'""-«-- ;;      '" 
April  30.  Resolution  of  the  States  G,n»«i  .""'"'• '"'^'""'•'bitory  clause,  Ae. 

•^    .. ..„.,....., tt;'io:s  ;T:r.^r.;i°''''AnT'"'— •--■:••■:":■.■.■■:■■:: 

».~u„ ..  urr.K- 'r  •,""■'  ■•'•'"■■"'-•  -^^^^^  r„:  t.?:*"-  -  -* "  "■•  »•••'  -''• 
;;"  "■  ""r::':,X-;:r .,r;:^ --.r-'- "■*'--- "«»ln..;i:,; '" 

April  26.  Proe,...,lings  „f  the  Stat,.,.Genoral    n  Z  ^"'"  "f  <'""'l''"'-"ng  of  Stuyvos«n^  Ac .  /  „.. 

Wiely  and  Wouter  van  xl  ,        :  a      „ n  'Jf  I  h  ?'""„  ""7""'^"  ""^  "'''"  "«-"  ^»"-  -u 

HeXmboraO     C    e   r-     r^^  "« 

October        9    lU       ,  '""7"'"'«»  "f "'"  «t«te,.Ge„er«l  in  the  above  case    2fi7 

Uctoher        9.  """olution  oftheStates-Oeneral  upon  a  letter  of  r>ln,« m 

,;-  :;~r:si;;;xs:::rr  ""-••-"--"'--         '" 

820 


iMfiidaiMitiiii^s^ 


1649. 
KoTemb«r   fi, 
November  13. 


Anguat 


10. 


Norember  26, 
December    2, 

December  13. 


December  13. 
December  IS, 

July  26. 

December  13. 

December  13. 

December  16. 


1660. 
January     2?. 

January     S). 


February     7. 

February     7. 
February     8. 


1847. 
July 

1648. 
May 
Uay 

May 

1649. 
January 

March 


25. 


6. 
19. 


22. 


July 

29. 

August 

1. 

Miircli 

16. 

March 

16. 

March 

16. 

March 

iX 

March 

23. 

CONTENTS. 

_  Pab» 

Further  resolution  of  the  States-General  in  the  aboTe  caw, jjo 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  referring  to  the  XIX.  of  the  West  India  Company  the  further  memo- 
rial of  the  guardians  of  John  van  Renseelner,  Ac,  Ac, 32O 

Letter  of  Peter  Stuyvesant  to  the  States-General,  in  answer  to  their  High  Mighliuesses'  letter  of  April 

28,  1648,  concerning  the  case  of  Melyn,  <to. 921 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  referi  ing  the  foregoing  letter 324 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  upon  a  petition  of  Cornelis  van  Tienhoven,  Secretary  of  New  Netlier- 

land,  as  attorney  for  the  Director  and  Council  there,  respecting  an  appeal  (Melyn's), 324 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  referring  a  further  petition  of  the  guardians  of  Van  Rensselaer,  Ac., . .       326 
Answer  of  Cornelis  van  Tienhoven,  Secretary  of  New  Netherland,  Ac,  to'the  appeal  of  Cornelis  Meljn 

from  the  sentence  of  tne  Director  and  Council  there,  Ae.,  Ac 326 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  referring  the  above  memorial,  Ac 328 

Memorial  to  the  States-General,  of  Joost  Tennissen,  of  New  Netherland,  baker,  complaining  of  the  con- 
duct of  Director  Stuyvesant,  (with) „„. 

Petition  of  Joo. I,  T  uni  sen  to  Peter  Stuyvesant,  Director  of  New  Netherland,  Ac ..".'.'.'.       326 

Memorial  to  the  States-General,  of  Sibont  Claeasen,  of  New  Netherland,  house  carpjnte't,  complaining  of 

StuyvesRnt's  conduct,  Ac 000 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  referring  the  above  memorials  (with  another  from  Augustin  Heman) 

to  their  High  Mightinesses'  committee,  to  examine  the  same  and  report  thereon, 330 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  referring  two  bags  of  papers,  in  the  case  of  Blommaert  nnd  DeV.aet, 
against  Wioly  and  Van  Twiller,  guardians  of  Van  Rensselaer,  to  the  Provincial  Court  of  Holland, 

Ac.,  to  prono'iroe  sentence,  Ac '       „„« 

Memorandum  of  things  necessary  to  be  done  for  New  Netherland, , .'.'!!.*...*       331 

Abstract,  by  the  West  India  Company,  of  the  Remonstrance  from  New  Netherland ...."..*."."."       331 

A  short  digest  of  the  excessive  and  very  prejudicial  neglect  that  New  Netherland  has  experienced  since 

It  has  been  under  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company.  Ac. 332 

Answer  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  several  points  contained  in  the  Abstract  of  the  Remon'- 
strancefrom  New  Netherland.  (Note.-The  original  of  this  document  is  in  the  handwriting  of 
Cornelis  van  Tienhoven  ) 

Petition  of  the  Delegates  from  New  Netherland  to  the  States-General,  praying  dispatch  in  the  KdreVa 
of  their  grievances,  Ac. 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  referring  the  foregoing  petition,  Ac 347 

Memorial  of  Cornelis  Melyn,  Patroon  on  Staten  Island,  to  the  States-General,  complaining  of  Director 
L,..  vvesanfs  irreverent  neglect  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  mandamus,  Ac,  with  the  following 
P''I"='*= U6 

Sentence  pronounced  by  Director  Stuyvesant  on  Cornelis  Melyn 349 

Authority  to  serve  the  mandamus  on  Director  Stuyvesant.  Ac. ; 351 

Letter  of  the  Prince  if  Orange  to  Director  Stuyvesant,  admonishing  bim  not  to  molest  J.  iV  Cnyter  and 
Cornelis  Melyn 

Receipt  from  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company,  of  a  sealed  letUr  from  the  Statei- 
Geueral 

8sa 

Cornelis  van  Tienhoven'e  certificate  that  Mr.  Melyn  had  delivered  to  Director  Stuyvesant  certain  letters 

from  the  States-General  and  the  Prince  of  Orange j.o 

Certificate  of  the  service  of  the  Slates-General  niandamu,  on  Director  Stuyvesant  i'n'th'e"  church,"  in 

presence  of  the  commonalty -  . 

Cornells  Melyn  s  "  u,„e.pectful  protest"  handed  to  Mde  Stuyvesant,  353 

Director  Stuyvesant's  answer  to  Cornelis  Melyn's  disrespectful  protest, ".'...."".'.! 354 

Return   of    service   made   of  tl..ur  High    Mightinesses'   n.andamus    on   ViceDirector   Lubbert  "van 

DinclagK,  and  bis  answer, 

Return  of  service  of  the  mandamus  on  the  members  of  the  Council  and  "«lhe"r^  and  their  auiwers,' '.'.'.'.  S58 

Return  of  service  of  the  mandamus  on  Fisenl  van  Dyck,  nnd  his  answer, 358 

Return  of  service  of  the  mandamus  on  Secretary  van  Tienhoven,  and  his  answer,  . .' .' .' ." ." .... '. ' ." . .' ' .' '.  367 

Return  of  service  of  the  man  Jamu.  on  Jan  Jansen  Damon,  and  his  aiuwer, .....'.  til 


CONTENTS. 


1G49. 
August 


10.  Declaration  of  Vic 


Dece^beMa  Declaration  of  Wi,,i,..„.„,Hc..;:u:,Y:;,:ti„;a;;;^^^^       


1650. 


1  Statcn  Island,. 


K.::^  i  s^^r:::^^^-^^;--?.—.-.... 


March 


Plan 

Ne 


van  Tienhoven  to  the  oon..„ittee\;:;:^:z.^:i::  '^''^"""''  ^"'"'"^'^  '^  «e;;;u;;c;;;;;i; 

sub,n,ttedb,  the  Deputies  of  the  West  India  Con>;L7 

3W  Netherland.     (Tl.eonlnnal  of  tl,i.  .1„„..„...  :.  f     f 


•H,.., .,  .„,.  ,„,„„. ,  i.  .;,.':.rs.rv.t  srT"™ " 


March 


March 


Schedule  of  public  charges  in  Ne.  England;  '  b.itted  by "se^relar;" 
occupation  of  land  in  New  NetheriandVor'coIonies 


Tan  Tienhoven  to  the  committee 


of  the  States-General, 
4.  Information  on  th( 

mittcd  by  Secretary  Tienhoven  to  uie'  c'ommU.TroVZ  sTates  r""'  "I  ''""*'  '""'""'"'^  *<^'  '"''• 

7.  Observations  on  the  duties  exacted  by  the  West  I„!lL  P     ^'"''"-^ «"«'■''' 

land,  and  whether  it  is  best  to  continue  tl  e  s     '    Ac      'T'"'-  I'T  ^°''''  '""'"''  ">  """^  Aether. 
March        , .    P  .■""""'  ''  ""•  ^^''"'-  f™-  '^-^  NethcHa^d  '  '"'""'"'"'  '"  "'^  ^"""'""-  "'  '^^  States- 

cate  of  Willian.  Thou.asL,  m,,ter  of  th    s    ^  r     T^         "  '''''  Netherland,  Ac.  with  a  certifi 

12.  Resolution  of  the  St„tes.Ge„e;al  on  tl^e  re,  or    oft:;""' """' 

the  West  In,lia  Company.  New  NetherTa';::,  Ve   1"  "°"""""'-'*  "P""  ''"'  '"l-J-'  <>'  th,  affairs  of 

19.  Contract  between  the  \V,>»t  I,,^:™  ri  

200  persons  to  .W  rtlL^Hld.Tc'""""'  ""'  ""'  ''''  '"'-'■  ""^  °'''«-  ^"  ^he  tr-an'sporUt;;:  'oi 

23.  R''8oIution  of  the  States-General  thereupon       

24.  Resolution  of  the  States  of  Holland  «n<l    \V  V,' w  ■  '  \"  1 

land,  Ac .....".  ^^'^l-'d  reBpecting  the  Delegates  from  New  Nether- 

14.  Letter  of 


]xi 

PikQC 

368 
368 

369 

369 

862 

364 


March 

March 

March 

March 

March 
March 


March 

March 
April 


36J 

372 

376 
377 
378 

379 
880 

380 
381 


s    T'^rrr^''^^''"''"'''"''^^''^''^'-"^^^^      •  ««2 

aU    Ik:::!;::;::;;;::;;:;:-:::-^^^  - 

Ketherland "'''""  ^"'^  '""  ^^''^I'-yne  to  practice  as  Notary  public  in  New 

transport  of  J^^^ ^'"''  '"""  "'^  '>-'-  "^  '"«  '>^Tuties  from  New  Netherland  abVuV  'the      ''* 

l^ecen.ber  13.  Protest  „    vice   V     ':  '"  '''"""-""  "'  ^'«*  N^""-"'""'' •    •  •    ''" 

van  Tienhoven  be  Z^:^^^::^^;^::  "'""'  ''""''•"^'"^^"''  ^-""^'"^ ' '>«' Secret^;;  ""' 

898 


It 

ft 

if 


bdi 


CONTENTS. 


1680. 
April 
April 

April 


July 


12, 


April 

12. 

April 

12. 

April 

12. 

April 

14. 

May 

13. 

May 

24. 

June 

8. 

Jane 

14. 

Juno 

30. 

Juno 

30. 

July 

1. 

July 

21. 

21, 


July  2G. 

IdJI. 

August  29. 

1642. 

January  21. 

1B43. 

February  25. 

February  21. 

1650. 

August  9. 

August  9. 

Auj;u»t  11. 

October  15. 
September  13. 
Isovi-Miber  1ft. 

November  29. 


1651. 

Januory  1 4. 

January  14. 

February      7. 

March  14. 


Paob. 

Resolution  of  the  Stutcs-Gcneral  upon  the  proposeil  provisional  artieles,  dtc 396 

Resolution  of  the  Stiites-Ocnernl,  nutliorizing  the  sending,  Ac.,  of  nrnis  nnd  ammunition  to  New  Nether- 

land,  to  be  distributed  under  the  direction  of  tlie  govcrnuient  there 307 

Memorial  of  the  Delegates  from  New  Netherhmd  to  the  Statcs-Gcneial  respecting  the  h' utilities  carried 

on  by  the  Spaniards,  notwithstanding  Uie  pence,  (with) 307 

Deposition  of  Willielm  Noble,  respectinj,'  the  Spaniards,  &e.,  &o 398 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  to  write  to  Director  Stuy  vesant  to  ,  'iblish  the  treaty  of  pence  (of  West- 
phalia) in  New  Netherland,  Ac 309 

Letter  of  the  States-General  to  Director  Stuy  vesant  thereupon 809 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  referring  the  draft  of  the  provisional  order  for  the  government,  itc, 

of  New  Netherland,  to  their  committee,  Ac,  Ac. 400 

Extract  of  the  Points,  upon  which  the  committee  of  the  States-General  were  charged  to  report, 400 

Draft  pf  Freedoms  and  Exemptions,  proposed  by  the  West  India  Company  for  tlie  approval  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  States-General, 401 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  upon  the  receipt  of  a  letter  from  the  Provincial  Court  of  Holland,  Ac, 

in  the  case  of  Blommaert  et  nl.  vs.  the  guardians  of  Van  Rensselaer 408 

Resolution  of  the  StntcsGcneral,  approving,  Ac,  the  sentence  (which  is  inserted  at  length)  of  the 
Court  cf  Holland,  in  the  case  of  Samuel  lilommaort  et  al.  vs.  Wouter  vanTwiller  e'  al.,  executors 
of  the     .te  Kiliaen  van  Rensselaer, 406 

Resuiution  of  the  States-General  to  grant  to  Cornelis  Melyn  a  passport,  or  safe  conduct,  for  his  return 

to  New  Netherland,  Ac, 407 

Lette-  of  protection  of  the  Stateo-General  in  favor  of  Cornelis  Melyn,  who  is  about  to  return  to  New 

Netherland, 408 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  approving  the  draft  of  the  foregoing 409 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  instructing  their  committee  upon  the  affairs  of  the  West  India 
Company  to  examine  Cornelis  van  Tieuhoven,  nnw  at  the  Hague,  upon  certain  (luints  respecting 
matters  in  New  Netherland,  Ac, 409 

luterrogatoi  iea  upon  which  the  committee  of  the  .States-General  is  to  examine  Secretary  Cornelis  van 

Tienhoven 409 

Extracts  from  the  papers  of  Director  Kieft,  viz : 414 

Proposals  of  Director  Kiefl  to  the  commonalty,  and  the  election,  in  conseijuence,  of  the  Twelve  Men,..       414 

Resolution  of  the  Twelve  Men,  on  a  proposed  expedition  against  the  I.^dians 416 

Commission  to  Mnrvn  Adi  iacnsen  to  attack  the  Indians  at  Corlaer's  Hook 416 

Petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  Long  Island  for  leave  to  attuek  the  Indians,  with  the  answer  thereto,. . .       410 

Report  of  the  Committee  of  the  States-General  on  Melyn's  puj.ers, ' 417 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  upon  the  f!)regoing  report,  Ac 418 

Letter  of  Director  Stnyvcsant  to  the  States-General 418 

Resolution  of  the  States-G  nernl  thereupon, 420 

Letter  of  th>  Selectmen  of  iScw  Amsterdam  to  the  Stales-Genera], 420 

Resolution  of  the  States  Genenl,  refe'.ring  the  foregoing  letter,  and  one  fri>ni  Adri;ien  van  der  Donek, 

l;o  their  comtiiittcc,  Ac 421 

Secretary  van  Tienhoven's  answer  to  the  Remonstrance  from  New  .V  therland 422 

Extract  of  the  observations  by  the  committee  of  the  Stockholders  of  the  West  India  Company,  respect- 
ing the  affairs  in  New  Netherland,  Ac, 432 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  referring  a  memorial  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  Delegate  fiom  New 

Netherland 433 

Resol'.'HiT.  :;f  *hs  Stales-General,  ordering  their  proceedings  about  the  East  and  West  India  Companies 

to  be  continued  to  be  kept  in  separate  registers 433 

Order  of  the  Committee  of  the  Slates-General,  that  Cornelia  van  Tienhoven  do  answer  the  interrogato- 
ries touching  the  origin  of  the  war  with  tlie  Indians, 433 

Remlution  of  the  States  General  to  write  to  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  to 

send  Jan  Claessen  Damen  and  Cornells  van  Tieuhoven  to  the  Uaguo,  Ac 434 


CONTENTS. 
i6fii.  ^ii 

l."ve„  to  ,.t.,n.  to  xVew  NcthorUud,  «„„  a  ^tlat  thev  i '^'Tf  ""' '"  """"  ""^^'"^  ^'"  'T'- 
not  to  rocive  him  on  boar.l  '  ""''"'='  '^^  "P'"'"  "f  "">  ''"P  Wa^.rAon^, 

A^st  ?;;i:;";;t:t;r;?T"'"r^''''"'-"^"^^^^^^^  "'' 

6  "*""""' '""'"S-Genciftl  from  certain  inlmbitnnt- .       ^       i      .     V^  , '^'<^i' 

NovmH     ,,   «     ''^•■'^""■P'-'>''"8  0f'''«-u.luctoftheEn;i;r  "'-'"""^  ofA^'l-d.  trading  to  Virginia. 

s:;:t;2tri:;:Trr"'''""''"''°'"--"'"»"  '" 

K.|...^, ,..  £„„,„„,  „pi...„,„.^j„,„.;,-^; ;;- :v.v«Va,;;,„-i';;.-: <« 

August        IT.  Extract   of  a  letter   fiv,>„  (!,»   c  i     . 

M .att,:,  .  ::  '"■"  ^'^  '^'^^'™'"   ">  ^'^--   ->  <J-  Bonck-condition  of  things  at  the 

September   8.  Extract  of  a  letter  from  Vice-Director'  Dinckl^^JlV.w  U  v'  i  VV 4« 

September  13.  Extract  of  a  letter  from  the  SelectmenX-SoT:^^^^^^^^^^^          •, 445 

July             4.  Kxtraotof  the  journal  kept  by  order    f  tlj  o  n  noVa  tv^T  vT    7' '"'^^^^^ «« 

i..  the  eh,„.ch   belonging  to  the  Selectmen  '^""*''""  appropnate.  to  himself  the  pew 

KUraet  of  a  men.oir  sent  by  Vice  letr  3-1      "    °"  """^  "'«''  «'^""'"--'  .--i-. ....       446 

October        B.  ^^^'ract  of  a  letter  fron.  .a.^b  van  c:  Je  h"    f^^^;^^  t^^^^^^  P-'-. ,,« 

Seotemh     ,.    I     "'"'^  ""'  «<'— ^'"^--n'  «-«  <"  New^     "  ""  ^^■"^■""^— '<"'-  "^  "^a  country 

SeptemhcrI3.  Letter  of  the  Selectmen  of  New  Amsterdam  to  .l,eS  .7.  V- ■"■■■• «« 

public  grievances. "'«  btatCH-Ueneral,  agam  applying  for  redress  of  the 

nize  .hen.  and  for  having  l.Trit  d  U  e,    "f"tT''''''             '""'"  ""'  "'"""''"■  '"'  '^'''-S  '»  --S" 
November  30.  Extract  from  the  journ.l  o^t's?,  ^^ '''''"■ ''''*''''''«  "''"^'h. ^ 

December  ..  Extract  of  a  .o.:^^::^ ^^^llr::";::'::;:  ^  .^'^^  J^  ^''""7  '"  '' ^  ^  ^ "       ^ 

November    8.  Extract  of  «  dechualion  of  Viee  d:.    .  ,,  f '•''"'— ^ ""''««'«  f'eir  conduct, . 

November    3.  Extract  of  a  ..c.^l^Z  i^I^'SlZf r  t^n'  '^  ""1  ""  ''"""'  "'^  "'■" •  •  •  •  • 

even  unto  blood  ^ '"'""''  ^''"■"'^"  "'  Amsterdan.  will  uphold  the  Director. 

•beep  among  wolves, ='^''|-''">'«->l»re  not  prepare  any  more  writings-living  like 

452 


Ixiv 


CONTENTS, 


insi. 

September  19. 
September  20. 

October      II. 

February  28. 

Hay  2. 

September  17. 

1652. 
February  16. 


February 

16. 

February 

23. 

February 

24. 

Marcli 

2. 

Jfarch 

2. 

ilarcb 

8. 

MarcU 

1. 

March 

8. 

March 

8. 

March 

13. 

March 

IB. 

Marcli 

15. 

March 

6. 

April 

13. 

April 

22. 

April 

22. 

April 

20. 

April 


26. 


April 

27, 

April 

27. 

April 

27. 

April 

27. 

April 

27. 

April 

27. 

May 

May 

May 

May 

May 

May 


13. 


13. 
13. 


16. 


24. 


Fao» 

Extract  of  a  Latin  loiter  from  Vice-Director  van  DIncklage — the  older  Stuy  vesant  grows  the  worae  he  gels,  468 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Augustin  Herman — Van  Tienhoven  returned,  and  exposed  by  the  basket- 
maker's   daughter 458 

Extract  of  a  letter  fi-om  Notary  van  Schelluync — continues  to  be  persecuted — protest  from  Fiscal 

van  Dyck, 464 

Extract  of  a  counter  protest  of  Vice-Director  van  Dincklage  against  the  Director  and  Council,  with  a 

few  of  his  charges  against  them 484 

Extract  of  the  declaration  of  Brant  van  Slechteuhorst,  Director  of  the  Colonic  Rensselaerswyok — Vice- 
Director  van  Dincklage  thrust  out  the  Council  and  committed  to  the  guard-house, 458 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Vice-Director  van  Dincklage — waste  of  tne  public  property 467 

Memoir  of  Adriaen  van  dcr  Donck  respecting  the  ancient  boundaries  of  New  Nctherland,  as  first 

occupied  in  1609 ;  the  usurpations  by  the  English  from  time  to  time,  and  what  was  ceded  to  them 

by  Director  Stuy  vesant 467 

News  from  New  England  in  1660, 490 

Letter  of  the  States-General  to  the  different  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company,  about  New  Nether- 

lond — provisional  order,  483 

Letter  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  Stales-General,  in  reply 462 

Kesolution  of  the  States-General  thereupon 463 

Letter  of  the  Dordrecht  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  States-General,  (with) 463 

Observations  of  the  Dordrecht  Chamber  rcipeoting  the  government  of  New  Nctherland,  Ac, 463 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  thereupon, 445 

Letter  of  the  Zealand  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  States-General, 465 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  thereupon 46g 

Letter  of  the  Delft  Chamber  of  the  West  ludia  Company  to  the  States-General, 467 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  thereupon 487 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  upon  the  petition  of  Engletje  Wouters, 467 

Letter  of  the  States-General  to  the  Director  and  Counci!  at  New  Nctherland  thereupon, 468 

Letter  of  the  Groningen  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  States-General 488 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  thereupon 469 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  upon  the  petition  of  John  and  Charles  Gabry,  to  write  to  Stuy  vesant 

in  their  behalf, 46g 

Letter  of  the  States-General  to  Director  Stuy  vesant  thereupon, 489 

Resolution  of  the  States-Geueral  to  grant  to  Adriaen  van  dcr  Donck,  I'utroon  of  Colendonck,  in  New 

Nctherland,  "  veniam  testandi  et  disponendi,"  as  formerly  granted  to  Van  Rensselaer 470 

Patent  to  Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  investing  him  with  a  right  to  make  a  testamentary  disposition  of  his 

property  in  New  Nctherland 470 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  recalling  Director  Peter  Stuy  vesant, 471 

Letter  of  the  States-General  to  Stuy  vesant  thereupon 472 

Letter  of  the  States-General  to  the  West  India  Company  thereupon 47a 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  on  the  petition  of  Jan   van  Buren,  to  write  to  the   Director  and 

Council  in  New  Nctherland  to  sustain  Dirck  van  Schelluync  in  his  profession  as  notary  in  New 

Nctherland, 41^3 

Letter  of  the  States-General  to  Stuy  vesant  thereupon, 473 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  referring  to  their  committee  a  memorial  of  Martin  Beekman  and 

Cornells  Melyn,  complaining  of  Director  Stuy  vesant,  Ac 473 

Memorial  of  Adriaen   van  der  Donck  to  the  committee  of  the  Stales-General,  stating  his  intended 

return  to  New  Nctherland,  Ac,  Ac 473 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  thereupon,  474 

Secret  resolution  of  the  States-Geucral  respecting  the  answer  of  the  Council  of  Slate,  in  England,  to 

the  Ambassadors  of  the  United  Netherlands,  upon  the  36  Articles  of  the  proposed  Treaty 475 

Secret  resolution  of  the  States-General  upon  the  foregoing  matter, 475 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  revoking  their  letter  of  recall  to  .Stuy  vesant,  of  the  27th  of  April  last, 

and  ordering  Van  d>r  Uonek  to  deliver  up  the  same,  Ac, , 475 

Memorial  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck  to  the  Stales-General  respecting  various  matters  connected  with 

his  visit  to  Holland  on  behalf  of  the  cooiiuonalty  ut  New  Netheriaud,  Ac 476 


CONTENTS.  , 

16S2. 
Mi.y  24.  Resolution  of  tlie  StatosQenoral  thereupon  ^*°'- 

M.,  n.  tet^r^ahe  Stat^^ene.,  .  t,.o  ai<^  -{-^ui::^-  ^J^ ;,- - 1 "       *^« 

M«y  28.  I-ettorof  the  AmaterdnmChamberof  tha  wU"rn,i;Vr„.,'l""V    '.""„ 4'?8 

Ma.   2s .  "1"  "f rr  -'"'-  "^  -•>  --:viX":fa  tit        ---''-  --  . 

May  28.  Resolution  of  the  States-Generol  thereupon, •-»  i.  aic ^,g 

June  20.  Minute  of  the  receipt  of  a  letter  from  A  V  .in'  In^ll  V„'„    "  V  ". V. ,' •*''9 

i.  pi...  .r  8..,L  B,._,„  j;,.t  Li;*; ''°™"''"-°'"""  •'  "• »-  M.  c-p..,. 

Juno            24.  Resolution  of  the  States  General  thereupon                     *^* 

July            17.  Secret  resolution  of  the  States-General  on  thiiVommencen,;;;  'oV  ("lie  w*;  "with"  En',i;;V !f ! 

Ju  y            17.  Secret  resolution  of  the  States-General  to  send  a  frigate  to  New  Netherland  17          " 

July            22.  Secret  resolution  of  the  States-General  on  the  subioct  of  th»  ,7  "^      ,*."""'^  *"=• 482 

July           22.  secret  resolution  of  the  States-Genera,  to  wr^^tf;  re    o/s    ^^  Hh:'  '  ^                                  " ' "  •.  ''' 
affairs  between  England  and  the  United  Province,  he  u4Zi:iT.:^:SZ 
employed,  of  whose  devotion  to  the  State  he  is  not  assured,  Ac    <tc                                       "^           '"' 

July            22.  Letter  of  the  States-General  to  Stuy veeaut  thereupon .. ,     *** 

July           81.  Secret  memoir  of  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  ('„m,.Vr,'„'  /  Vi, ■ *88 

specting  the  preservation  of  Br  Jltl^fj^SlTnd  Vc     '""''  "  '"  State-General,  re- 

July           81.  Secret  resolution  of  (he  States-General  upon  the  report  of  their  commiUeV  Ari; '*' 

August        .  -X- --  ^  --^;o  -^^^^^^^            asUing  f.,  .^ ::2;; -U^ ^i:,  "^ 

August         6.  Kesolution  of  the  States-General,  referring  the  foreiroinj  mem'o'ri.VtV  'li'- ■■■■"; ^** 

August         7.  Proposals  of  the  Dutch  for  Kree  Trade  an^d  for  tUel^IZ:" :;;;lti;":2  tXiu;,- wVth  "^ 

the  answer  of  the  Knglish  Council  of  Slate  thereta  J^etherland,  with 

August       13.  Resolution  of  the  StatesGener.I,  referring  back  to  thei;  c^iniuVe' ti;;'m';m;;iVuf"thV  WeVt'india  ''" 
Company,  of  July  31st,  respecting  the  preservation,  Ac,  of  Brazil  and  V.w  v!m     ,     I 

September   8.  Resolution  of  the  States-General  on  the  projected  Invasion  of  WNlh  "'."".^f""'''"'^ "8^ 

September   3.  Letter  of  the  States-General  to  the  AmsLim  ChamTerth  reupin  ^'''"'''"'"  '" ^" 

SeptemberlS.  Defence  of  Hendrick  van  Dyck,  Fiscal  in  New  Xethcrland   (with)      *'* 

September  18.  Letter  of  Uendrick  van  Dyck  to  the  States-O  ,neraL  ^'® 

1646.  ^ 491 

July  28.  Certificate  that  Director  Stuyveeant  hath  tai.en  the  oath  of  office. 

July  10.  Commission  of  Petrus  Stuy vesant  aa  Director  of  Curacao *  *^ 

1645.  *     ' 492 

May  8.  Commissloa  of  Petrus  Stuyvesant  a.  Director  of  New  Netherland  . 

May  6.  Commission  of  Lubbertus  van  Dinelage,  as  Vice-Director  of  New  Netherland  .' "'^ 

June  23.  .ou.m.ssiou  of  Uendricks  van  Dyek,  as  Fiscal  of  New  Netherland                  "'''•'' 

1662.                                                                                                                                    484 

8.P...W  ...  ,..„«.„  .  ,,„  „^„  ..,  „,..,„  „,  ,„  ,.,,„„,,^  ,„^  ,_„  ^_,^.^  _^^^^  ^^^  ^__  __^_^,_ 

Instructions  to  Ilendrick  van  Dyck.  as  Fiscal  of  New  Netherland,  with  hi.  observation  on  1"»M  ' '  ■.■■,■ "  '"''' 

March        28.  Lampoon  on  Director  Stuyvesant.  with  explanation,,  .  observation  on  each  article,  ,0i 

March        28.  Extract  from  the  Resolutions  of  the  Council  and  Selectmen  of  New  N:th:;u;d,di;mi;sV;g  Van  Dyke  "' 

from  office,  with  the  coramenls  of  tlio  latter, 8  '    "  i'i  Ke 

March        28.  Extract  of  another  Kesolution,  with  Van  Dyck's  cmmei'its" "'" 

18*1'  612 

December    6.  Declaration  of  E,i,,.beth  Jan.  inn-keeper  of  Amsterdam,  that  Cornelia  van  Tienhoven  frequented  her 

house  with  one  Lysbert  Jansen  Croon "-equentea  uer 

B14 

I 


kvi 


CONTENTS. 


16SI. 
Deoember 


•t^ii- 


December    8. 
December  11. 

I6V2. 
Deoember    6. 
December  20. 

December  28. 


December  28. 
December  81. 
i6fi:<. 

January  2. 
January  is, 
January     17. 


January  17. 

February  6. 

February  10. 

February  20. 

March  4. 


April 

AprU 

M*y 

May 

May 

May 
May 
May 

JUD« 

Jun* 


10. 

10. 

14. 

14. 

16. 

18. 
21. 
21. 

19. 

2S. 


June 

26. 

Auguit 

e. 

AuglKt 

4. 

Auguit 

«. 

Au({u«t 

21. 

August 

21. 

Kovember 

0. 

NoTembar 

n. 

Nuvimbtr 

fl. 

Pagb, 
Declaration  of  Louisa  No5  that  she  hired  lodglnga  in  Amsterdam  for  Comelis  van  TienhoTcn  and  a 

woman,  and  that  ha  h«d  been  caught  by  the  Sheriff, 515 

Declaration  of  Jacob  Thomassen  to  the  like  effect, jig 

Declaration  of  Margaretta  Portus,  that  Van  Tienhoven  and  Ljebet  Janaen  lived  as  man  and  wife, ....  617 

Resolution  of  the  S(  atee-General,  referring  the  foregoing  defence  and  appendices, filS 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  referring  a  memorial  of  Van  Rensselaer,  de  Laetand  others,  complain- 
ing of  the  conduct  01      .  jotor  Stuyvesant,  to  a  committee 618 

Resolution  of  the  Ststes-ueneral,  on  the  report  of  the  committee,  to  send  the  above  mentioned  memo- 
rial to  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  tlie  West  India  Company  for  information  upon  the  mattert 

therein  stated gj^ 

Letter  of  the  States-General  to  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  therenpon 619 

Letter  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  States-General,  in  answer 619 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  thereupon, 620 

Letter  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  States-General,  (  with  ) 620 

Points  e'tracted  from  the  memorial  of  the  Potroon,  Ac,  of  Rensselaerswyck  to  the  States-General,  and 

the  remarks  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  thereupon, 622 

Points  against  tlie  Patroon,  Ac,  wheieupon  satisfaction  is  to  be  demanded 624 

Resolution  of  the  nlatesGeneral,  referring  the  foregoing  papers,  Ac 626 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  upon  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  foregoing  matter, 626 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  upon  the  report  of  their  committee,  to  send  Fiscal  van  Dyck's  com- 
plaint against  Director  Stuyvesant  to  the  West  India  Company 626 

Resolution  of  the  States-Genera!,  referring  a  memorial  of  Van  Rensselaer,  Ac  ,  to  a  committee, 627 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,   refusing  to  interfere  in  the  case  of  a  sentence  pronounced  in  New 

Nctherland  against  the  ship  Forluyn, 627 

Resolution  of  the  States-General  to  grant  to  Ilendrick  van  der  Capelle  a  writ  of  appeal,  with  an 

enjoining  clause,  against  a  sentence  pronounced  in  New  Netherland 627 

Writ  of  appeal  granted  by  the  Statee-General  to  Ilendrick  van  der  Capelle  against  a  sentence  of 

Director  Stuyvesant,  Ac Cjg 

Letter  of  the  Arasten  am  Chiimbcr  of  the  West  Indio  Company  to  the  Statca-General,  recommending 

Van  der  Donck's  book,  entitled  lletehrytingt  van  Nitu  Nederland, 680 

Resolution  of  the  States-Oenerai,  referring  Adriacn  van  der  Donck's  memorial  for  •  eopyright  of  his 

book  on  Now  Netherland,  Ac,  to  a  committee 681 

Resolution  of  the  StatesGuneral,  calling  on  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  Weat  India  Company  for  a 

copy  of  Van  der  Donck's  book,  to  be  examined,  Ac 681 

Letter  ',0  the  West  India  Compony  thereupon 681 

Letter  of  the  West  India  Company  In  reply,  transmitting  Van  der  Donck's  book 683 

Resolution  of  the  States-fiencral,  granting  Adriacn  van  der  Donck  a  copyright  for  fifteen  years  in  his 

book,  entitled  BtKhryvinge  van  A'ieu  Xtderlantl, 638 

Resolution  of  the  SUtes-lJeneral,  referring  to  a  memorial  of  John  de  Laet,  against  Tausain  Muysaert, 

respecting  Kensaelnomwyi'k,  Ac (gS 

Resolution  of  the  States-'Joneral,  upon  tho  repo.-t  of  their  committee,  to  send  the  above  CM«  to  the 

Provincial  Court  of  Holland,  whuse  sentence  the  HUtea-Oeneral  will  confirm, 688 

Letter  to  the  Court  of  Holland  thereupon, j84 

Resolution  of  the  .States-General  to  send  to  Van  der  Cnpclle  a  copy  of, 684 

Resolution  of  the  States  o' Holland,  Ac,  on  appaals  from  sentences  in  New  Netherlar.J 634 

Letter  of  the  States-Gen. r^l  thereupon, J35 

Memorial  of  Van  der  Ccpelle  to  the  Slates-General,  in  answer  to  their  letter  of  6tb  Auguat, 686 

Resolutioii  of  the  States  I ieneral  Iherenon jjq 

Ri'.nlution  of  the  Stalaa-Oeneral  on  the  presentation  of  paper*  from  the  Weat  Indi*  Company  relating 

to  the  loun<lary  of  New  Netherland,  Ac, ^^if 

Papers  on  the  boundary  In  America  between  the  Dutch  and  English ja9 

l.*lt«r  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  States  tiisneral,  praying  that  the  boundariea  In  New  Netherland 

may  b«  uttUd,  { with ) j^j 


CONTENTS. 
16M.  ^^^» 

February   28.  A  description  of  the  ancient  bonndarios  of  New  Nethprl.n^  »-.^  .•  ^-""^ 

.s  to  what  would  bo  n  proper  boundary  '"'^"'"'''"^  ""'  '^^"'''"-^  <>(  Director  Stuyve«.nt 

^ove.nber    6.  Memorial  respecting  the  liu.it,  and  juri^lietion  claimed  by  the'  We»V indi'.  r ■•'••.• "2 

charter,  in  New  Netherland   .                                          '                    "''"'  Company,  in  virtue  of  their 
looO.  

November  26.  Extract  of  a  letter  of  Director  Stnyve,«„t  to  the  West  Ind.V  r  •   • "" 

to  Hartford '"  '"^"'  ^""'P'^^y.  (f'ving  an  account  of  hi,  visit 

1 653.  

November    8.  Ucolution  of  the  Stnte.-Ooneral  on  the  receipt  of  the  f„r-.,n-  ,  "^ 

December  80.  Letter  of  Captain  Krcgier  an,i  other,  a  con     '  t  bel     f    f'lh'"''"' ,      'r '  L "» 

Island,  to  the  Burgomastors  of  Am,tord«n,   (w  th.  '  ''""'"'  °'  '"^  """'"'"»"'  ""-^  ^^g 

December  11.  Petition  of  the  comn.onalty  of  .Vow  Netherlnn,   t„  n'    "."  '<;; M9 

J"ly  9.  Letter  from  the  Burgomasters  of  Amsterdam  to  Director  Stuvve..nt    „  .v  •       ... 

some  orphans  to  New  Netherland  Stuyvesant,  notifying  the  intention  to  .end 
September  17.  Resolution  of  the  Sta.es.(5e„er«l  to  de,i;e  'the  xix  'oV  ihe  Wesi  In^.'r "« 

Mightinesses  a  condensed  report  on  the  bound.r^  ,  i;  V  Ir U  ,  T'""'  '"  ""'  '''"'  "'«'' 
September  29.  Resolution  of  the  States-General  to  send  to  their  AmalT  "  '."'"'""^''  *" 856 

on  the  boundary  question,  furnished  ,y  1  We"  r,  '  P  '"  ''"^''"'''">  -"-oir  and  other  paper, 
September  29.  Letter  of  the  ..ates-oLeral  to  ,.  .-  ^.dl^ :'^:Z^""'"'"' '     " "« 

November  2V.  Letter  of  Messrs.  BeverningU  and  Nieut::;;!  21     r '.r  ""TT  p  '''''  ^*"'°"'""' »» 

States-General.  in  answer  to  their  Ili^h  m"  !  ,  '    "  "''  ^''^"'^'  "'««"<fi»r  of  the 

boundary  question  in  New  Na^rrlaid  ,  S''"  "'  '""'  '^•'"""""  '"^  "'^'"'""^  "" 

Memorandum  prepared  by  the  Ambassador,  in  London.'  're,p«tin»'th«  Fna'li.r  "  Vni '   ^ "» 

America,  Ac respecting  the.hngliah  and  Dutch  poMeseions  in 

December     9.   Resolution  of  the  State,  (i'eneral'upont'he  f.',r.;oi;,g'  document^ " ' 

Deco.nber     «.  Letter  of  the  States-General  to  the  \Ve,t  Indi.  r-„,  °""""'^ 061 

Decemberao.Z.tteroftheWe.t.„diaComp„,;:r::;r3:a;.t^^^^^^  »» 

December  *).  Memoir  on  the  English  encroachment,  on  New  Netherland     "'  ^         ' "» 

'"'•  864 

October      10.  Article,  proposed  to  the  We.t  India  Tompan,  by  Rev.  Hueh  Peter,. 

October      10.  Authority   to   Rev.   Hugh   Peters,   signed    by  John  Wintlfro,;  V i: «" 

Haynea.  Uovernor  of  Connecticut,  ' '  "'"""""  "'  M.».oh^..tt^  and  John 

looo.  

,  868 

January       *•  R""luli<>n  of  the  .'<Ut»,(ieneraI  to  wnd  coni..  nf  (l,«  r 

A„,b„s,„d„r  at  Lon,lon.  .Ic     .  ^  '"  '^"«°"'«  '''^''™'""  ""  "^  ^'-upoort.  their 

January       a.  Letter  of  the  State.-Qener.l  to  Ambasaado,  Ni'eup^irt  ill^Vnp,;, »«« 

'"°^'  '      ' 869 

De<.n,ber  28.  Utter  of  the  Zealand  Chamber  of  th,  We.t  India  Company  to  th.  Statea-Oenera. 

January       4.  Resolution  of  the  StatesGeneral  thereupon 

'•"""" " ":::::;:.::::"""•""•'"•  -'^'''-'•'"-'«'p-'-^- b;h.if'of'v.;'d.-c:p.i;;;.  '^^ 

Am.terdam "  '"  ^'"y^"""'.  '»  '•'"  of  Ch.rle.  G.bry.  merchant  of 

April  ^^•l;«;^-"fth.St,.te.Ge„eraltonireci;;8;;yv;;;nt"th:r,;p;;^  "' 

"'■/  '■    laritl  of  lrtS3, "^     J7g 

874 


SMJ 


Ixviii 


CONTENTS. 


1666. 
JUay 

M«y 
May 
July 


29. 

81. 
31. 
10. 


July  28. 

December  11. 


Di'ci'mber  11. 
December  31. 

1G56. 

Jiumnry  6. 

January  C. 

January  6. 


January  6. 

January  10. 

January  10. 

January  7. 

January  13. 

January  15. 

January  IS. 

Jauiiiu'y  \H. 

Jnuunry  28. 

January  24. 

January  24 


1048. 
Noycnilicr    9. 

ItS.'Sl. 
July  IC. 

July  :iii. 


Jaty 

iij.'ta. 
July 

10 -.8. 
October 

July 


May 


19. 


S7. 


27. 


Paok. 
Letter  of  the  AmslerJiini  Chamber  of  the  Weit  India  Compnny  to  the  Slates-General,  about  the  boun- 

dnr}'  qucBlion  in  Now  Nether] anil 574 

Itesolutiou  of  the  States-General  thereupon,  to  write  to  Ambassador  Nicupuort, 675 

Letter  of  the  Stated-General  to  Ambaa«at1or  Nieupoort  thereupon, 575 

Uesolution  of  the  States-General,  upon  the  me:uoria.  of  ihe  Spanish  Ambassador  asking  for  the  arrest  of 

a  piratieni  vessel  in  the  harbtr  of  New  Netherhind,  itc., 07(1 

Uesolution  of  the  States  General,  referring  to  a  committee  a  letter  of  the  West  India  Company,  dated 

at  Amsterdam,  July  26,  together  with  some  papers  about  New  Nelhorland,  <tc 676 

Letter  of   Don  Estevan  de   Ganiarra  y  Contrevus,    the   S;    nisli    Ambassador  at  the    Hague,    to   the 

States-General,  in  reference  to  the  arrest  of  Sebastian  de  Uaelf,  ito.,  alleged  pirates,  now  in  New 

Netherlaml,  Ac 570 

Resolution  of  the  States-General,  referring  the  above  to  their  committee,  <to , , 678 

Letter  of  Ambassador  Nieupoort  to  the  States-General,  stating  that  ho  has  just  heard  that  the  Swedes 

had  bciu  driven  out  of  New  Netherlimd  by  the  Dutch,  <to 678 

Uesolution  of  the  .States-General  thereupon,  to  write  to  the  West  India  Company  for  information 679 

Letter  of  the  States-General  thereupon, ^ ,  550 

Letter  of  Don  Estevan  de  Giimarra  y  Conlrevas,  the  Spanish  Ambassador,  to  the  States-General,  a^ain 

referring  to  the  ease  of  Sebiistiiin  do   Itaetf,  an  alleged  pirate,  in  New  Netherlund,  and  asking  for 

letters,  ic. ,    i  favor  of  .luan  Gallarilo,  Ac, jgo 

Uesolution  of  t'     States  General  thereupon jgj 

Kurtlier  rtsolntion  of  the  States-General  upon  the  memorial  of  the  Spanish  Ambassador, 681 

Letter  of  the  Slates-Gener.il  to  Director  Stuy vciiant  thereupon, (jgl 

Letter  of  Ambassador  Nieu|)oort  to  the  Statea-General,  referring  to  the  news  about  the  Swedes  in  New 

Netherland,  Ac 582 

Letter  of  the  Am-iterdsm  IJIiamber  of  the  W(!«t  Imlia  Company  to  the  States-General,  in  answer  to  their 

letter  of  the  tlth  January,  respecting  the  Swedes  in  New  Netherland,  Ac 683 

Uesolution  of  the  States-General  thereupon 534 

Kurllicr  resolution  of  ihe  States  (feneral  thereupon, 5^4 

I.'tler  of  the  StnlesGeneral  to  the  West  India  Company  respi'cting   the  Swedes,  Ac, 684 

Ueport  of  th)  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  We-t  India  Company  respecting  the  Swedes   who  have 

arriviil  from  New  Netherland,  (with) 5^5 

Litter  of  the  We<t  ludui  Cunipiny  to  the  Stall  8(ie{iernl,  (with) 687 

Deduction,  or  a  Clear  and  precise  Aieouut  of  the  eon  lilion  of  the  South  rirer,  in  New  Netherland,  and 

of  the  unseemly  conduct  of  the  Swede*  there  ,tc 587 

Extracts  of  letters  from    William    Kieft,    formerly   Director   in   New  Netherland,  to  the  West   India 

Company,  ll>38-liVl() jjj 

Deed  of  sale  by  the  Indians  of  lands  on  the  Schuylkill,  Ac.,  signed  at  Fort  Beversredo,  on  the  South  rirer,  698 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Adrlaen  van  Ticnhoron  to  Peter  Sluy  vesant,  dated  at  Fort  Bererareda, B«4 

Memorial  of  Ibn  inhabitiiils  of  Sehuylkill  to  I  lireclor  Stuyvennnt, 594 

Deelaratiiin  of  Wappannhr.ewan,  an  liiliaii  saehem.  ri'spooling  Governor  I'rinti'  wishes  to  buy  his  landi 

in  South  river,  Ac. jyn 

Deihiralion  of  Mattehooin  and  two  other  Indians,  respecting  the  lands  on  the  South  river,  Ac,  dated 

I'ort  .Nn"(BU, 5(17 

Dei  .aration  of  Amatteliooren  and  other  Indlan^  of  the  ce»<ion  of  certain  lands  on  South  river  to  IVIer 

St'iyvesant,  "  Chief  .^achoin  of  the  Manlmllans," spj 

Extract  of  a  loiter  fnin  Director  SItiyvesant  to  the  West  India  Company 8  )0 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Onrrit  llieker,  Ci>mmandaut  at  Fort  Casimler,  to  I'eter  Stuyresant tiiil 

Kx''oet  of  a  letter  of  I'eter  Htuyre«aiit  to  the  Wed,  India  Company,  dated  27th  July,  lfl.'i4 flol 

Doporitloni  of  various  persons  re«pccllng  the  Swed.s  on  the  South  Uiver,    taken    before  Secretary 

van  Kwyven,  IB54, , Boj 

Extract  of  a  Utter  from  Governor  Johu  Itisingh  to  Director  Htuyvesant, (Wi) 


CONTENTS, 


I6a5. 


Septe...beHI.  CapUnUi^^^^^^^^^^^                                           ,,,,  ,^,^,^  _  ,„„^^^^^^^  ^^  ^^^_^  Sch„t.  to  Director 
Septcraber25.  Capitulation  between  UUingh  anistuyv^anVat  Fort  cim,uVa.V//.".'. 


IC56 


Ixix 

PAOt 

607 
607 

609 


"""•"  "■  "ttm""""*"'" ""  "■'  '•■•"*■■'  "•  '"■"'"^  ""-"••  »'■"-. «~ .« .  ««.^ 

February  22.  Uesolution  of  the  Stntes-G 

September,  1640, 
February   22.  RatiBealion  of  the  Treaty  of  Hartford  by  tl>e  Statea-GeneraV  .".'..■.■ "'" 


cw  Nethcrland, 


e  Treaty  of  Hartford  b»  thp  Stnto..f!„„«..i        


609 


610 


Letter  of  a  Committee  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  Con 


Mwoh 

March 

March 

March 

March 

March 

April 

June 

July 

July 


August 

August 
Auguxt 

A»){UJit 

AU)(U8t 

Auguit 
August 


10 


roinu  propo^ed  by  the  A.cmbly  oft,.  XUC  to-the-St:;;:^::^^';!:^:;';^;!  """'^^^""^ 

Kcolutiou  of  the  AmHerdam  Chamber  of  the  West  "ludia  Company", 
rdani  the  condition*  for 
22.  Letter  of  Mr.  Appelboom,  the  .Swedish  Minister,  to 

'[7'  '■'■''"  ^■-■-Pany'-  officer,  in  New  Nethcrland.  in  dispossessing  the  Swed 
22.  Resolution  of  the  States-General  thereupon 
24.  Resolution  of  the  Slates  of  Holland,  Ac,  up;,'  'the'  foVcgoing'inem^i'al,  7c. 


611 

612 


with  the  City  of  Amsterdam  the  condition,  for  planting  a  Colonic  in  New  Nethcrland, 

■    the  States-General,  complaining  of  the  conduct  of  the 


eneral,  in  the  year  1654 gjg 

jurchnse  a  tract  of  land  in  New 

ppointing  a  committee  to  arrange 

"  ithcrland 

ig  of  the  conduct  of  th 
c«  of  the  South  river, 


614 


616 


61S 
616 
616 
617 


29.  Draft  of  the  City  of  Amsterdam  on  the  Exchange  Hank  in  favor  of  .1,.' w  !i 


planting  a  Colonie  on  the  South 
dam  to  emigrant,  to  New  Ne"theri«,;d,' with'rcmarki 


618 


entered  into  by  the  Wc.t  India  C.,m|.any 


Draft  of  condition,  offered  by  the  City  of  Amsterd 

of  the  West  India  Company 

Form  of  Permit  to  suil  t,,  New  Nethcrland, . 
1.  Resolution  of  the  .'^f«l..,.G,„eral.  referring  an  agreVmenl 

with  the  City  of  Amsterdam,  Ac 

1.  Letter  of  the  SiatesGeneral  to  the  XI.X.  thereupon 

7.  Letter  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  Wc.t  Ii„iiVi\,™!,        \"i"!, 

City  of  AmsterdaiuV  tVlonie  in  New  Nierland  L       '    '        ""  "'"'"•«"-'■  -P--8  the 

10.  RcBolution  of  the  Slates-General  thereupon,.  **^ 

10.  Letter  of  the  Slates-General  to  the  .XIX.  of'  ihcWvVt'indU  Company,". '.'.'. 


619 
62S 

626 
627 


628 
028 


629 


October     ...  K.,r.ct  of  .letter  fro..  nir.ctor  S.uyveMot  to  Mr.  ..„  der  Cp.lle.  informing  hi»  of  the  de.tr.i 


ftcpteiiiber 

Irt.^rt. 
October 


of  hi.  Col.,ni„  „„  suten  I.l„n,l,  ....  ". ," ."..." ... .       ^      '  '"""'"*  """  "'  '^'  de.trnclion 
Commis,i„n  i„ue.i  by  the  State,  (ieneral  to  th'e  , 


■  eommandrr  of  the  I.Unil  of  Tobago,  Ac, 


4.  Reaolul 


co...^;!  t  ":'::"•■'""':;:!'"'"'' '" ''"«"'"« '•"'^"  ^" ""  ^>'— «-' "■•  w„t  mdi. 


est 


640 


In 


CONTENTS. 


166S. 

October  6. 

October  6. 

November  1, 

November  4. 

November  8. 

November  11. 

December  5. 

December  S. 


Pao& 

Extract  from  ta«  proeeedinga  of  the  XIX.  of  the  West  India  Company, 640 

Resolution  of  the  Statee-Oenernl  upon  the  reply  of  the  West  India  Company  thereupon,  Ac., 641 

Report  on  garrisoning  Fort  Casimir  on  the  South  river 641 

Resolution  of  the  Common  Council  of  Amsterdam,  on  the  pree<-^ing  report, 642 

EslimateJ  expense  of  sending  a  colony  of  150  persons  to  the  Delaware  river, 643 

Resolution  of  the  Common  Council  of  Amsterdam,  authorizing  a  loan  for  the  Colonie  on  th«  South 

""■••. 646 

Commission  of  Captain  Marlyn  Kryger  to  command  a  o  -npaoy  at  the  Colonie  on  the  South  river, 

belonging  to  the  City  of  Amstardam, 64fl 

Commission  of  Alexnnder  d'UinoJossa  lo  be  lieutenant  of  the  aame, 648 


I 


F 
Captili 

thei 


OtpUIn 

paid 

sickm 

Octoli 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS: 
I- VIII. 


Folio  !(T. 
CapUia  Dala 


Mesolutiom  respecting  Sir  Thomm  Dale, 
Resolution  of  the  Slates  General. 

tF«».  U..  E.gU.«  of  Evolution,  of  ,h,  St^  Oen.r.1 1„  the  Eorl  Ar.h.T«  «  U.,  H.,„,.] 

Friday  the  1"  August  1603. 
On  the  recommendation  of  the  King  of  France,  Captain  Dale  is  commissioned 

!:rz'::i^?""  «L!^^'"-?-?---^  -P-"  condegrar::d 


,     ^  ■  J  —  — J-."...  ui  iiic  iiiiuni.ry  uomc 

the  becretary  .s  ordered  to  issue  a  certificate  thereof  to  him. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General. 

I  Fn».  U..  lUgU..,  of  B«ol„«on.  of*.  8..,«  o„„^  ,„  „,  r„,^  ^„,,,„  ^  ^^  ^^^_  ^ 

Monday  the  S"-  December  1603. 
exp^ediS'tndll"  ""^'IV'^"'""  ''  '^  ^""'^"^  ^""^  ^'"^  Commission  be 

paid  to  his  corpt;  \:;t  ;'rEi : fS'  '""'v^'";  ^"^  '"^  ""^"''°" «»'""  ^« 

sickness,  with  his  EKcellenr-s  l^nnwT  .  ^  I    u  '*''°'   '^^   '"'y"'  ^"''^   ""^"'^^  t''™"gh 

October  last.  ^'"''^"^''^y  «  '^"°«''«%«  «t  the  mustering  of  the  Company  on  the  SI- 1,f 

Vol.  I.  , 


Folio  88» 
C'aptaln  Dale. 


2 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Resolution  of  the  Council  of  Slate  of  the  United  Netherlands, 

I  From  the  orlgioal  ReglsKr  of  Rerclutloni  ol  the  Counoil  of  State,  In  Ibe  Ro;al  Archirea  it  the  Hague.  ] 

Wednesday  24"  December  1603. 
ThommDaie.        On  the  Petition  of  Tiiomas  Dale,  an  English  Captain,  this  deduction  is  properly- 
made,  inasmuch  as  the  monies  received  by  him  in  the  Army,  were  given  hira  on  account. 


Memorandum  that  Captains  Dale  and  Gates  were  in  garrison  in  Holland. 

[  From  the  OriKioal  Llat  in  the  File  intituled  Looptnds  of  Noremb :  and  Decemb  1604.  In  the  Rojral  Archlrea  at  the  Hague.  ] 

From  a  list  of  the  stations  of  the  Dutch  Garrisons  on  the  15th  November,  1606. 

From  this  List  it  most  clearly  appears  that  Thomas  Dayl  and  S'  Thomas  Gaets  were  in 
garrison  together  on  the  15""  November  1606  in  the  City  of  Oudewater,  which  is  a  small  City 
in  South  Holland  situate  on  the  River  Yssel. 


In  this  list  we  read  as  follows:  — 


Oudewater 


18' 


Thomas  Dayl 
Thomas  Gaets" 


Resolution  of  the  States  Genei'al  granting  leave  of  absence  to  Sir  Thomas  Gates. 

[  From  the  KegUter  of  Reaolutlona  of  the  Slatea  General,  In  the  Royal  ArchWea  at  the  Hague. } 

Thursday,  the  24"'  April  1608. 
FoiioBT.  On  the  petition  of  Sir  Thomas  Gates,  Captain  of  a  Company  of  English  Soldiers, 

Captain  Thnmaa  i    ,  ■        t^.  ^    ^,  tT        •  i 

O'lw-  commissioned  by  the  King   ot   Great   Britain   to  command   with    three   other 

gentlemen  in  the  country  of  Virginia  in  colonizing  the  said  couiUries,  the  Petitioner  is, 
therefore,  allowed  to  be  absent  from  his  company  for  the  space  of  ono  year,  on  condition  that 
he  supply  his  company  with  good  Officers  and  Soldiers  for  the  public  service. 


<   n    >    I  I   » 


Resolution  of  the  States  General,  j  raiding  leave  of  absence  to  Captain  Dale. 

[  From  the  Regliter  or  Reaolnttona  of  the  Slatee  Oeueral,  In  tha  Bo;al  Archirea  at  the  Hague.  ] 

Thursday,  20""  January.  1611. 
Foiio28.  On  the  writing  presented  by  the  Honorable  Rudolph  Winwood,  Ambassador 

from  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  it  is  ordered  as  follows: — 

Captain  Dale.  The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands  hereby  consent  and  allow,  on 

the  recommendation  of  his  Highness  iho  Prince  of  Wales,  that  (/aptain  Thomas  Dale  (destined 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    I. 


3 


by  the  K,ng  of  Great  Bnta.n  to  be  employed  in  Virginia  in  His  Majestys  Service)  may  absent 
h  mself  from     ,s  company  for  the  space  of  three  years,  and   th^t  his  said  company  sZ 
remam  meanwh.ie  vacant  to  be  resumed  by  him  if  he  think  proper.     It  is  understZd  that  ht 
pay  as  Captain  shall  cease  during  his  absence.  unaerstood  that  his 


Fnllo  20. 
Caplaln  Dala. 


I^urth^  Beaolutiou  of  tU  States  General  respecting  Captain  Bale. 

[  From  Ihe  E.gl.te,  „,  Ue  E,»„l„Uon.  of  .h.  8.^u»  Oen.r.l,  ,n  .h.  Eoyl  Arcb.ve.  .t  .he  Hagu,.  ] 

Tuesday,  the  ^S"-  January,  1611. 

England,  in  rirgUi.:  Bu,  il  1.  re.oi.ed,  in  view  of  the  very  n,.,„d Ltl  '         ''"'  "' 

.he,e..,„  ,„  .He  s...e.  ....  .He  .fo...M  C.p.j:  t ll^i'^.T^r r^Z.r UrS 


I'urther  Resolution  of  the  States  General. 

t  From  U.e  BagUfr  of  E«oiuUo„.  of  .h.  But,  G.n.ra.  ,„  ,h,  Eo,.,  Archlvo.  .,  u,.  Dag,..  ] 

Wednesday,  the  Q'"  February,  IGll. 
c.pJta.r        of  c'r'eaf  Br'it'ain' r"'  IT  ''"'  *''  ''^  "^'""""^  Ambassador  of  the  King 

bave  aga.  4  ":n"=^":S  1:^^;:^^  i^^^Lr^S'j^r  ^ 

be  content  with  the  resolution  heretofore  l^d  in  u'itcl.       """  ''"'''""  ^'^"  "^^^  '° 


i?.../,.^.»  ^  M.  States  Gen..,  respecting  skips  going  on  a    Voyage  of  Discovery. 

[ »«-.  Ih.  B.g....r  Of  u..  E^oUMon.  of  .h.  8«...  Cnara,  .„  u..  E«,.,  Archlr«M  .h,  „ag„..] 

Monday,  the  21.  February,  IGll. 

^Jtl  „,..  Amlr-rl'"^  ??  T'u   "   ':""■  ''""    ^'■"  ^"'"--^ioners   of  the  Admiralty   at 
^a:ie—  ,^j;  ;'^;";;  •;'^-'  •»'^'  ^^'^  '-•■  wherein  they  advise  that  the  Ships  del',  to 

are  beginning  t  Iba  R  ^  ::rTar  T^-  ""  "  "^"'^ '''''  '''  '"«    '^'-^^^  ^'^  ^'^V 
8  the.rcrew.     Requestmg,  masmuch  as  it  is  important  (hat  the  aforesaid 


4  NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Ships  should  be  provided  with  Letters  from  the  Lords  States  General  or  His  Excellency  to  the 
Princes  or  Kings  of  the  countries  at  which  they  may  arrive,  written  in  such  languages  and 
characters  as  may  be  most  useful,  that  their  High  Mightinesses  would  be  pleased  to  have  a 
draft  made  of  such  letters  -;  si-i,  High  Mightinesses  shall  think  proper  to  give  them,  together 
with  proper  Commissions  for  the  cf.ptains  who  will  be  in  command  ;  leaving  the  names  of  these 


The  Bhip  the  LitUe 


in  b'.  !v,k     iJH- 


being  called  the  Little  Fox  and  the  Little  Crane. 


-^''e'  deliberation  it  is  ordered,  that  the  required  Letters  be  drawn  up,  and  the 
draft  sent  to  the  aforesaid  Commissioners,  to  have  it  translated  in  such  languages,  as  they 
shall  consider  necessary:  And  it  is  further  resolved  that  his  Excellency  be  requested  to  issue 
as  High  Admiral  the  aforesaid  Commissions  for  the  C.iptains. 


<!■»«■«».- 


Resolution  on  a  Petition  relative  to  a  newly  discovered  Navigatioti. 

Copy  of  a  Resolution  of  the  States  of  Holland  and  Westvriesland,  dated  7"" 
Septemb.  IGIl. 

peiuion  of  diver.       The  Petition  presented  by  divers  Merchants  and  Inhabitants,  residing  in  the 

Traders  an  I  IiihiiW-    TT-.Jr>'  i.u-.  ii  <. 

«'r'i»i^TOwi'''"di'*  *  rovinces,  to  this  Assembly  regarding certam  newly  discovered  Navigation, 

covered N.vigsitoS:  being  read,  the  cities  Amsterdam,  Rotterdam,  Hoorn  and  Enckhuysen  request 
copy,  which  is  delivered  them,  to  communicate  it  to  their  constituents. 


Resolution  in  favor  of  those  who  discovei'  New  Countries. 

Copy  of  a  Resolution  of  the  States  of  Holland  and  Westvriesland  dated  SO"" 
March  1G14. 

Beiatire  to  the  Re-      ^u  the  Rcmonstrance  of  divers  Merchants  wishing  to  discover  New  unknown 

monMrance  of    di-    i-j-  i^  *    •  ,    r»i 

T(r.Tr.der.ioiook  Itivt'rs,  Lountries  and  I'laces  not  sought  for  ( nor  resorted  to)  heretofore  from  these 

for   New  uiiknowti  ....  a  \  /  k* 

^'Zkc2Zt',  P*^^'^'  "'  '^'  ""'^''  Pi'e^'O'JS  mature  deliberation,  resolved  that  the  Generality 
j;iore.wr"«rte,Ho  «'''»'•  ^'^'^'^'^^  ^'^^  g'''»"t-  t'lft  whocver  shall  rcsort  to  and  discover  such  new 
Iron,  thi.  couoiry.  j^j^jg  j,„j  p];jce8,  shall  alouc  be  privileged  to  make  four  Voyages  to  such 
Lands  and  I'laces  from  these  Countries,  exclusive  of  every  other  person,  until  the  aforesaid 
four  Voyages  shall  have  been  completed  ;  it  being  well  understood,  that  on  the  return  of  the 
first  discovery  or  exploration,  a  pertinent  Report  shall  be  rendered  to  the  Lords  States  General, 
in  order  that  their  High  Mightinesses  may  then  order  and  determine,  according  to  tiie  distance 
and  circumstances  of  the  Countries  or  l'lace<s,  within  what  time  the  aforesaid  four  voyages  must 
be  concluded  ;  and  also  with  this  understanding,  that  whosoever  shall  find,  discover  and  explore 
the  same  Countries  and  Places  about  the  same  time  or  season,  shall  he  admitted,  at  the 
discretion  and  on  the  decision  of  the  Lords  States  General,  to  prosecute  the  aforesaid  voyages 
in  company ;  provided  also  that  this  concession  shall  not  prejudice  previous  concessions 
or  grants. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS : 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  respecting  newly  discovered  Countries. 

[  From  ,ho  Eegl..er  of  the  Re„l„U„„  „r  .he  8,.,e.  Oea.r..  ,„  U..  En,.,  Archlre.  «.  the  Hague.  ] 

Thursday  the  27"'  March  1014 

by  them ;  witliout  nny  other  person  excent  .Hp  Pp.if  i«„        .      •  ^  ^^       discovered 

frcn  these  United  p'ovinces^uLTdZ  y^t   :      :;,;  ^^^^^  :  T"  '^'"- 

«hall  have  fully  completed  and  finishe.I  the^nforesaid  six  Vo;;i:  etc     ''       ''     '^  '^""°'""' 

r^tuioners  having  conoid  the  ^^1^:^;  :zi::v;iii::-t::i^r^i 

Mightinesses  of  their  progress  and  discovery,  in  order  that  their  h1   Mi   i  ^'^ 

adjudge  and  declare  in  what  time  the  four  voyages  si .  1  le  m.d  On  "'«  '  ''"T  '"7  *'"" 
concession  shall  not  prejudice  other  their  Hii  Mloh  ■  <'°"'''"o"  also,  that  this 

and  provided,  in  case  t!vo  or  more  Comp "  i^^^^  s  1  ,  STut  ''Tr  f ''''''''  '''"'  ^""^^^^^''^  ' 
they  shall  then  enjoy  this  benelit  and  pH  vT^in  Inl^^^d  intt  aT^^^^^^^^^^^  ''"  .""  ^^"• 
or  otherwise,  slicild  occur,  the  same  shall  be  left  tn  *h    a  ?T    ^  '''"*"''^°^'«  hereupon, 


«.«™i  *,.to./„  «^  „J„  Discos  a.y  .V«„  P«„,«,  ,,„„^,   ^„„,^^ 

or  Places.  • 

[From  .he  A«  Book  Of  the  SU...  Oen.r..  I„  .he  Ro,.,  ArchlT...,  U..  Hague.] 

be  LonoraWe  :,„i„,ble  and  Drolil.  ill  .'l,-    r  "'•;  *''"*""  *'  '"'■'•'••»»d  it  w,,„IJ 

oa  ..„  a.  f„  ,He  n.ai.,:::!''       1        ^  :^r:7' ^''^         (■"■■"»««»  Of  ■«'  P™.p.rUy, 
and  eaccraged  to  .a.plov  aad  oocaavTh™ .1  ?  "        '"'"'I'""""  »l'»«ld  be  e.ci.ed 

Havea.  co„'!,tHe.a„d;,L:r.,rz:rsi::f.rr„::::;:;-^"^ '•7«.- 

bemg  informed  by  some  Tnder«  .i,af  .1,      •  .     j  '^.'  "^  "*^*^n  discovered  nor  fre.iuented  ;  and 

<ian/er  and  expel  To  el;  ly  3H;:;re;t"\^^^  T'  """"'''  '''"  ''  ^""«---  '"^-• 

therefrom,  if  it  pleased  Us  to  nrl!  .   "'"««».  "s  they  expect  to  derive  a  handsome  proSt 

and  sail  to  and  ff  Z      ^he  n.s         ^'t'     ""  "  "'"^  ''''"'  ""•"'  '^''  '^^^^  »'°"«  -g'-t  reso 
and  discover.!,,?  ZZTIT  '"""^'  """'?  '^"'^  ^''^^^^  '°  ''«  ''^  "-"  "etly  fo  „d 

interdiction  to  all  d  ctVy' J  „I '  rT'"'"'""  '"  ''"^  ''""''^''  '^°"^'"  ""^^  ^^^^  with 
havens,  countries  op,  L  1  ^  a  (  rTT'  T  "!'  '"'  "^  '"''"^"*  '''  -''^  P-«'''g-. 
have  competed  the  afo        h,    i^'X^^^^^^^  -<1  «•"!«"  thereof  shall 

matter  and  .Inding,  as  hereinbe  ore  stld " ..        'f "'  <       ■  """^  '^"'^  ""«'"^  "'"  "^"-^"''l 
g,       lertmbefore  stated,  the  sa.d  undertaking  to  be  laudable,  honorable  and 


m 


6 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCPIPTS. 


aervioeable  for  the  prosperity  of  the  United  Provinces,  And  wish 


; that  the 


!  free 


inces,  Ana  wishing  that  the  experiment  ^^  ..^d 
and  open  to  all  and  every  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  country,  have  invited  and  do  hereby 
invite,  all  and  every  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  United  Netherlands  to  the  aforesaid  search,  and, 
therefore,  have  granted  and  consented,  grant  and  consent  hereby  that  whosoever  any  new 
Passages,  Havens,  Countriesor  Places  shall  from  now  henceforward  discover,  shall  alone  resort 
to  the  same  or  cause  them  to  be  frequented  for  four  voyages,  without  any  other  person  directly 
or  indirectly  sailing,  frequenting  or  resorting,  from  the  United  Netherlands,  to  the  said  newly 
discovered  and  found  passages,  havens,  countries  or  places,  until  the  first  discoverer  and  finder 
shall  have  made,  or  cause  to  be  made  the  said  four  voyages,  on  pain  of  confiscation  of  the 
goods  and  ships  wherewith  the  contrary  attempt  shall  be  made,  and  a  fine  of  Fifty  thousand 
Netherlands  Ducats,  to  the  profit  of  the  aforesaid  finder  or  discoverer.     Well  understanding 
that  the  discover,  on  completion  of  the  first  voyage,  shall  be  holden  within  fourteen  days  after 
his  return  from  said  Voyage,  to  render  unto  Us  a  pertinent  Report  of  the  aforesaid  discoveries 
and  adventures,  in  order,  on  hearing  thereof  We  may  adjudge  and  declare,  according  to 
drcumstances  and  distance,  within  what  time  the  aforesaid  four  voyages  must  be  completed. 
Provided  that  We  do  not  understand  to  prejudice  hereby  or  in  any  way  to  diminish  our  former 
Charters  and  Concessions :     And,  if  one  or  more  Companies  find  and  discover,  in  or  about  one 
time  or  one  year,  such  new  Passages.  Countries,  havens  or  Places,   the  same  shall  conjointly 
enjoy  this  Our  Grant  and  Privilege;  and  in  case  any  differences  or  questions  concerning  these, 
or  otherwise  should  arise  or  occur  from  this  our  Concession,  the  same  shall  be  decided  by  Us, 
whereby  each  shall  have  to  regulate  himself.     And  in  order  that  this  Our  Concession  shall  be 
made  known  equally  to  all,  We  have  ordered  that  these  be  published  and  affixed  at  the  usual 
places  in  the  United  Countries.     Thus  done  at  the  Assembly  of  the  Lords  Slates  General  at  the 
Hague  the  XXVII'"  of  March  XV1«  and  fourteen.   Was  parapheered— J.  van  Oldenbarnevell". 
Under  stood— By  order  of  the  Lords  States  General, 

Signed,  C.  Aerssen. 


Organhation  of  a  Company  to  Trade  in  America^  dr.,  proposed. 

Copy  of  a  Resolution  of  the  States  of  Holland  and  Westvriesland  dated  1S"> 
July  1614. 

mSt'i^'S.X^l':  ^"  ">«  Remonstrance  presented  on  the  part  of  divers  Traders  of  this  country 
d?rM.'rct„l'"Cf  '<"■  the  formation  of  a  general  Company  for  the  promotion  of  the  Commerce, 
Smin^'iri?'r«'Mon  Navigation  and  Interest  of  the  Country,  to  carry  on  Trade  on  some  Coasts  of 

of   ■   Company   I"     »  r  ■  j    *  •  i  i  ^wunn.   »*• 

Ke'o^umHi'"o1  ^^^  America  where  the  same  may  be  prosecuted  according  to  the  Truce, 

AMcndAmeric  some  from  Dordrecht,  Delft,  Amsterdam,  Rotterdam,  Hoorn  and  Enckhuyzen  are 
appointed  to  examine  the  Remonstrance,  to  hear  those  who  have  sent  it  in.  and  the 
circumstances  being  well  considered  and  deliberated  on,  to  render  a  Report  to  the  Assembly 

Which  done,  and  the  project  being  considered  laudable  and  advantageous  for  the  Country 
and  Inhabitants,  It  is  ordered  that  the  matter  be  promoted  in  the  General  Assembly  of  the 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    I. 


i?...^.^^«  oft/,  states  Gene,'al  on  tJ.  propoeed  formation  of  a  Commercial  Company. 

I  F«,m  th.  R,gi,u,r  of  Bewlu.ion.  of  ,h.  flfl.  G.aeral.  In  th.  Roy.1  Arohl,..  .,  ,h.  H.g„..  J 

Monday,  21.  June  1614. 

Folio  18».  rj        J         « 

Diver.  Triden.  "^f""  a  Remonstmnce  of  divprs  Triir1»ra  ,»f  f  >,„«      n 

formation  and  erection  in  this  countiv  of  !  ,  o  Provinces  m  substance  for  the 

o..n,p.„r  f„r  ,he  J'"^"'*'" '"  ^'^'^  co""try  of  a  general  Company  for  the  West  Indies,  the  coast 
we/i„fii„,  am™  o' Africa  and  through  the  Strait  of  Maa-elinn  «;iti.^..f  •  ""  "'"•'^'  »"«  coast 
•ml  iho  sirau  „f  ^  .   „  ^nun  oi  iuageiian,  without  prejudice  to  the  East  India 

rs:withth?pZ:;^ar:o:tr;:;:r:::idV'"^^'  "^^^'^^^'' '-'  thedeputiesMtntt 

four  weeks.  senJ  sZ  f  the  Me^ch  „  '  ^Z^'  l^  "'r '^'i  '""^  '""^-  ""  ^'^  ^^^ 
thoroughly  examine  the  matter  ell    e^in"^:   ,:irrm    ^a^f  ''^''-^  ^'^ 


Resolution  of  the  States  Genial  on  the  proposed  fo^^^ation  of  a  West  India  Company. 

I  From  th.  R^,to  .f  U.e  K.»,m„„n.  „,  ,h,  8t.t«  Qe„,r»l  ,„  ^,  Eoy.l  Archive.  .,  u,.  Hhu..  ] 

Monday,  25'"  August,  1614. 
Erw(ionofii,e'we.i  °'^^^'  '^*"*t  the  businpss  of  forming  a  General  Wfl»f  i«^:„  r-  .    ,. 

7"^—      be  undertaken  tomorrow  morning;  moreover  Strthl.'""^  "''"" 
those  deputed  from  the  Provinces,  those  who  wil  3  Ho  p^^^^^^^^  T'  ''"'' 

act  on  orders,  as  well  those  who  anr^nr  ..,  i  i,  request  to  promote  this  work,  those  who 

Mee.i..gs  Of  other  Cha^hira^^rr  t  r/rrr^eV^^^T^^         ''  "r^ '"^^ 
And  for  this  business  are  deputed  Nicasius  Kien  fnd  Wil^enf  E^selSr  ^"'  '•""  '"' 


further  Resolutions  concemincj  the  formation  of  a  West  India  Company. 

I  From  th.  Reg,.„r  of  E«oloUon.  o,  ,h.  Suie.  0...„u,  In  U..  Eo,.,  Archive  ., «..  H.gue  ] 

Tuesday,  2'*  September  1614. 


8 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Copy  of  a  Resolution  of  the  States  of  Holland  and  West  Friesiand  dated  25"" 
August  —  27""  Septeml)'  1014. 

mr,nlr":  s/nS  ^°  *'"^  '"""^'"  °^  '^®  P^^^  f"""  ^^^  cfection  of  a  General  Company  to  navigate 
ny']«!;i'J'i;!i::"rj  ""'^  '•'■'"^'^  °"  s°™«  coasts  of  Africa,  Terra  Australia,  America  and  elsewhere, 
o7A(r'"»'Tl'rr?A"ui'  ^^'so  the  Charter  for  said  Company,  some  were  anew  appointed  from  the  Lords 
and  Uities,  to  communicate  on  and  further  discuss  the  subject,  to  examine  the 
draft  of  a  Charter  and  its  consequences,  and  tc  render  a  repo't  of  the  whole  to  the  meeting; 
and  they  having  first  reported,  that  it  was  necessary  for  the  promotion  of  the  aflair  that  the 
Slates  General  should  pass  an  Act  including  the  Trade  to  Guinea  in  the  aforesaid  Charter, 
the  said  Act  is  finally  drawn  up  and  concluded,  as  follows : 

Art   ,pp.«,i„i„g        "  The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands  having  understood  the  difficulty 
""""""'  suggested   on   the  paragraph  of  the  draft  of  a  General   Company  for  the  Coasts 

of  Africa  and  America  where  Trade  and    Navigation    are   free  by  the  Truce  — to  wit,  that 
it  was  feared  that  some  may  secretly  endeavor  under  that  cover  to  pursue  trade  to  Guinea, 
with  a  (Jencral  Company,  and  that  it  was  desired  to  retain  and  coutinue  to  prosecute  this, 
notwithstanding  the  Company  and  'i'rade  should  not  prosper  in  the  open  parts  of  America, 
either  because  through  some  defect  or  impediment,  it  may  not  have  been  included,  or  being 
includ.'d,  it  may  happen  to  cease  through  want  of  good  success  and  profits,  or  some  other  cause*. 
"  Therefore,  We  being  desirous  to  afi'ord  sufficient  security  thereto,  as  we  have  proceeded 
herein  only  uprightly,  sincerely  and  in  good  faith,  did  and  do  Declare  hereby,  that  Our  intention 
was  none  other  than  to  proceed  in  good  faith,  and  by  means  of  the  aforesaid  General  Company 
earnestly  and  zealously  to  cause  Navigation  and  Commerce  to  be  uudertAeri  as  well  to  the 
West  Indies  and  the  Coasts  of  Africa  as  to  (Juinea;  consequently  that  the  Charter  which 
this  (Jeneral  Company  will  obtain  in  this  regard,  shall  not  convey  any  power  or  clause  to 
en.ihle    any  person  to    take    advantage    thereof  against  others,  in  case  Trade  shall    not    be 
speedily  undertaken  and  prosecuted  by  said  Company  as  well  in  the  other  various  Quarters  as 
on   the   Guinea  coasts,  or  in  case    the  Trade   to   the  other  Countries   should,  through  any 
impediment,  by  want  of  profit  or  through  any  other  cause,  happen  to  fail,  be  interrupted  or 
cease ;  but  that  in  sucl,  cas"  and  tiien,  the  (iuinea  Trade  shall  he  again  free,  common  and  open 
to  every  one  as  it  has  been  to  this  day  in  every  respect,  as  if  no  CHiarter  hud  been  granted  ; 
And  in  order  that  those  at  present  trading  to  Guinea  may  not  be  injured,  it  is  our  meaning,  that 
those  who  have  gone,  or  have  been  sent,  to  ihe  Coasts  of  (iuinea  from  this  or  other  countries 
previous  to  the  date   hereof,  or  who  shall   proceed  there  within  the   |)resent  year   l(il4,  shall 
continue  their  Trade  to  the  sale  of  their  goods  and  to  their  return  to  this  country  and  no 
longer,  provided  that  after  the  1  .January  1(516,  no  person  shall  lave   liberty  to  send   out   any 
ships  and  goods;  Nevertheless,  howrver,  in  case  the  sum  of  four,  five  ;)r  six  Millions  of  guildeis 
shall  not  be  subscribed  in  the  year  IC.I.'),  by  this  (Jeneral   Company,  before  the  1st   May, 
the  Traders  to  Guinea  shall  have  power  to  send  out  their  ships  for  that  year,  and  to  continue 
trading  utitil  the  aforesaid  Capital  or  such  Capital,  as  his  Kxcellency   [i'rince   Maurice]  and 
the  Lords  Stales  (Jeneral  shall  declaro  sufficient  to  etlectually  put  this  project  into  operation, 
shall  be  sid)scribed,  and  until  the  sale  of  their  goods.     And  (or  assurance  of  the  aforesaid,  We 
liuve  have  granted  Uur  Acte  to  serve  as  may  be  necessary." 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    L 


9 

RMumntinr  of  the       '^''^  resumption  of  the  enacted   Charter  in  r„rth^^  „-        j    , 

nmorg  the  Province..  Quarters  and  Cities,  in  thellrnH«^^^  T'''  '^"'^  Kq-ipment 
side  and  through  the  Strait  of  mLi?  th.  Limits  on  this 

India  Company,  with  whosrOeputTe  e'm.^?  the  d.fficulMes  started  thereupon  by  the  East 
of  .he  Lord's  S^'ates  Generl  ;  ^^  t  s  ^eTTn  f^l  ^  ""  ".""  '',  ""'''''''  ""  ''^  ^"^ 
exaunned  at  the  first  AleetiuL/of  the  S 'LIT  n       r  T^'  "''""  *'"'   ''^'"""  "''0"'^   be 

t..e  a.resaid  business  is  -^^ for^^i:  dlll^r  n  ^^^Xr.!"  "'^  ^°"«'^-"^'°- 


/I'/wj^  James  I.  to  the  States  General. 
Date  19  August      ]     ''"""'"""'""""""''»>"*"'""••"'■•  n.g»e ,  nie emuM ^«to„<,. , 
Rec"  30  Septemb'  )  ^''•'*' 
High  and  Mighty  Lords.  Our  good  friends  and  anies  • 

to  settle  and  g.ve  stab.li.y  to  that  en.erpri.e    s,  ,nir„r .  r    .  "-emammg  among  them, 

and  to  request  you  to  pennit  his  abse  ee      mwTo       "  ""*'^P""'  "«"'"  "''»'  y°"' 

complete  ,he  work,  so  well  begun  .•  whi       bv  I  i  7  ^?'"  """■"'  '"  "'"^•'^  "'"^  '^^  "^^y 

Ti.is  We  have  right  wiiiiugi/und:;^;^::^;  di  1 1^ ::rrr'' ''V"'^^"''^^^ 

consent  witb  like  promptness,  not  only  in  tl.i,  i  ,1'  "'"  ""'   ''"'  y""  ^ill 

advancement  of  so  Ludl.ble  an  d  .  n«  t  ::; ''  '"  ?"  ?'";  ''^P'''''^^  °"  ^^  ^^  '^e 
will  be  productive  of  advantage  to  „u  K.I.;  1  ,;  '.  T^  °'  """"'  "'  '"  ""  '-"ability  it 
the  like  to  your  Provinces.     Therefore  We  re  mam  '"""""■•  ""'  '""  '"  '"•""'"•""'-"'e 

From  Our  Court  at  ^""''  ^'^'y  nHectionate  Frieni 

Leiciiter.  the  lO"-  of  Aug"  hii4  (signed)         James  II. 

(The  .Address.) 
To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherland  Province,. 


P"lio  9M. 
Offil  Mrlt»lo. 

♦'•pin  I>«I«. 

Vol..  1. 


ne.olution  of  tf.e  State.  General  on  the  preceding  Letter 
Tue«.lny.  the  \m  of  September  ICA4 

yie,       .avor  of  Captain  Sir  Ti.oma,  Dale.  Marshal  of 


10 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Virginia,  to  tlie  effect  that  their  High  Mightinesses  would  please  to  give  leave  of  Absence  to 
the  said  Captain  for  two  or  three  years  more,  in  order  that  he  may  continue  his  residence  in 
Virginia  meanwhile,  to  bring  affairs  there  into  thorough  security,  for  which  he  has  laid  good 
foundation,  and  commencement.  After  deliberation,  and  on  the  aforesaid  high  recommendation 
by  his  Majesty  and  the  aforesaid  Ambassador,  their  High  Mightinesses  have  agreed  and 
consented  that  the  said  Captain  may  continue  his  residence  in  Virginia,  on  the  previous  footing, 
until  it  shall  be  otherwise  ordered  by  their  High  Mightinesses. 


Resolution  of  tlis  States  General  on  the  Report  of  the  Discovery  of  New  Nttherland. 

[  From  Ihe  Kegliler  of  the  RMolutiou  of  the  Stain  General,  In  the  Bojril  Arehlret  at  the  Hague.  ] 

Present  —  President,  Mr.  Ghiessex. 

Mess"  Biesman,  Westerholt,  Brienen,  <  )ldenbernevelt,  Berckenrode,  Driel, 
Teylingen,  Magnus,  Moesbergen,  Ayloa,  Hegenmns. 


rollo  36S. 
New  Nelherltnd 


Saturday  the  ll""  October,  1G14. 
Appeared  at  the  Assembly  the  Deputies  from  the  United  Company  of  Merchants 
who  have  discovered  and  found  New  Netherland,  situate  in  America  between 
New  France  and  Virginia,  the  sea  coasts  whereof  lie  in  the  Latitude  of  forty  to  forty  five 
degrees.  And  who  have  rendered  a  Report  of  their  said  Discovery  and  finding,  requesting,  in 
consequence,  the  Grant  promised  by  their  High  Mightinesses'  published  placard.  Deliberation 
or.ni  to  ih.  Mrr.  ^'''''*?  '""'  ''"^'"eon,  tlieir  High  Mightinesses  have  granted  and  allowed,  and 
NXilf'o.L"  li^reby  grant  and  allow,  the  Petitioners  that  they  alone  shall  have  the  right  to 
•""'  resort  to,  or  cause  to  be   frequented,  the   aforesaid  newly  discovered   countries 

situate  in  America  between  New  France  and  Virginia,  the  sea  coasts  whereof  lie  in  the 
Latitude  of  from  forty  to  forty  five  degrees,  now  named  New  Netherland,  as  is  to  be  seen  by 
a  Figurative  Map  hereunto  annexed;  and  that  for  four  Voyages  within  the  term  of  three 
years  commencing  the  first  January  XVI'  and  fifteen  next  coming,  or  sooner,  to  the  exclusion 
of  all  others,  either  directly  or  indirectly  sailing,  resorting  to,  or  frequenting  the  said  Newly 
discovered  and  found  Counlries,  harbors  or  places,  from  these  United  Netherlands,  within  the 
said  three  years,  on  pain  of  Confiscation  of  the  ships  and  goods  wherewith  the  attempt  shall 
be  made  contrary  heieunto,  and  a  fine  of  Fifty  thousand  Netherland  Dui-nts  for  the  benefit  of 
the  aforesaid  discoverers  or  finders;  provided,  that  their  High  Mi«htines8es  do  not  hereby 
intend  any  prejudice  or  diminution  to  their  previous  Charters  and  Concessions;  And  their 
meaning  also  is,  that  in  cane  any  difference  or  misiindfrslanding  happen  to  arise  or  proceed 
from  this  their  Concession,  the  same  shall  then  be  decided  by  them.  Therefore,  they  order 
and  command  &c. 


to 
in 
od 
on 
nd 

'g. 


d. 


Bl, 


Its 

Bn 
ve 
in 
}n 
id 
to 
es 
be 

'y 

Be 
)n 

ly 

ie 
ill 
of 

'y 

;d 
Br 


\1 


(/D 


C_5 


^  Z3 

CZ  CO 

or  "< 
•<: 
C::  ^ 


Cfi    ..JJ 


3ZIV: 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    I.  ,, 

Grant  of  Exclusive  Trade  to  New  Netherland. 

[  Prom  IhoMinuU.  on  .half  .h«l  of  paper,  In  theBoy.1  ArcW,Te.!a  th.  H.jue;  Filf,  £«pmrt*] 

The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands  to  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come. 
Greeting  Whereas  Gerrit  Jacobz  Witssen.  an.ient  Burgomaster  of  the  City  Amsterdam. 
J(.nas  Witssen.  bnnon  Mornssen,  owners  of  the  Ship  amed  the  Little  Fox  whereof  Jan  de 
^V.th  has  been  Skipper;  Hans  Mongers.  Paulus  Pelgrom,  Lambrecht  van  Tweenhuyzen. 
owners  of  the  two  ships  named  the  Tiger  and  the  Fortune,  whereof  Aedriaen  Block  and 
fnH  R  ^"f  "^"«^'^"  ^"^-^  ^l^iPP^"'  Arnolt  van  Lybergen,  Wessel  Schenck,  Hans  Claessen 
and  Berent  bweertssen.  owners  of  the  Ship  named  the  Nightingale,  whereof  Thys  Volckertssen 
was  fekipper  Merchants  of  the  aforesaid  City  Amstelredam,  and  Pieter  Clementssen  Brouwer. 

fhe  S^  ;rrn      ;■  r    ''"T^'^  ^'°'^'^-'«-"-  ^'-^^^-^^  °'-  the  city  of  Hoorn,  owners  of 
he  Ship  named  the  Fortuyn,  whereof  Cornells  Jacobssen  May  was  Skipper,  all  now  associated 

iZl^'Tr  r^f  ""^  r.,...,n,.A  to  us,  that  they,  the  petitioners,  after  great 

discover  H^Vr"?"-  ■^'"'  "'  '''^^  '"'  '^^'"^  '''''"^«"'  '-'^'  "^^"^^  "^  present  year, 
b  tweenN       V  "''    l'"  "'"'''  """'^'^  ''''  ^''''P^'  '^^^^-^  ^'^^  Lands  situate  in  America 

between  New  Prance  and  Virginia,  the  Sea  coasts  whereof  lie  between  forty  and  forty  five 

M^ri  .  r  .  '  ""^  "°"  '^''"''  ^'^  Netherland:  .nd  whereas  We  did. In  the  month  of 
M-uch  ast.  for  the  promotion  and  increase  of  Commerce,  cause  to  be  published  a  certain 
General  Consent  and  Charter  setting  forth,  that  whosoever  should  thereafic-  diecover  new 
havens  lands,  places  or  passages,  might  frequent,  or  cause  to  be  frequented,  for  four  voyages,  such 
newly  discovered  and  (ound  places,  passages,  havens,  or  lands,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  others  from 

ZaZZJ7TT^  "r  "';"  "■°'"  '"  ^'"'^"'  '^^'"-^'-''■^.  ""ti'  t'-  «aid  'i-t  discoverers 
and  finders  shall,  themselves,  have  completed  the  said  four  Voyages,  or  caused  the  same  to  be 
do  e  within    he  time  prescribe,   (or  that  purpo.-e.  under  the  penalties  expressed  in  the  sa^d 

^smd  fon^':  '  "'""'  '""'  "^  """'''  """^''  ^°  '•^^""  '^"'^  ^'^'  "''  '"«  "^-'-'^  ^^'^'-y  '" "e 
Whic-I.  being  consideref^  We.  herefore.  in  (^ur  Assembly  having  heard  che  pertinent  Report 
of  the  PetUioners  relative  to  tne  discoveries  and  finding  of  the  said  new  Countries  between 
he  above  named  limits  and  degrees,  and  also  of  their  adventures,  have  consented  and  gr  Id" 
and  by  these  presents  do  consent  and  grant,  to  the  said  Petitioners  now  united  into  one 
Company,  tha,  they  shall  be  privileged  exclusively  to  frequent  or  cause  to  be  vLitH  t  e 
above  new.y  discovered  lands,  situate  in  America  between  New  France  and  Virginia,  wr  of 
th    sea  coasts  lie  between  the  fortieth  and  forty  fifth  degrees  of  Latitude,  now  na  led  N  J 

w^ll  r  ;"  ";•    r  "  v  '^  "  ''«""'^''  '''"•'  "^^^-""^^  """-'■•^'  -"'  t'>at  for  lour  V  va;" 
vvi     ,n  the  term  of  three  Years,  commencing  the  first  of  January.  Sixteen  hundred  and  iK 
ne      en..,i.g    „r  sooner,  without  it  being  permitted  to  any  other  person  from   th     U   it  d 
.N    her  lands   ,0  sail  to,  navigate  or  frequent  the  said  newly  discovered  lands,  havens  or  pi    1 
t  er  .i.recly  or  indirectly,  within  the  said  three  Years,  on  pain  o<  Confiscation  ol  the         el' 
and  Cargo  wherewith   infraction   hereol   shall  be  attempted,   ami   a    fine  of  Fi.ly    iou    " 
V.  ;     •".a  Ducats  (or  the  benefit  of  said  .liscoverers  or  finders;  provided,  neve    he  " 
y  ...e  presents  We  do  not  intend  to  prejudice  or  diminish  any  of  our  former  g  an. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


•«  lis    112.2 


1.8 


U    IIIIII.6 


P 


V 


r 


/i 


o 


A 


/ 


Hiotographic 
Sciences 

oOipOidyDn 


23  WEST  MAIN  STRCET 

WnSTIIt.N.V    I4SI0 

(716)  173-4303 


4^ 


f .  •'  ■•• 


"^ 


\ 


\  V 


-vi 


iO^L. 


/' 


\^XaM^  \ 


OMt 


i/ 


.  / 


.^ 


)Q^ 


-^ 


o 


.OV. 


\  /  i\^ 


^ 


n 


1 


ht 


)0-wv.^'l 


(vV^ 


0 


,0^ 


0^ 


{~^\'- 


0 


';) 


^ 


v/^^ 


iu 


'I 


% 


o 


-9 


0 


'fP. 


s 

^ 


z' 


C^    O 


^' 


-'^is 


^' 


■-^Cv- 


^ 


K 


//■/ 


'I'/i,'  (''ri.fiuti  t  .iih-  f  laurali^e   I'fnirx.',   tfir  ,<ho\i'  i>  mi  ,u\inah    P'lH    Sinii/f  nn.--  I'linn.i  «•«  Ihf  ]ih  ^  ,lniU'  Id-'*! 
til  lh>'  Iiokit  fins     n/'f/te  :'f(it>\>t  iffiiirai  ,>t  >hr  TIvmiI  A.r/nves  at    Th'- /litifuv     'f'Ht>ir    Hits  >u>   fttiirA  m  mr/iu'iwulum 
upon  1/   fn   nJiit/i    i/.y  «/<*/.'  :<i  1  he  ii.sciffittnf,^  ti  /nay  /if  Mf  »nr  refeifrd  If  in  f/if  (khuy  of  tht  !^talrs  in'ifnd 
./,i/(ni //<(    //'*'  f'l, ''>/»•>•  !hl-'f      /n    »////;    t/ii'  ff'ii'nil  fiintteijc  rtnf  araiiM  /o crhtu   itsso,ttit^,i^hi/ii  <'*w/y, 
who  lUum     fo  fun*'  ,fii',,'teirii  .  Un  ,  M'fhe'i'ninJ  .  >)f'  tnnAlfUf  i'our  )ymv/</*'\  f/nf^fHif/mi  i/te  p^runi  of 
Thi'cr  years  from  the  Fir>h^<n  of  Junuary  //*'/^     »>•  it  inuy  ha\'c  heen  firffcnh'ti  ( \  :'ii/<^j/>i  HouiruAstii 
when  //r  oiiii/r   /t/.^  wriHen   Keport   on  the  i!^'''  Jiufif'f   Ui/ft 


~l^fll£^ 


/ 


^■'ri  U**x^\ 


^■a.*^ 


V/^' 


7 


LITH  OFSAHONY  M,C'  N  roHK 


/- 


V 


r 


>i  III  mfiiu'luiuium 
f  >faJis  ('f'lfi  <tJ 
/  >^//'  i<wiier.s . 
y/ifruii/  of 
Ih'iidrnjysvn 


j/i/o  //il\  fhih'/-i(vf 


(ifnL^/oji\ 


riKCfl a/ ntmd,,  CArpn  i.yt(o  rough 


fhai  us  /(. 


ih 


'ier& 


ina   in 

Co  lAm  iLiticaL 
enf/ieras , 

Tea/towjJ  coiikiderotbh/ 


'e:i(iL^p/'ah'/y  cons 
s\CapiTx:ut 


draJ. 

a    JoMvca/. 
%e/ ,  wentliPih/th 


^^//' 


</rf 


y. 


;vr>/      •//'/     .    "Vc/^  > 


12 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  ^L•\X^SCRIPTS. 


We  therefore  expressly  command  all  Governors,  Juslices,  OlTicers,  Magistrates  and 
inhabitants  of  the  aforesaid  United  Countries,  lliat  they  allow  the  said  Company  peaceably 
and  quietly  to  enjoy  the  wiiole  benefit  of  this  Our  grant  and  consent,  ceasing  all  contradiclic  is 
and  obstacles  to  the  contrary.  For  such  we  have  found  to  appertain  to  the  public  service. 
Given  under  Our  Seal,  paraph  and  siunature  of  our  Secretary  at  the  Hague  tiie  xi'" 
of  October  1614. 


Charter  for  divers  Traders  who  have  discovered  certain.  Xtio  Countries. 

nth  October,  1G14. 

[  From  the  Acl  Book  of  Ibe  SuIm  Genrrul.  In  the  Ka;>l  Arrhlve*  •>  Ihe  Ha|tu«.  ] 
[  Thi»  beini-  «  Duplicate  of  the  Di>«ument  iinmeJiately  |irfct'.ling,  in  omillcil.  —  Eu.  ] 


Jiesolution  of  the  States  General  on  a  Jit-port  of  further  Discover  its  in  Js'eu)  Nttherland. 

[  Frnin  ihe  Kegiiter  Kit  ReM>tulif>ns  of  the  state*  tienrral.  in  the  lloval  Arrhlvf*  at  the  Uafrtie  ] 

Tiuirsday,  the  l"?""  August  1010. 
Koiiosoi.  Cornelia  Ilenricxs',  Skipper,  appears  before  the  .Assembly,  assisted  by  Notary 

Carel  van  Oeldre,  on  the  belialf  of  (ierrit  Jacob  Witssen,  burgomaster  at  .Xmslt-rdam, 
J 'nas  Witssen,  I,amhrecht  van  T'.veenliuyzen,  i'aulus  I'elgrom  cum  suit,  Directors  of  New 
New  Neiheriand.  Net lierland,  extending  from  forty  to  five  and  forty  ilcgrees,  .tiliiale  in  ,\niericii 
between  New  France  and  N'irginia,  rendering  a  IJepuri  of  the  second  N'oyage,  of  the  manner 
in  whii.i  the  aforesaid  Skipper  hath  found  ami  discovcnii  a  certain  country,  bay  and  three 
vers,  lying  between  the  thirty  eighth  and  the  fortii  tli  degree  of  Latitude  (as  is  more  fully  to 
be  seen  by  the  Figurative  Map;)  in  a  small  Vacht  of  about  eight  Lasts,  named  the  Dmust 
(Restless.)  Which  little  yacht  they  causeil  to  be  limit  in  the  aforesaid  Country,  where 
they  employed  the  said  Skipper  in  looking  for  new  countries,  havens,  liays,  rivers,  &c. 
Kequesting  the  privilege  to  trade  exclusively  to  the  atiircsaid  counirifs  fur  the  term  of  tour 
years,  according  to  their  lliuh  .Mightiiii'sse.s'  pluard  issiitil  in  M;ircli  lOit.  It  is  resolved, 
before  determining  herein,  that  the  Coinparanls  .sh.ill  lie  onl.red  to  render  and  iruintmit  in 
writing  the  Itcpott  they  have  made. 


3 


[  From  th< 

Tot 

Res] 

I.amlir 
exleiiil 
they  li 
three  r 
the  Fij; 
listless 
th«  I'e 
Hciuiri 
liltle  V 
Miglity 

lU'W  CO 

thi'  gfii 
cuiulili( 
turn  to 
Mighty 
*'\,iinini 
the  exc 
acconi|) 
Whii 

( I'.iitior! 


First, 
three  riv 


HOLLAND  UOCUMKNTS:     L 


18 


Memorial  of  Gerrii  Jacohat  Witsen  and  othtr.s.     Head  mh  Au>ju.,(,  lOlG. 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  the  Lords  States  (ieneral  &c. 

Respectfully  represent  (i.rrit  Jacob   Witsen    Burgomaster  at  An.sterdam,  Jonas  Witsen. 
Lamhrecht   van    1  wee-.huy^en.    I'auius    I'elgn.n,   cu,n   ..iis,  Directors  of  Ne^   Netheriand 
extend.ng  from  40  to  45  degrees,  situate  in  A,neri..«  l.etween  .New  France  and  Virginia,  tha; 
they  have,  at  great  and  excessive  expence.  discovered  and  found  a  certain  country   bay  and 
three  nvers  sUuate  in  the  Latitude  of  fron>  3.  to  40  .legrees,  (as  is  nu.re  fully  to  L  seen  by 
t   e     ,gurat.ve    lap  hereunto  annexed  )  in  a  sn.all  Yacht  of  about  eight  Lasts  burthen,  called  the 
«..r/«,,  whereof  Lornehs  Henricksz"  of  Mu.u.icken.lam  is  Skipper-Which  little  yacht  they 
t  e      et.t.oners,  caused  to  be  built  in  the  country  there,  and  employed   the  aforesaul  Cornehs 
lendncksz    ,n  the  aforesaid  Countries  during  the  space  of  three  years,  in  the  above  n.entio,.ed 
hale  \acht.  looking  (or  new  countries,  havens,  bays  and  rivers.     And  whereas  Your  High  and 
Mighty  Lordsh.ps.  .hd  ,n  March  l.iU.  publish  by  I'lacard,  that  whosoever  should  discover  any 
new  countries,  bays  or  rivers,  the  said  finders  and  discoverers  should  enjoy  for  their  discovery 
the  grants  to  trade  and  traftic    exclusively  for  (our  Voyn  -es  to  the   aloresai.i   countries,  on' 
condition  of  making  a  Keport  thereof  to  You-  High  Mightinesses  ;  Therefore  Your  IVtitioners 
turn   to   ^our   High    Mightinesses,   resj.ectlully   praying  and    re.,uesting   that   You,   High   and 
M.glity   Lor.ls,  n.ay  be  pleased  to  hear  the  atoresaid  Cornells  Hendrickxx.en's  Report,  a.id  to 
examine  the  aforesai.i  Map  and    Discovery,  and  to  grant  the  IVtitioners  accor.linglv  Charter  of 
the  exclusive  trade  t..  the  aloresaul  Countries,  (or  the  term  of  (our  years,  according  to   the 
accompanying  Placard  [of  the  ^'7'"  March  Kill.J 
Which  doing  etc. 

(  r.ndorsed)  IVlition  of  Cerrit  Jacob  Witsen,  Burgomaster  at  Amsterdam. 
Jonas  Witsen.  I,amhrecht  van  Tweenhiiyzen.  I'aulus  I'elgroni 
cum  sociis,  Directors  of  New  Netherland.  etc.  lOlO. 


5''  ^ 


Caj'taiH   HttulrUUnf,   /:.jx„(  of  las  Di^ronrns  ,n  \cir   XttherUind. 

[  Kr.ai  U..  Orinm.l  m  ili.-  U,.,»i  A,ri,„r.  .i  ii,.  ll.,(„.. ,  ni*  rniiilr,!  /,u,.j„«./,.  ) 

Report  of  Captain  Cornelis  Hen.lricv/"  of  Munni.kenci,.m  lo  the  High  and 
Mighty  Lords  Slates  (Jeneral  of  the  Krce,  Iniied  Netherland  I'rovinces. 
ma.le  on  the  xviii"*  August  A»  ItUC...  of  the  countries,  bav  and  thre-  rivers 
situate  in  the  Latitude  (rom  ;iS  to  40  degrees,  by  him  discovered  and 
(ound  for  and  to  the  behoof  of  his  <  )wner8  and  Directors  of  New  Netherhiml, 
by  name  Cerrit  Ja.ob  Wilson  Biiruomasler  at  Amsterdam,  Jonas  Witsen, 
Lamhrecht  van  T  weenhuy/en,  I'aulus  I'ricrom  and  others  of  their  ( "onipany. 

First,  hehuth  discovered  (or  his  aforesaid   Masters  and   Directors,  certain   lands,  a  bay  am! 
three  rivers  lituule  between  38  and  40  degrees. 


5^«  '■> 

' t  -S 


HAW  \t' 


4 


^/,^- 


;'<> 


h 


•  /v 


,y/;' 


Jit. 


//i,  ihi.iiinr/  I,/.'/,  li./.'/r.i/iti  .<l'»iiu//  /'/,  .i/wiv  >.y  ,/.',  ,/<,  t/i,i/i    flic  S,mi/A,i.^  I^'i-i,,/  >'//  f/i<    \'r  '■"  ht'/r  /'*'/'/  •'//  '//< 

.'I    //,,      '^/i/Zi.'^   (Ii//i'/, //.///   I'/ti    jh>\il/    .llt/int--   il/^Cii    u'.liHh'  ^  ^^,./  ^     ^ 


ja,  .'f,rV"^  :v'V//4  /' ^/ 


^,v>,.//  V  / 


T"    C  S'l'XlV'   *  C  «»   'iJ"" 


'■•«»-'/=;— 7t  •^'•i  './i  ./  / 


»;.*■ 


.#1^'^ 


\ 


-X 


«T 

30 

4U 

JO 

A$'i 

L 

I     ' 

1 

"l(^^ 

CI        it 


"'^. 


I 

I 

J 
1 


391 


I 

I 
I 

I 

I 


'///•   /'/</.(/!//('/''/  7///.////'// 7/////.>  />/>//,,//.■,// ^//,' 


/>^.  /'  '// 


^/Av>,./v  //y   V^,,-' 


/ 


•:■ .«,  * /^'«Vfc  <»      ■cy-^J'f^'i-r^     '"    M     r'n/''>ir'e    lU  • 


rfv      /■         If 


^    '<        / 


/ 


/  ^  'I  t  ■   t 


14 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


M 


And  did  there  trade  with  the  Inhabitanta;  said  trade  consisting  of  Sables,  Furs,  Robes  and 
other  skins. 

He  hath  found  the  said  Country  full  of  trees,  to  wit: — Oaks,  hickory  and  pines;  which 
trees  were,  in  some  places,  covered  with  vines. 

He  hath  seen,  in  tlu'  said  'o;ii»?ry,  Bucks  and  does,  turkeys  and  partridges. 

He  hath  found  ihe  climate  of  the  said  Country  very  temperate,  judging  it  to  be  as  temperate 
as  that  of  this  country,  Holland. 

He  also  traded  for,  and  bought  from  the  inhabitants,  the  Minquaes,  three  persons,  being 
people  belonging  to  this  Company ;  which  three  persons  were  employed  in  the  service  of  the 
Mohawks  and  Machicans ;  giving  for  them  kettles,  beads  and  merchandize. 

Read  August  19,  1616. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceding  Report. 

\  rrom  the  Bogiilor  of  Ilia  BetoluUona  of  the  States  Qeneral,  In  the  Boyal  Archifes  >t  the  Uegue.  ] 

Friday  the  19""  August,  1616. 
Foii«»o8.  Read  the  Report  rendered   in   writing  by  Captain  Cornelis  Hendricksz.  of 

Munnickendam,  of  the  countries,  bay  and  three  rivers  situate  between  38  and  40  degrees 
of  Latitude,  by  him  found  and  discovered  for  and  to  the  behoof  of  his  Owners  and  Directors  of 
New  Metherund.  Ncw  Nctherland,  etc.  Resolved,  ta  make  note  thereof;  then  respecting  the  further 
request  of  a  continuation  of  the  Charter,  the  consideration  thereof  is  postponed. 


Resolution  of  tlie  States  Genei'al  on  the  Petition  of  Oeii'it  J.    Witsen  and  others. 

[  From  the  Begister  of  the  Keeolutloiu  of  the  Statee  QeneraU  In  the  Bojral  Archives  of  the  Hague.  ] 

Monday,  the  12.  September  1616. 
Foiio2i«.  Read  the  Petition  of  Gerrit  Jacob  Witsen,  antient  Burgomaster  of  the  City 

Amsterdam,  Jonas  Witsen,  Lambrecht  van  Tweenhuyzen   and    Paulus   Pelgrom  cum  sociis, 
Directors    of   the    Company   of   New    Netherland,   requesting   a   Charter   for 

Directors   of  New  '        '  ■  o 

Netherland.  themsclvcs,  of  the  excluslvc   trade  to  those  Lands  from  this  country  for  four 

years,  under  the  pains  and  penalties  expressed  in  the  aforesaid  General  Placard,  but  no  final 
disposition  was  made  thereof. 


^m-f 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :     I. 


15 


Mtrth^r  Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  Petition  of  Mr.  Witsen. 

(From  th«  EcRLIer  of  RMOIatlooi  of  Ih.  Bute.  Oewr.!,  In  th«  Eoy.l  ArchlTM  .t  th.  H.g«.  ] 

Thursday,  the  S-"  of  November  1616. 
Fono  m  Read  the  Tetition  of  Gerrit  Jacob  Wittsen  B     gomaster  at  Amsterdam,  Jonas 

A\..Uen,  Lambrecht  van  Tweenhuysen,  Pauwels  Pelgrom  and  partners.     Requesting,  in  as 

Dre;*":;'";,!  Tr^  •".'  '^/^  ^"""l  '^'^'^^^^^'^  ^y  their  skipper  Cornelis  Henricxsen  van 
coun,ri«.  .«Ionnickendam,  with  a  yacht  of  about  Eight  lasts,  certain  countries  situate  in 

Latitude  thirty  eight  to  forty  degrees,  between  New  France  and  Virginia,  adjoining  the 
country  heretofore  discovered  by  the  Petitioners  and  by  them  called  New  Netherland,  etc  that 
their  High  Mightinesses  would  be  pleased  to  grant  them  the  Charter  they  demand.  But  the 
disposal  thereof  is  again  postponed. 


^  ii  »  »i  » 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  petition  of  L.  van  Tweenhuyzen  and  oth^s. 

[From  U>«  Begtoter  of  E«oluUon,  of  the  ai.l«.  G.Mnil,  In  Ihe  Boytl  ArchlrM  .t  the  Hague.  ] 

p^ii^j^  Wednesday,  IS'*  January  1617. 

Di«r.Me°rch.n...  Read  the  Petition  of  Lambert  Van  Tweenhuyzen.  Jacques  Nicquet.Claes  Jacobse 
Harencarspel,  Pieter  Evertse  Hulft,  and  company.  Merchants  and  Burghers  of  Amsterdam, 
requesting  to  be  assisted  by  the  State  with  a  ship  of  war  to  realize  some  profit  and  advantage 
a^rr.No«.  ,n  the  celebrated  and  u  eful  trade  and  fishery  of  Terra  Nova;  but  the  disposal 
thereof  was  postponed. 


Interdict  to  print  and  publish  a  Journal  of  Voyages. 
Resolution  of  the  Straes  of  Holland  and  Westfrieslan.l,  dated  29"'  July,  1617. 
wl.'lr;ln„'kr      On  the  petition  of  the  Directors  of  the  Australian  Company,  it  is  ordere''.  and 

S'nSr  :  ''""."  T'""  '"  ^'"'™  •^'*""-  '■^^'•""«  °"  *^«  Water  side  at  Amsterdam. 
v".:;;:!lr.tb/l!;:    °  '"'^  "'  ^'^"^  P^^c^e^Jing  any  further  with  the  composition  and  printing 

»;rX,*'XE5:  °^  "'"  •'""^na'S'  Maps  and  Charts  of  the  Voyage  lately  made  on  the  part  of  the 
.n,othe8.uu.8..  afor.«aid  Company,  from  the  North  into  the  South  Sea.  but  that  he  send  over  all 
the  pieces,  with  declaration  from  whose  hands  he  hath  received  them,  or  come  over  himself 
here  with  them,  without  leaving  any  of  them  behind  or  etaining  them,  on  pain  of  other 
proceedings  against  his  person. 


^V    J, 


M 


NEW-YtlRK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


sImI 


Interdict  to  owrect  existing  Maps. 
Resolution  of  the  States  of  Holland  and  Westfriesland,  dated  S""*  August,  1617. 

Mnp  of  ih«  RoHth.  Having  seen  tiie  Answer  of  the  Directors  of  the  Australian  or  South  Company 
em  pMMgo  o' '  ■  jjj  ^|jg  writing  of  Willem  Jansz.  regarding  what  he  proposes  to  correct  on  the 
HewP.8Mge.  Globe  and  to  publish  in  the  Map  in  relation  to  the  new  found  Channel,  Strait  or 
Passage  from  the  North  into  the  South  Sea;  it  is  Resolved  thereupon  to  notify  the  aforesaid 
Willem  Jansz.,  that  he  shall  not  presume  to  correct  the  Globe,  or  the  priuted  or  written 
Map,  nor  in  any  other  manner  to  publish  or  cause  to  be  published  the  aforesaid  discovered 
Strait,  Water,  Countries,  Islands,  or  Coasts  discovered  there,  but  to  keep  himself  strictly  and 
specially  holden  as  interdicted,  as  such  is  considered  for  the  Public  good;  on  pain  of  other 
proceedings  being  taken,  as  may  be  proper,  against  him,  according  as  shall  be  determined 
against  one  who  contemns  the  Supreme  Authority's  Commands  and  hath  incurred  its  indignation. 


it 


Address  of  Sir  Dudley  Oarleton  to  the  States .  General. 

[  From  the  Original  In  the  Bnjii  Archiree  it  the  Iliigae ;  File  entitled  Sngeland.] 

Messieurs! 

I  have  express  Orders  from  the  King  my  Master,  to  accompany  the  petition  I  hold  here  ready 
to  present  to  Your  Lordships,  with  his  Majesty's  serious  recommendations;  the  petition  is 
exhibited  by  Captain  Thomas  Dale,  an  English  Knight,  who  having  a  Company  of  foot  in 
Your  Lordships'  service,  absented  himself  with  Your  permission  granted  at  the  instance  of 
Henry,  late  Prince  of  Wales,  of  glorious  memory,  for  the  space  of  some  years,  having  command 
and  authority  for  planting  a  Colony  of  the  English  Nation  in  the  Country  of  Virginia,  whereof 
he  hath  acquitted  himself  with  reputation  and  honor  to  himself,  to  his  Majesty's  sat-sfaction 
and  to  the  publick  advantage,  in  as  much  as  by  signal  patience,  diligence  and  valon  he 
overcame  divers  serious  difficulties  and  dangers  and  finally  established  a  good  and  permanent 
settlement  all  along  a  river  navigable  for  seventy  leagues  into  the  interior  ;  and  by  that  means 
hath  preserved  it  to  God,  by  the  exercise  of  Religion  which  is  introduced  there,  and  to  Man, 
by  the  augmentation  of  Commerce. 

Several  of  the  nation,  as  well  Lords  as  other  Gentlemen  of  quality  and  honor,  have 
considerably  contributed  to  this  design.  But  two  of  our  Captains  ( Sir  Thomas  Gates  and  this 
one  of  whom  I  now  speak,)  have  promoted  it  more  than  any  other. 

Chevalier  Gates  found  by  the  hearty  welcome  he  experienced  from  Your  Lordships  on  his 
return,  by  the  present  you  made  him  of  the  entire  amount  of  his  pay  during  his  absence,  that 
his  duties  were  agreeable  to  you. 

Your  Lordships,  on  the  testimony  his  Majesty  bears  of  Chevalier  Dale's  good  demeanor  on 
that  occasion,  and  on  the  recommendation  He  makes  in  his  behalf,  will,  if  it  please  You,  be 
happy  to  receive  his  petition  and,  for  the  reasons  it  contains,  do  him  the  same  favor. 


'    *ii& 


HOLLAND  EOCUMENTS :    I. 


17 


Which  hia  Majesty  will  take  in  very  good  part,  as  done  out  of  respect  for  him,  and  will 
acknowledge  with  like  regard  all  that  will  be  recommended  to  him  on  Your  side. 

Presented  in  the  Assembly  of  the  States  General  of  the  United  Provinces,  on  the 
26'^  day  of  January  1618. 

(Signed)        Dudley  Carlbton. 


<!■>■■■ 


M  Nod  de  Carcn  to  the  States  General. 

I  From  the  Origlaal  Iq  Ih*  Boytl  ireblrn  tt  Iht  Hugue ;  FUs  enUUad  Avtlond.  ] 

High  ond  Mighty,  Potent,  Noble  and  right  Discreet  Lords. 
My  Lords, 

Sir  Thomas  Dale  has  stated  to  me  that  he  was  permitted  about  five  or  six  years  ago  by  your 
Mightinesses  to  proceed  to  Virginia,  and  had  gone  thither.  He  has  returned  here  about  a 
year  ago :  but,  as  he  represents,  has  since  been  very  sick  and  feeble,  so  that  he  could  not 
before  now  present  himself  to  Your  Mightinesses.  He  requests  my  letters  to  you,  High  and 
Mighty,  and  says  he  carries  with  him  letters  from  his  Majesty  also,  to  Ambassador  Carleton- 
He  likewise  says,  he  has  been  long  in  the  public  service ;  so  that  [  consider  Your  Mightinesses 
should  please  to  entertain  the  matter,  inasmuch  as  his  voyage  was  undertaken  with  Your 
Mightinesses'  Consent  and  Knowledge  for  the  space  of  five  years,  as  he  says.  And,  although  I 
know  his  Majesty's  letters  are  fully  sufficient  to  promote  his  recommendation,  yet  being 
solicited  by  the  Earl  of  Southampton  and  him,  I  could  not  refuse  to  accede  to  his  Lordship's 
and  his  own  request,  well  knowing  that  whatever  is  reasonable  and  just  will  be  done  therein. 
And  so  these  serve  no  other  purpose.    I  shall  pray  God 

High,  Mighty,  Potent,  Noble,  Wise  and  right  Discreet  Lords,  to  maintain  You  in  a  prosperous 
government. 

Your  High  and  Mighty  Lordships' 
From  South  Lambeth  Humble  and  obedient  Servant, 

the  ii.  December  1617.     Old  Style.  (Signed)         Noel  dk  Cahon. 

Rec.  26  January  1618. 


Petition  of  Sir  Thomas  Dale,  and  the  Order  thereupon. 

i  From  tho  Orlgliiil  In  th«  Boril  ArohiTM  at  tbo  B>(na ;  FU«  onUUed  Lix^mmU.  ] 

To  the  Noble,  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  the  Lords  the  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 

<?  Thomat  Dad,  Knight,  Captain  of  a  Company  in  Your  High  Mightinesses'  service,  most 
respectfully  represents— That  he,  the  Petitioner,  having  served  this  country  about  thirty 
Vol.  L  8 


18 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


ycRrs,  first  as  a  Soldier  and  last  as  Captain,  Henry  Prince  of  Wales  of  glorious  Memory,  wrote 
some  years  ago  both  to  Your  High  Mightinesses  and  to  Ambassador  Winwood,'  to  obtain  leave 
of  absence  for  the  petitioner,  which  hnving  obtained  from  Your  High  Mightinesses,  he  sailed, 
with  Commission  from  the  Most  Noble  Prince,  to  Virginia  in  the  West  Indies,  to  introduce  and 
plant  there  the  Christian  Religion  and  God's  Word,  also  to  establish  a  firm  market  there  fjr 
the  benefit  and  increase  of  trade,  he,  the  petitioner,  leaving  here  his  Company  which  he 
received  when  burdened  with  great  debts  and  expenses,  and  departed  in  the  firm  confidence 
that  he  might  pay  some  of  those  debts  vwth  his  allowance  during  his  absence.  But  the  petitioner 
having  continued  some  time  in  Virginia,  in  his  aforesaid  employment,  intending  to  return 
here  again  to  his  service,  the  Most  Noble  Prince  came  to  die.  Whereupon  iiis  Royal  Majesty 
himsell,  noting  the  petitioner's  faithful  duty  performed  in  the  aforesaid  Country  f.,r  the 
propagation  of  God's  W^.rd  and  the  promotion  of  trade,  wrote  repeatedly  to  him,  commanding 
that  he  should  continue  in  his  undertaken  work  until  the  last  year,  sixteen  hundred  and 
seventeen,  when  he,  the  petitioner,  was  first  released  with  his  Royal  Majesty's  consent,  from 
his  charge,  and  immediately  repaired  hither  with  letters  of  recommendation  from  his  Hoyal 
Majesty  to  his  Ambassador  here,  to  be  aiding  to  the  petitioner  in  his  request  to  your  High 
Mightinesses.  In  conformity  whereunto,  the  petitioner  finding  his  Company  still  under  the 
burden  of  the  above  named  heavy  debts,  with  which  he  first  received  it,  and  had  at  his  departure 
left  It,  hereby  turns  to  Your  High  Mightinesses,  confidently  requesting  that,  in  your  bounty, 
you  would  he  pleased  to  make  good  his  ordinary  monthly  allowance  for  the  period  of  his 
absence,  and  grant  him  an  Order  for  his  pay,  so  that  he  may  thereby  have  the  means  to  reliev? 
himself,  nt  once,  of  his  great  indebtedness  here,  and  to  continue  as  a  faithful  Servant  in  Your 
High  Mightinesses  Service. 

(Signed)         Thomas  Dalk. 

(At  the  side  was:) 
Let  this  petition  with  the  annexed  recommendation  of  his  Majesty  the  King  of  Great  Britan's 
Ambassador,  made  by  his  Majesty's  order,  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Council  of  State,  to 
communicate  their  advice  thereupon  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  in  order  to,  etc. 
Done  the  xxvi  Januarj,  10]^. 

( Signed )        C  :  Aekssens. 
1G18. • 

(And  further.) 
The  States  General  of  the  I  nited  Netherlands.  Having  heard  the  advice  of  the  Council  of 
State  o!)  the  petitioner's  request,  contained  in  thi^  petition,  and  having  paid  atte.ition  nrincipally 
to  the  recommendation  of  Sir  Carletmi.  the  King  of  Great  Britain's  Ambassador,  ma.le  by  his 
Majesty's  Order  and  presented  in  writing  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  their  High  Mightinesses 
have  granted  and  hereby  do  grant  (without  the  same  being  drawn  into  precedent),  that  the 
petitioner  shall  be  remunerated  by  the  indemnity  and  payment  of  the  half  of  his  wages  during 

'  Sii  Ralni  Wi:.wooi.  w«»  b.rn  rI.o.iI  11„.  },.nr  ISflS.  in  N,.rtli«m|.lomhirB,  and  itiidied  at  ()«f..,'.l.  He  wiiii  AmbaHador 
•uiM..«ively  to  FnUK,.  „„,1  lI„lUnd,  an.l  StnrtlHry  ul  Stal..  fr.,n.  1614  to  hi.  deutl.  in  1(117.  M.niorial«  of  Atr..in.  of  St«t«  in 
tUe  Keign.  of  Llu«l,.lli  «i.<i  J.,,,,.,  1 .  coIIcuImJ  i,r.i.ci,,«lly  from  la.  j,a,„.ri.  Im»«  been  [.ubliilitd,  in  S  Tolum.t,  f.,lio.  ia 
1726,  by  l^Jmund  Sawyer,  Em|.  —  En, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    I.  jg 

the  time  of  his  absence,  to  wit.  seven  years,  the  resolution  at  the  time  of  his  leave  of  absence 
to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.     Done  the  vi.  of  [.'ebruary  I6l8. 
By  Order  of  the  aforesaid  Lords  States  General. 

(Signed)         C.  Aerssens. 
(Endorsed)     Petition   for  S'  Thomas   Dael,  Knight  and  Captain   in  the 
service  of  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  the  States  General  of 
the  United  Netherlands,     2G"'  January  IGIS. 


He^olution  of  the  States  General,  referrim,  Sir  Thomas  Dale's  Petition. 

I  From  Ibo  RegLler  uf  lio^oluUon.  of  lUe  Si.u..  o.„,r.l,  In  ,Ue  Boyal  Archive.  «1  the  H«gtt,.  ] 

Friday,  2(5  January  161S. 
AmhJLlVc.ri^  ^  ^''  par'eton.  Ambassador  from  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  .mneared  in  t'.e 
Assem   ly.  and  by  his  Majesty's  Order,  first  verbally  and  afterwn  in  w  it  i  ! 

T-  1 .   n  .  "■'""^""'■'  ''''^  "''""'^"y  ^^'^'"""'^'n.led  the  petition  of  Sir  Tlunnas  D,nf 

niglU  Captain  in  the  public  service,  returned  from  Virginia,  whither  he  was  pel    .f    ' 

rllo'fw  l'     rr"  '°  '""""  """  ''"''  "^"•°"  ^'^^  «-'"-  recommen  a.i  t  e 

to  al  ow  ..      p",V  '      T  "T"'''  '"  "'■'"  '''"'  """"■  "'S'^  Mightinesses  would  be  plea  ed 

him  an  order  for  the  payment,  so  iliat  he  may  thereby  discharge   his  dehf«      A.  i 
deliberation  it  is  resolved,  before  disposing  thereof^  to  obtai'n  the  adle  o.  the  Co^nc'r^sr 


liesolution  of  th.  Council  of  State  of  the   iTnit.d  Kdherlands, 

[  1  roo,  .1,,  K.gUtc,  of  H«,luU«B.  of  .1,.  Council  of  Su..,,  m  .1.0  lf„) .1  i„.|,i,„  „  ,h,  „^„^  j 

Mo'x'ny.  the  x.xix'"  January  IGIS. 

Folio  »•  *-^        t 

r.p-.,„„.c,,  On  the  pelition  of  C.p.ain  S'  Thomas  Dael.  to  advise  the  High  and  Mi«l,.v 

Lo    s  states   (  eneral.   that   it    is   the    opinion   of  the  Council,    under   corre'ion.    that    to 

p  tt  oner  may  ,or  this  once  and  without  forming  a  precedent,  be  rewarded  wi.h  th     paym  n 

V       b  Ir"""     7"'       ■  'T  "','•''  "'""•-•  '""'«  ^-""  y^""'  »"'  of  considera.im,  0.  the 

Ma  e  ty  of  Great  BrUa.n.  m  writing,  in  their  Higli   Migh.inesses  Asseniblv,  ami  in    regard 

ha    the  petitioner  ,s  a  resolute,  serviceable  person,  ami  what  he  hath  eHeCed  in   Virgi  .i 

H    very    remarkable;    unless    their    High    Mightinesses    may,    on    account   of    the   aforesaid 

recommendation  and  for  oilier  causes,  be  i^ensed  to  take  a  more  favorable  view  of  this  case. 


m 


% 


20 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


RMdution  of  the  States  General  on  the  Opinion  of  the  Council  of  State. 

I  From  th«  Boglitor  of  BeMluUoni  of  U»  8laU*  Onunl,  In  the  Boj«l  ArchlTM,  it  Ui<  H«gne.  ] 


rollo  is. 
Oftpt.  Dul. 


Saturday,  the  S"*  of  February  1618. 
Read  the  opiniou  of  the  Council  of  State,  on  the  petition  of  Thomas  Daei, 
Knight,  dated  ao""  January  last,  purporting  that,  for  reasons  therein  set  forth,  and 
especially  out  of  regard  for  Ambassador  Carleton's  recommendation,  made  and  presented  to 
their  High  Mightinesses  in  writing  on  behalf,  and  by  order,  of  his  Royal  Majesty  of  Great 
Britain,  they  consider  that,  although  this  matter  is  of  evil  consequence  to  the  public  in 
respect  to  all  other  Captains  and  officers  in  this  country's  service,  yet  the  gratification  of  the 
petitioner  somewhat  on  his  request  cannot  be  well  avoided;  and  that  it  is,  therefore,  deemed 
advisable,  for  this  once,  and  without  its  ever  being  drawn  forward  by  any  person  as  a  precedent, 
thnl  he  may  be  gratified  with  the  payment  of  the  half  of  his,  the  petitioner's,  wages  during 
the  long  period  of  his  absence,  being  seven  years,  unless  their  High  Mightinesses  may  be 
pleased  to  take  a  more  favorable  view  of  the  matter,  by  reason  of  the  aforesaid  recommendation 
and  that  the  petitioner  is  a  person  of  resolution  and  of  use,  and  that  it  is  also  very  remarkable 
what  he  hath  effected  in  Virginia.     But  the  final  resolution  thereupon  is  postponed  until  Monday. 


^  ■■  »  ■■  » 


Mcaolution  of  the  States  Genei'al  approving  the  Report  of  the  QmncU  of  State. 

[  rroB  Ui«  Bagitlw  of  ItMnlutisni  of  lh<  SUIat  Oenwtl,  In  Ui«  Bornl  ArohlTM  M  Ui*  IttftM.  ] 

Tuesday,  the  6'"  February  1618. 
The  opinion  of  the  Council  of  State  of  the  30  January  last,  on  the  petition  of 
Captain  Thomas  Dael,  Knight,  opened  here  on  the  S**  ins'  being  considered,  their 
High  Mightinesses  for  reasons  therein  contained,  but  principally  out  of  respect  for  the  strong 
recommendation  of  M.  Carleton  presented  on  the  part,  and  by  order,  of  his  Royal  Majesty  of 
Great  Britain  to  this  Assembly,  have  approved  that  written  opinion;  and  directed  accordingly, 
that  the  Tetitioner  shall  be  gratified  with  the  payment  of  half  his  wages  for  the  time  oi  his 
absencfe,  namely,  seven  years,  without  it,  however,  being  drawn  into  precedent. 


r«iio  <!. 

Otpt.  D>el. 


Further  Resolution  of  the  States  General  in  the  matter  of  Sir  Thomas  Dale. 

t  From  lb*  Rrginmt  of  R«nlnilant  of  lb*  HIiIm  0«Mral,  In  Iht  Eojil  ArohIrM  ti  Urn  Utgwt. ) 

Friday,  the  9'*  February  1018. 


TiMem. 
Opi  DmI. 


The  resolution  of  the  0"  ii.st.,  adopted  by  their  High  Mightinesses  on  the  petition 
of  Sir  Thomas  Dael,  Knight,  Captain  of  a  Company  in  this  country's  service, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    L  mm 

being  reconsidered  with  the  previous  opinion  of  the  Council  of  Slate,  and  special  attention  being 
pa.d  to  the  recommenda.,on  of  M.  Carieton.  Ambassador  from  the  King  of  Great  Britain 

re  ation  wrr^H  '"  ""'"^'^  "^  "^^J^'^'^  ""''"  ^°  ^^«'^  "'g*'  Mightinesses.  aUo  th 
hlirHilM  h.  '"'T'  ''"■'°™''  *'^'''  P^''''°"«'  in  Virginia,  hath  with  this  country, 
their  H>gh  M.ghtmesses  have  agreed  and  hereby  consent  that  the  petitioner  shall  be  gratified 
by  the  payment  of  his  full  wages  for  the  time  of  his  absence,  to  wit.  seven  years  the 
resolution  adopted  at  the  time  of  his  absence  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding  without!  however 
the  same  bemg  drawn  into  precedent.  Ordering,  that  for  such  purpose,  this  resolut  on  I  a 
be  communicated  to  the  Council  of  State  for  execution.  »"    ''      '  ""  ""<«»  8"au 


Permission  to   William  Jansen  to  publish  his  Chart. 

Resolution  of   the   Lords  States  of  Holland   and   Westvriesland :    dated   10 
August.  1618. 


On  the  petition  of  Willem  Jansz..  Burgher  at  Amsterdam,  complaining  that  he  is 


PrtiUoi  of  Willem 

j.nK.  Burgher  , I  - -'""•  8"^' •»- "^"'oicruuiii,  complaining  that  hc  Is 

^r:1ZqZ  ^;^'^'^^'^  '«  P^bl.sh  the  chart  of  the  new  passage  discovered  by  the  Australian 
Mr-tt  Company,  and  that  such  was  done  here  b'y  others  to  his  loss;  it  l  tnelutd. 
not  ♦  A  "i"'°"8^"  ^•'^^  preferable  that  the  chart  should  not  have  been  published,  yet 
not  to  render  the  petitioner's  case  worse  than  others',  he  is  allowed  to  publish  the  chart. 


*  '■  *  I  ^ 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  trade  to  New  Neth^rland. 

[  From  Ik.  R^grtai.,  „f  R«oluUoi»  of  th.  BUM  O.n.riU,  Id  Ih.  R„,.i  ArchiT*  .1  Ui.  R vi>.  ] 

Thursday,  4  October  1618. 

'2 ';  "•'"d  the  petition  of  the  Company  trading  to  the  island  of  New  Nethe-land. 

»ewN.K.r,.„a.    requesting    the  continuance  of  their  charter    for  some  years    longer  to  trade 

exclusively   o  the  aforesaid  Island.     But  it  is  resolved,  before  disposing  thereof,  first  to  see  and 

reconsider  the  aforesaid  petitioners' charter.  "■- ursi  lo  see  and 


Jif^'^htion  of  the  States  General  on  the  Petition  of  Ilendrick  Filing. 

I  rroo  u,.  B^flM,  „f  iu«„uoM  of  u,.  »,.;«  0««.l  In  u,.  B„y.i  Arrtim  « th.  H^w.  1 

Tuesday  the  9'"  October  1618. 
H-nr,':""  t.h,„      ^'f  "'*  P^'it'""  °f  Henrick  Eelkins  and  Adrinen  Jansse  Engel  cum  sociis.  .11 
.u.u.„,p..„       merchant,  residing  at  Amsterdam,  associate,  and  partner,  in  what  is  called  the 


22 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


;il 


II 


New  Netlierland  Company,  which  their  High  Mightinesses  have  incorporated  for  the  term  of  four 
successive  yenrs,  whereof  the  fourth  and  last  year  hath  expired  in  January  last;  requesting 
that,  in  consequence  of  said  expiration  and  of  their,  the  petitioners',  having  already  prepared 
A  tiiip  to  New  '*■  ^^'P  named  the  Schilt  to  proceed  thither,  their  High  Mightinesses  would  be 
Nuhurnnd.  pleased  to  grant  them  a  favorable  per.nission,  in  order  that  they  may  perform  the 

aforesaid  voyage  without  any  opposUion  from  their  former  partners.  Their  High  Mightinesses 
have  consented  hereunto,  because,  and  by  reason,  of  the  expiration  of  the  charter  granted  to 
the  petitioners,  and  therefore  permit  them  to  perfor.a  their  intended  voyage  to  New  Nelherland 
with  their  prepared  ship  herein  mentioned. 


I  l|t 


liesolution  of  the  States  General,  on  the  Colonization  of  Xew  Netherland. 

[  From  Iho  Rrglttcr  o(  KesoluUons  of  Ihe  SiaiM  Ocncral,  In  the  Boyal  Archivct  at  ihc  IIiTgae'  ] 

Wednesday,  12  February  1C20. 
Foiio4S.  jigjjj  (|,g  petition  of  the  Directors  of  the  Company  trading  to  New  Netherland, 

New       Netlierland  '  r       j  o  i 

toiiipany.  situate  between  New  France  and  Virginia,  in  lliel  alitude  of  from  forty  to  forty- 

live  degrees,  that  the  aforesaid  Island  might  be  peopled  under  their  High  Mightinesses' 
protection  and  government,  whereunto  they  request  two  ships  ot  war.  But  it  is  resolved, 
before  disposing  thereof,  to  procure  '.ho  opinion  of  the  deputies  from  the  Board  of  Admiraltj 
who  are  invited  here  for  the  15""  inst. 


11^ 


Petition  of  the  JM/'ectora  of  the  .\ew  Netherland  Company. 

I  From  Ibe  Original  la  lb«  Royal  ArcliIrM  at  tht  Hague ,  File  enUUtd  A<lm*mUI»U.  ]  > 

To  the  PnixcE  of  Ohanoe,  &c. 

!?u*Tih"ii'«!iT,f  'I'l"'  Directors-  of  the  Company  trading  to  New  Netlierland,  situate  in  latitude 
m'li'i''™her"f'r",'  from  40  to  4)  'Ifgrees,  between  New  France  and  Virginia,  reverently  represent 
ur,\ymi<.(*\tn-  that  llicv,  the  petitioner"^,  have,  as  discoverers  and  nrst  hnch'rs  of  said  countries, 

•il )      C.     Avnaefiii  i      ,      i'       , 

!•""  traded  t'lither  now  several  years,  in  virtue  of  a  certain  general  Charter  from  the 

High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  (ieneral.  d  ited  the  10'"  .Marili  KiU;  that  tliey,  also,  have 
delivered  to  tlieir  High  Mightinesses  their  written  report,  with  a  map  of  the  situation  and 
usefulness  of  saiil  countries.  ,-\nil  whereas  the  petitioners'  Charter  has  expirei'  so  that  every 
one  IS  now  at  liberty  to  trail"  there,  they  have  again  ueni  thither  two  ships,  in  or.ler  to 
preserve  the  reputation  of  said  trade;  some  vessels  have  been  likewise  sent  by  other  traders 
exclusive  of  the  Company.  Now  it  happens,  that  tli -re  is  residing  at  Leyden  a  certain  Knj^lish 
I'reaclier,  versed  in  the    Dutch   language,  who  is  v/ell    iii'liiied  to    proceed   thilher  to   live, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:     L 


S8 


assunng  (he  peUhoners  t!,„t   he  lu.s  the  means  oC  in.lunng  over  four  hundred   families  to 

aceo,npany  hnn   thither    ho.h   cut  of  this   country  and    England,  provided    t     y  wo     ,      e 

gu  rded  and  preserved  from  all  violence  on  the  part  of  other  potentates,  hy  the  a^th'ri  y  ami 

n.l.r  the    protect,on  of  your  Princely  Excellency  and  the  'fligh  and   ft^ghtv  Lord     State 

m  tha  country  ,„  true  learning,  and  m  converting  them  to  the  Christian  Faith,  and  thus 
rough  the  mercy  of  the  Lord,  to  the  greater  glor  of  this  country's  government'to  !„; 
irth  "^",^"7""--^'^"-""  "-'-the  order  and  command  of /our^>rincci;  ExedC 
and  the  Hjgh  and  M.ghty  Lords  States  General.  And  whereas  they,  the  petitlners  have 
experienced  that  h.s  Majesty  of  Great  Britai,  would  be  disposed  t'i  peopltj  afore  "d 
lands  w,th  the  English  nation,  and  hy  force  to  render  fruitless  fheir  possLsio  an  id^rery 
and  hus  epr.ve  th.s  State  of  it.  tight,  and  apparently  with  ease  surprize  the  s  i  s  of  U 
CO  ntry  wh,ch  are  tl.re,  and  are  ordered  to  ren,ain  there  the  whole  year ;  wherefore,  they  e 
pet,t,oners.  pray  and  request  that  your  Princely  Excellency  n,ay\enignly  pie  to  la  « 
i   1   rthT"     -Tm  ^'"' le  -"-ieration.  so  that,  for  the  preservatit./of'this  coun tr,' 

^  ;  c:^  ^rtiid  !::t  ^^t  '"''^•' """""'  """"*'^  "^^^  '^  ^^'^-  -"-  ^'-  protect^: 

o    this  country,  and  that  two  ships  of  war  maybe  provisionally  despatched  to  secure  to  the 
state  the  a.ores,ud  Countries,  inasmuch   as   they  would    be  ol'much   importan  e    wh     e 

e  West  India  Company  is  established.  i„  respect  t.    the  large  abundance  of  timb..   fit  fo 
sh.p  building  .^c.  as  may  be  seen  by  the  accompanying  report.     On  all  which 

(Endorsed)     Petition  of  the   Directors  of  the  Company 

trading  to  New  A'etherland.     12  Februarv.  1G20. 


J^e^olutio,,  of  the  StaL.  G,  <eral  on  the   U.poH  ./  the  Board  of  Admiralty  respecting 

the  forcjoiiiij  Pdition. 

I  Kro,»  th.  H.gl.„,  of  lt»,,„tloa.  of  lb.  S1.U-  (lenor.!.  la  lb.  AKblve.  .1  il„  UiMp,..  J 

Wednesday,  the  afi">  February  1020. 
The  Deputies  present  from  the  Board  of  Admirulty  have  presented  to  their 
High    Mightinesses,  in  writing,  its  opinion  on  the   petition    presented   by  tne 
Directors  of  ,he  t;„mpar,v  trailing  to  New  Nelherlaud,  hereinbefore  inserted  ;  and 
the  nioresn.d  opinion  being  ren.l.  and  eonsi.iered.  it  is  resolved,  before  disposing 
thereof,  that  his  Excellency  sIihII  be  consulted  and  his  opinion  obtained.  ^ 


Knllo  63. 
Adnilrslly. 
"  «      S(lherl»nil 

Iiticnin.-i. 


94 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Further  Mefiolution  of  the  States  Oemral  on  ihe  preceding  Petition. 

[  From  Ihe  Reglilcr  of  Euolutioni  at  ttat  SUIm  Oanenl,  In  the  Bojil  Archlrea  at  tbo  Iligne.  ] 

Tuesday,  the  10""  March,  1620. 
FuiioTs.  Resolved,  that  the  opinion  of  his  Excellency  shall  be  first  obtained  on  the 

compeny*  " *"    Petition  presented  by  the  Directors  of  the  Company  trading  to  New  Netherland, 
before  acting  on  it  and  on  the  advice  of  the  Deputies  from  the  Board  of  Admiralty. 


Further  liesolution  of  the  States  General. 

t  From  the  Segli'.er  of  RMnlntioiu  of  the  Statet  General,  In  Ihe  Kajral  ArohlTM  tl  the  Bt(ne.  ] 

Friday,  the  10'*  of  April,  1G20. 
Folio  118.  Read  the  petition  of  the  Directors  of  the  New  Netherland  Company,  that  their 

o^wpeny,"  '   °    reoucst  should  be  favorably  disposed  of,  and  resolved  to  obtain  his  Excellency's 
opinion  thereupon. 


Resolution  of  the  States  GenercA  on  the  Petition  of  the  Ke/io  Netherland  Company. 

[Fron:   ne  Regliter  of  Rceolutleni  of  the  'iMtm  Oenenl,  In  Ihe  RoyrI  Arahlree  «t  the  Utfue.] 

Saturday,  the  11   'Vpril,  1G20. 
Folio  115.  The  petition  of  the  Directors  of  the  New  Netherland  Company,  that  they, 

New      Netherland    -,  ,.  /..t»ii  ,  -,.i^  ■  r 

cnmpuy.  for  the   peopling  of  said   Island,  may  bo  assisted   with  two   ships  of  war,  la 

again  rejected. 


^  n  » »■  > 


Resolution  of  th«  States  General  on  further  Petitions  to  trade  to  New  Netherland. 

[  F.-YHD  the  lUnleter  of  B««oluUou  of  the  Slake  Oeneral,  In  the  Rnyal  ArehWea  tl  the  HaRae. ; 

Saturday,  S'J"-  August,  1020. 
Foiiotw  Head  the  petition  of  the  .loint  Owners  of  the  Ship  naned  the  (Had  Tidings  (de 

The  ownm  of  the  '^  '^ 

Bijip,  the  oiad  Ti-  (,fyjg  booiiclhij'J  wliereol  Cornells  Jacobsen  Mey  of  Hoorn  is  commander,  who 
New (huad Country,  having  discovered  some  now  Countries  populous  and  fertile,  abounding  in  nil  sorti 
of  Timber  and  never  discovered  before,  pray  that  their  High  Mightinesses  may  be  pleased  to  hear 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:     L 
or  any  of  the  lHver.  of  N,w  KetZZiZTt     u       T  "«'"'''°8'l"'Tra.l,  o„  ,h.  Co,,,., 


Friday,  tlie  e"-  Novemb'  leao. 
--™.,Ui.,a,.^o„.id.Ji:r^^^^^^^^^^^ 


1-  olio  8M. 
Ni-w  NBihrrUnd 


Pr.c..^/«,;y  o.  the  Peti'^on  of  Tm.k'rs  to  Vinjinia,  cfr. 
Resolution  of  the  States  of  Holland  and  Westvriesland,  dated  13  Sept'.  1681. 


relHIoii  of  til*  tnt"         TtanA  *  •    ■ 

»t«i«    Tr4dm,  r^.  ,,  ....  """°^*^"  """  Other  Goinea  Tfadpra  •  Ttam 

^■'^inici..  b,  ai.  also,  the  petition  of  Traders  to  Viroinio    -  .■  ,     "'"^'' *'^o<'«">  "em, 

""••■I  k. »n.l  lomB  .     '  iiuuers    10    >  irglmp,   reuU.'Stinff    to    !)P   nllnivur)  »»  ..>»j 

&■?£:•.?'!■:':  «<>"i«   "hips  to    l.rlnK  their  ref.r,..  ,L \..:     V        '  «'"«*«rt  to  send  out 


Bhi|»»(.)  Men  thrir 
HHiirnt  from  Uiit 
C"Qmry  hither. 


■»"■•  'o  ! ,  .heir  ,.,a„,.  ..    „ '  ,  "„     "LI ^  " ZT  ':  T'  "".' 

.ad ..dy. ""-"'"" •^"^" "•  "»•  •» '« '"■• ««" -e w.-ur Co";:; rfZ.^ 

Vol.  1. 


i.  -a 


26 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Reaolution  of  the  States  General  respecting  New   Virginia. 

\  Fmm  tha  RegUtcr  of  Roaolatlona  of  the  Slates  OenenI,  In  llie  Koyal  Archirn  at  the  Hague.  ] 

Tuesday,  the  4""  September,  1621. 
Read  the  petition  of  Henrick  Allartszzn'   cum  suis,  in  which   they  request 
,..»,.„..  permission  to  send  a  ship  to  New  Virginia  to  fetch' their  people  and  property 

from  there;  but  it  is  resolved,  before  disposing  thereof,  to  hear  the  opinion  of  the  Board  of 
Admiralty  in  Zealand. 


Folio  861. 
Ilenrick  AllatKzzn 
cum  duit. 
Virginia. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  permitting  a  ship  to  proceed  to  Virginia. 

[  From  Ihe  Register  of  UesolutlDDa  of  the  Stalet  General,  In  the  Rofal  Archlrea  at  the  Hague.  ] 

Wednesday,  15  September,  1621. 
On  the  petition  of  Henrick  Elkens,  Hans  Jooris  Houlon  and  Adriaen  Janssen, 
Engel  cum  sociis,  merchants  in  Amsterdam,  what  follows  is  granted: — 
The  States  General,  &c.,  having  communica'ion  of  the  contents  of  this  petition,  have,  for 
reasons  submitted  with  the  presentation  thereof,  granted,  and  do  hereby  grant,  for  disposition 
thereof,  that  the  petitioners,  according  to  their  request,  shah  be  at  liberty  to  send  their  ship 
named  the  White  Dove,  burthen  about  forty  lasts,  whereof  Wilhem  Janssen  Houton  is 
Master,  to  Virginia,  on  condition  that  they  shall  have  returned  to  this  country  before  the  first 
of  July  next,  with  their  goods  and  ship. 


Folio  8«3. 
nrndrirk      Elkens 
cum  buls. 


Folio  87«. 
Dlrck  Volkfrme. 
eum  saia. 


Resolution  of  tli^  States  General  permitting  anotJter  Ship  to  he  sent  to  Virginia. 

[From  the  Begisier  of  Resolution)  of 'he  sttalas  Oeneral,  In  the  Rojal  Archlrea  at  the  Hague.  ] 

Friday,  24""  Septemb',   1621. 
On  the  petition  of  Dierck  Volckertse,  Doctor  Verus  and  Doctoi  Carbasius, 
residing  at  Hoorn,  I'ieter   Nannincx,  of  Medenblik,  Accountant,  and  CorneliB 
Volckertse,  together  with  Pieter  Dircxzen  Schodeis,  it  is  allowed  as  followeth: 

The  States,  etc.,  having  communication  of  the  contents  of  this  petition,  hiive,  for  reasons 
tlierein  mentioned,  allowed  and  hereby  allow,  for  dispositior  thereof,  and  that  the  aforesaid 
Petitioners  may,  accordingly,  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  s  -nd  to  the  Virginias,  one  ship,  laden 
with  all  sorts  of  permitted  merchandiise,  to  trade  with  and  profit  by  the  same;  and  afterwards 
to  br  ng  over  their  cargoes,  goods,  clerks  and  seamen,  to  this  country,  provided  that  they 
shall  have  returned  home  before  the  first  of  July,  sixteen  hunUred  and  twenty-two. 

'  Miaapelt  for  "  Henrich  Elkena,"  t««  nut  reaolutioD,  —  Ed. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:     L 


m 


Resolution  of  the  State,  General  pe,-mittir,g  a  Ship  to  be  sent  to  New  Netherland. 

I  From  .h,  Begfle,  of  K«oI„u„n.  of  tho  St....  Gen.r.1,  m  Ih.  Ko,.l  A,chlT«  .,  .he  H^ue.  ] 

P„,„8,o  Tuesday,  SS'"  September,  1G21. 

d.gre..  of  l,,i,„d«   call/d   N  w  N.U  eZd-  a .,    ,1  l'™"'  ""'"«"  ""  '»"  »1    -*' 

a.L.  N.„  u,v.:,"!;-;'!':  ,:i:i  t:r:;  ,.f::,'r;:;':;;;  xr  °"'" ";'" 

1621. 

»,,  J,  MkMOKASDI  M. 

J';:n:- X  rr:?::::;;.:^  ;:;;;r  r,r  r  ^"""' "-  '-^'^  - --  --  •- — 

.hereof  .„.de.  especially  aM^e(>i,i,.,,o,;4   37^^  T"'  """  •"""^""  ''■^''""■""*  '"  ''»-  '--"."« 

Tru.,ce..  i,  now  in  tho  Sutc  Library       J    KB  '         ''^'  "^  *'""''•  I'"^'"**"^  »>>  ■"<>  ""''-  ".e  direction  of  ,h. 


s 


i?..«^«./.«  o/  the  State.  General  on  a  Conununicatio.  from  Sir  DuJley  Carkton, 

I  Fr.™  u.e  8^U,„  or  R«o>«Uo«  o,  ,h.  sute.  Oen.,^,  ,„  .h.  Uo,.,  Arch„«  .,  ,b„  H.,u,.  ] 

Wednesday,  the  IG'"  March,  lO^o. 

thdr'Hirh'Mr.r  "'"""'"  ?:'"  ,""  ''"'«  "'■  '''•""  «""•'"•  ^-ommended  .hat 
i  nia'    iff    ;"*""'  """'  ,"'?'  "  "*-'""""  °"  •"«  P-P-i'-"  relating  to 

to  the  etrect  that  Zr        J  Mil  I      '        ',"'  '"  "";  "'"'''  '"  ""■  '^'""'^  "''  ""'^  Netherland, 
contained  in  the  IflreLd  X;::;.t;:r^"  ''''''  "  '''  '"^"""^'^  '"'  '''  ''^  '^'^  ^'^  "-- 

'  For  thi(  propoiiUon.  ttt  poll.  III.,  8.  —  Ed. 


Fnlln  »l. 
(Iroti  BrIUIa. 

VIrglnU. 


28 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i'l 


III 


Menclution  of  the  States  of  Holland  and   Westfriesland  on  a  j'  opostd  j>lan  of 

immigration. 

[  From  th«  printed  BvgUter.  ] 

The  21  April,  1622. 
f'y'Sd'tS'uS'wS;      The  Directora  of  the  West  India  Company  report  that  they  have  examined 
luJie..  ^jjg  paper  relative  to  the  Families  to  bt  conveyed  to  the  Wist  Indie),  and  are  of 

opinion,  that  it  is  very  advantageous  for  the  Company,  and  therefore  that  au  effort  ought  to  be 
made  to  promote  it,  with  a  promise  that  they  sliould  be  employed  ;  and  to  postpone  it  until 
the  Directors  should  be  formed,  if  the  Assembly  thought  proper  that  this  promise  should  be 
made  to  them  ;  which,  being  considered  by  the  Lords,  gentlemen  and  ciii.-s,  it  is  unanimously 
resolved  and  concluded,  that  the  said  promise  shall  be  given  with  the  knowledge  of  the 
Magistracy,  and  to  proceed  with  it  accordingly. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  a  Communication  from  Sir  Dudley  Carhton. 

[  From  the  BrgUter  of  ReMlulloni  of  Iho  SUlea  OenenI,  In  the  Itojul  Archlret  at  the  Uagae.  ] 

Wednesday,  S?'"  April,  1G22. 
Qre/B'r.wr  Ambassador    Carleton    recommended    that   a  resolution   be   passed   on   the 

communication  he  had  made  on  the  part  of  his  M;ijesty,  regarding  the  Island  of 
virgini..  Virginia;  and  it  is  resolved,  that  the  said  communication    shall  be  examined, 

together  with  what  has  been  published  in  print  at  Amsterdam  on  this  subject. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  Petition  of  the  Jieir  of  Rev.  Mr.  Plancius. 

C  From  the  KeKliter  or  Resulutloni  of  the  Stale*  OenenI,  In  the  Boyal  Archlrea  at  the  nagua.  ] 

Saturday,  IS""  June,  1622. 
Foiiom  Read  the  petition  of  Clues  Jacobsen  Ilarinckcarspel,  Schepen  and  Councillor  of 

the  city  of  Amsterdam,  heir  of  the  deceased  Petrus  I'lancius  minister  of  Cod's  word,  cum 
New  NeiherianJ.  suis,  praying,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  the  petition,  that  the  time  allowed  to  them, 
the  petitioners,  to  bring  over  their  returns  from  New  Netheriand  to  this  country,  may  be 
extended  six  months,  but  the  resolution  thereupon  is  postponed. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    L 
MeMon  of  tke  State.  Gen.-al  rejecting  0.  „r.  of  tAe  We.t  In.la  Company, 

P^,  ^j,  Tuesday,  the  29'"  November,  1622. 

w«.  1.1  ««„.    ^^"«;.«'J'  t''»'  the  papers  of  the  West  India  Co,r,pany  remaining  in  the  office 


Folio  £8. 
Kngltnd. 


^«.^  i?.../W.o«  ./  tl.  ^tate.   General  on  a  proposed  Union  of  tke    We.t  India 

Companies. 

Friday,  the  Si"*  March,  1G24. 
His  Excellency  appearing  in  the  Assembly,  in  his  presence  are  read  the  noint, 

February  ^J^:^T;:X^:^ X^rt^l^''  ''  '^'-'' '''  ^^^^^^^ 
and  with  the  advice  of  his  I  Ll  Lee  I  y  it  tr'^'^^r"'/"''  "'"'"  -"-^«-'-n. 
M,„„.^p<„..,„„  fourth  point.re«nrdinrthe  Wpt/V  'y^^''^  ""^^  concluded;  first,  on  the 
w.«i  indii  oom-  |'"'iH.  regarding  the  West  India  Company  and  thp  Iptt^r  „f  .i,    r     j     « 

^n  to  be  ^:s-';Lr;::t^^^^ 

Mightinesses'  deputies  at  present  attendi^rjLmee.Wtle  X  x!^  '  TV'"'^  "'«" 

Amsterdam,  to  submit  to  the  n.eeting.  as  matters  are  S  a d  !""''"  ^7/^7  '1 

at  present,  that  probably  a  West  India  Company  will  be  forn^d   „  1  e    ^d  ^ 
or  else  some   expedition  be  undertaken,  whether  thev  wi     1?       ^  .  '""«''''""' 

consider  if  it  would  not  be  prudent  to  c^nTe  on  .  .n.I  '  "''''H^'''''  *'''"  "'^"^^io"  and 
other  equipment  to  be  sent,  on  bott  siLs  to  tl^  WeT,    r       ".^'^  ''''  Companies,  or  of  some 

not,  of  Use,,  be  strong  enough,  wU:^;:,:;:!  ^  t:.r::dlfr::;r 77^  ^"' 
resist  alone  such  a  powerful  force  as  is  nut  to  «p.  ...  and  to<.peration  of  others,  to 

ships,  for  the  purpose  of  cn.shi  g  e  Comlv  n  t  "T  '  r'"'  ''^  ''^  """^'^^^  "^  '"^^ 
agree  respectiilg  Ihe  present  and' tie  future  t  F  I'lT  '  !  m'  '7",'  "'"  '^  ""''"'  *° 
when  this  Company  In  have  sustained  tVe  LL    He  ^b^^^^^^^^^^  T'' 

which  may  be  incorporated  by  God's  gracious  helo    .  d  frl     TTl  ''"""  "'"  P''"'' 

without  falling  into  the  same  diftic  I'vT  t L  F  .',;  n  "''^  '"""°'  '^^  '"'^''^'^ 

can  now  be  easier  obviated    eiler  1 1  .         ^  "!'"  ^"'"P''"^'  '^"'^  ""^'^  them,  which 

equipment  to  be  exe:;;t:d  itjat;    '      ''"'""""'""  "'  "'''  '=°'"'"^"'-  ^  ''^  «-«  -'-i 

Of  r  :::;:::■  S'lr::  ::::;::r2r  ror  '^  r^  r  -"^-^  "■-  ^--'>- 

resolve  thereupon  with  better  loun.hUion  '  '''''"  ''"'  "  """'  '"  "^^  '•^^'*'  '° 

.w„u,u..co..      And  whereas  his  Excellency  proposes  that  the  Ambassadors  ought  necessarily 
be  authorized,  n  case  any  league  Hp  r.n,w.i.,j  a  .         i  "etessariiy 

i-aoc  i.uy  league  De  concluded,  to  make  some  present  to  Mess" 


iiilft^iunert. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


b 


1.0 


iA£12.8 

150     ^^~ 


2.5 

2.2 


I.I 


1^  1^ 

Z   \i^    12.0 


I 


1.25 


1.4 


1.6 


V] 


(7 


<^    .^ 


^^v 


?.^ 


^ 


>> 


V 


«k  ^o'* 


'^ 


9/j. 


Hiotographic 

Sciences 
Coiporalion 


^V 


<* 

>. 


33  WtST  MAIN  STMIf 

WiBSTIRNV    U<tO 

(716)  672-4503 


» 


i'ftl 


80 


I  ii^'/YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


His  Majesty's  Commissioners  who  shall  be  engaged  in  this  league,  na  is  usual  in  such  contracts. 
It  is  resolved  to  wait  the  advice  of  the  Ambassadors  themselves  as  to  what  they  should  think 
best  to  be  done  in  the  case,  whilst  it  is  concluded  that  the  gratuity  ought  to  be  regulated  in 
proportion  to  the  advantage  and  profit  to  be  derived  by  this  country  from  the  league. 


^  ■  ■  »  I  ■  » 


f    IP 


Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  States  General. 

[  From  Ui<  Original  In  tb«  Bo;il  AratitTm  tl  the  Hagn-  -  Fll*  Wett  JndU,  1628-1639.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords, 

We  transmit  to  you,  herewith,  High  and  Mighty,  copy  of  a  certain  letter,  sent  i:  us  from 
Hoorn,  by  some  deputies  of  this  Assembly.  Your  High  Mightinesses  will  understand 
therefrom,  that  we  (to  our  regret)  are  informed  of  the  evil  intentions  and  designs,  maliciously 
undertaken,  by  a  certain  shipper  and  other  personb  there,  directly  contrary  to  the  favorable 
charter  and  amplification  granted  by  your  High  Mightinesses  to  this  Company ;  and  therefore, 
not  only  in  opposition  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  good  intention  and  meaning,  but  also 
against  the  welfare  and  prosperity  of  this  said  Company,  and  consequently  against  your  High 
Mightinesses'  country  and  many  of  its  good  inhabitants.  And  whereas,  it  is  of  paramount 
necessity,  for  the  mainten^^nce  of  the  aforesaid  charier  and  its  subsequent  amplification,  also, 
for  the  promotion  of  the  Company's  afiairs,  and  especially  for  the  removal  and  prevention  of 
such  evil  designs  and  malversations,  that  provision  be  made,  and  such  example  at  once 
determined,  as  will  deter  others  from  attempting  the  like  for  the  future;  We  could  not, 
therefore,  refrain  from  communicating  this  to  you,  High  and  Mighty,  in  the  form  of  a  complaint, 
and  requesting  at  the  same  time,  that  you,  High  and  Mighty,  would  b  >  pleased  so  to  provide 
therein,  and  so  to  order,  that  not  only  the  aforesaid  ship  should  be  forbidden  and  prevented 
undertaking  its  intended  voyage,  but  that  the  Company  n.ay  also  be  put  beyond  the  risk  of 
such  evil  practices  being  in  future  undertaken  and  attempted  to  its  injury;  and,  likewise,  to 
act  further  therein  as  your  High  Mightinesses  shall  consider  necessary  for  the  greatest 
advantage  of  this  Company,  and  in  keeping  with  your  strong  nflection  for  its  prosperity:  And, 
whereas,  the  noble  Mighty  States  of  Holland  are  at  present  assembled,  il  is  most  humbly 
requested,  that  you,  High  and  Mighty,  would  be  pleased  on  the  occasion,  to  order  and  direct, 
through  those  of  the  North  (iunrter,  that  the  sails  and  guns  be  removed  from  the  aforesaid 
ship;  advising  you.  High  and  Mighty,  moreover,  that  we  also  certainly  understand  that  many 
are  equipped  in  that  Northern  department  for  the  West  Indies;  and  we  therefore  request  you, 
High  and  Mighty,  to  be  pleased,  through  the  said  Lonis  of  the  North  Quarter,  also  so  to 
provide,  for  reasons  aforesaid,  that  the  same  be  prevented  and  abandoned.  Which  hoping 
we  shall. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords,  commend  you,  High  and  Mighty,  tu  the  protection  of  the  Most  High. 
Your  High  Mightinesies  most  obedient  servants, 

The  Commissioners  at  the  Assembly  of  the  Nitieleen  of  thfl 
Incorporated  West  India  Company,  now  in  session  in  Amstero-.Ti. 

Amsterdam,  this  30'^  March,  1G94.  (Signed)         Henr-  Feith. 

ileceived  8  April.  Jan  Uybbrkoht. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    L 


81 


Agents  of  the   West  India  (Jompany  at  Room,  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX. 

[  From  th*  MS.  reMlrsd  w  an  AppandU  bjr  Iha  BUlM  Oenwil ;  Bor>l  ArchlfM,  Higne.    File  ITm*  Inau.  ] 

Honorable,  Worthy,  Wise  and  right  Prudent  gentlemen  and  friends. 

Whereas  we  repaired  this  morning  to  the  meeting  of  the  Directors  of  this  city,  and,  after 

sundry  >3onversations,  explained  to  their  Honors  that  we  understood  that  a  certain  th'p  was 

fitting  out  here  with  design  to  go  to  the   Virgmia)  under  Frmch  commission,  intending  to  take 

along  good  carpenters  and  shipwrights  to  construct  a  store,  housss  and  ships  there  in  order  to 

be  employed  elsewhere  within  the  limits  of  the  charter.    This  then  appearing  to  be  a  matter 

of  great  consequence,  we  both  deemed  it  proper  to  wait  on  the  Magistrates  of  Hoorn,  as  we 

did  forthwith,  and  after  explanatory  introduction,  requested  them,  as  Judges  and  administrators 

of  the  laws,  to  maintain  us  against  this  contravention  of  the  charter,  and  its  amplification. 

Whereupon  they  answered,  that  we  might  certainly  rely  on  them,  and  they  resolved,  with  our 

previous  advice,  to  summon  the  Skipper,  who  was  busy  taking  out  his  ship,  and  about  to  sail 

forthwith,  to  demand  of  him  an  inventory  thereof,  and  of  a'l  that  is,  or  will  be  received  on 

board.     The  Skippei  appearing  in  our  absence,  refused  to  coirply,  saying  he  wish-s  to  go  to 

F  ranee,  wanting  to  know  who  acted  thus,  threatening  to  complain,  as  if  the  King  of  France's 

crown  were  attacked.     The  Burgomasters  finding  him  thus  obstinate,  said  that  he  was  then 

arrested  until  he  should  give  satisfaction  herein,  against  which  he  has  protested,  and  demanded 

certificate  of  arrest.     We  thought  proper  that  this  should  be  done  in  the  npme  and  on  behalf 

of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  though  we  are  not  exptessly  authorized  hereunto.     We  request 

your  advice  whether  the  arrest  shall  continue,  and  what  further  shall  be  done  in  the  premises. 

You  may  be  assured  that  a  certain  person  of  credit  is  here,  who  was  lately  offered  a  share  of 

that  ship,  v,rell  knowing  that  some  owners  reside  here  and  at  Amsterdam  :  therefore,  the  matter 

ought,  in  our  opinion,  be  prosecuted,  for  the  sake  of  example,  and  thereby  to  discourage  others, 

who  are  disposed  to  go  the  same  road.     Regarding  our  affairs,  we  have  done  nothing,  except 

to  make  some  prepaiatory  arrangements  to  facilitate  the  business  as  much  as  possible,  expc^cting 

to-day  the  Deputies  of  the  respective  cities.     The  Directors  of  Hoorn  have  informed  us,  that 

they  authorized,  or  wrote  to  your  Commissioners  for  the  opening  of  their  subscription  to  the 

capital,  in  the  assurance  that  their  petition  shall  be  taken  into  consideration.     What  relates  to 

it,  your  Honors  will  presently  know. 

Herewith  ending.     (Understood:) 

Honorable,  worthy,  wise,  right,  discreet  gentlemen,  praying  the  Almighty  to  keep  you  in 
his  Holy  protection. 

(Signed)        Yjur  Honors'  dutiful  Commissioners, 
Hoorn,  the  29*  March.  1624.  Kooikr  Cobbbrt 

lleceived  a*  Apri.,  1624.  Blkndricxs', 

Alb'  Wikrikck. 

(At  the  side  stood:)     Post.    After  closing  this,  the  arrested  Skipper  hath  had  an  attachment 
•erv.;d  on  us,  and  summoned  us  for  the  next  day,  which  we  shall    endeavor   to  meet  by 
ey'  ptions,  etc.,  until  further  instructions  and  advice  will  be  received  from  youi  Honors. 
The  address  was: 

Hight  Honorable,   worthy,   wif«e   and   most   prudent, 

the  Commissioneri  at  the  Assembly  of  the  Nineteen, 

on  behalf  of  the  West  India  Company,  at  Amste'dam. 


I 


m 


fill 


III 


82  NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

States  General  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX. 

[  From  Ihe  Mlant*  Id  the  Kojal  Archlm  tX  (he  Uigae;  File  HM  /mHa,  1628  —  1614.  ] 

The  States. 
D»»idPietei».  Honorable  :  By  the  annexed  petition,  presented  to  us  by  Captain  Bavid,  PUten, 

you  will  be  able  to  learn  what  he  hath  communicated  and  requested  on  the  part  of  his  owners 
residing  at  Rochclle. 

And  whereas  we  so  regard  the  matter  that  the  Incorporated  fVett  India  Company  ought  not  to 
enter,  in  the  beginning,  into  a  dispute  with  the  subjects  of  neighboring  Kings  and  Princes,  but 
much  rather  observe  good  corrnspondeuce  and  friendship  towards  them. 

We  have,  therefore,  deemed  it  proper  and  necessary  to  send  Your  Honors  the  aforesaid 
Petition,  and  reflecting  on  theconsequences  which  may  arise  to  the  injury  of  the  Company  by 
disputes  with  the  French,  hereby  recommend  you  to  endeavor  that  this  matter  be  arranged 
by  agreement;  either  that  your  Honors  receive  the  ship  and  cargo  by  purchase  from  the 
Petitioner,  or,  should  this  not  be  ejected,  cause  him  to  enter  into  bonds,  that  the  ship  will 
not  go  within  the  limits  of  your  Charter;  or  thut  some  other  amicable  arrangement  may  be 
discovered  whereby  both  sides  may  be  satisfied.    Whereunto  awaiting. 

Done  the  6'*'  April,  1624. 


Secret  liesolution  of  t/ie  Staffs  General  on  the  proposed  Union  of  tlie  West  India 

Companiet. 

I  From  tke  RegMer  ofSecrat  R«*olutlona  of  the  8UtM  OenermI,  in  (he  Kofil  irehlrea  al  Ihe  Higne.  ] 

Tuesday,  the  9"-  of  April,  1624. 
Kngiaod.  Mcss"  TBH  Zoelcn,  Duyck  and  Magnus  have  reported  that  they  have,  with 

inrtroMion  tor  the  his  Excellcncy,  reconsidered  the  resolution  adopted  on  the  28^  March  last,  on  t"he 
„""„'"  "*"  „_,  points  left  open  for  the  further  Instruction  for  the  Ambassadors  to  England,  and 

CnellllonnrthrWeiit    '^  '  o  ' 

*»'"•  u^np^r-  especially  the  4*,  7'*  and  8""  points  of  the  above  mentioned  Instructions  concerning, 
tTTcZ^onin.  first:  the  West  India  Company;  secondly:  the  aid  that  should  be  promised  from 
Uiiiury tikin.       ^j^jg  gjjg  j„  p^gg  jj,g  j^j„g  gg  j^  ^^^ .  ^j^j^  thirdly:  if  some  regiments  might  be 

newMdiera.  exchanged,  new  levies  for  old  experienced   soldiers;  and,  conformably  to  the 

advice  of  hU  Excellency,  it  is  resolved,  on  the  first  point:  That  the  declaration  of  the  Assembly 
of  the  Nineteen  on  this  matter  must  be  waited  for,  to  which  purpose  their  High  Mightinesses' 
Deputies  now  returning  to  that  Assembly, are  directed,  moreover,  to  insist  thereon  by  resolution, 
in  order  to  send  copy  thereof  to  the  Ambassadors.  U«g(  rding  the  second  and  third  points,  as 
there  is  no  appearance  that  the  King  will  be  willing  to  bring  a  formal  Army  into  the  field,  it 
is  resolved,  that  it  is,  as  yet,  unnecessary  to  determine  specially  thereupon,  but  prudent  to 
postpone  it  until  it  will  be  seen  what  his  Majesty  will  please  to  resolve  in  the  premises. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    I.  ^ 

Secret  Resolution  of  th  States  General 

[  Prom  Ih.  BcgUtor  of  Secr.i  R««luilon.  of  8UI.1  Oeuenil,  In  ih.  Ror.I  Archlr.  .1  the  Ilario.  ] 

Friday,  the  17""  of  May,  1624. 
It  being  reported  that  his   Excellency  has  been  pleased  to  write  the  letter 

the  8-  instantT        "I  T-'"^?^  '"  u''  '^"•'^»'"'"^°"  '"  P'-»"«=«.  *«  ""swer  to  their  letter  of 
the  8    instant,  it  u  concludea  to  let  it  be  sent,  as  here  inserted  :  — 


Folio  08. 
Franoe, 

Ldlirr  In  ihs  Am 
iHUMdorf. 


The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlandi. 

Honorable    wise,  right   prudent  Gentlemen:  We  duly  received,   on  the   10«^  inst.,  your 
d    patches  af  the  27-  and  last  of  April.     I„   like  manner,  was  handed   to  us,  on  tl  e  U- 

n  7„7;h ^oth1r^^  ""^  ^^P^^^^P''^  '^'^^""-"  «--«-'  "n'^''- 

upon  con  i,f      '  fh    r"lf  """'^"'"^  ''^  "''  '^'  ""'^  "''"'  ^'^  "-^^"'^^  °-  ''"^1^-  resolution 

th      "  '    It    o  """''^  ^^  "*  "'•^°'''^'"«  '°  '■'«  *"  ""'I  S-  articles  of  the  Treaty  of 

lllZT)  V  f ;''  '"'  ""'  '^'''  '"'''  ""^'«""°"'  ^"'  "f  ^'^  breaking  with  thus    o 
Algiers;  6":  of  the  Judicature,  &c. 

On  the  third  point  speaking  of  the  East  and  West  India  Company,  you  will,  so  far  as  relates 

KdJr.llHre""''*"    °  ,  '^  '"'^'*''''  *^*'*=""«  *'•  ^'"'  ll^^  '"^st  reasons  you  can  adduce;  and  fiiinliy, 

declare  that  nothinr  can  be  done  therein  without  hearing  the  Company.     And 

11  If  .      '"5  "  '"  """"r"^  "'"''  '^  '^'^'^  ''  8'^«  ^'"  "^'"J-^y  «"  P-'-ib'^  -tisfacUon 
«r?.°4i^^   °»d  as  far  as  the  West  Indies  is  concerned.  We  have  sent  you,  by  Salais.  the 

declaration  of  the  Nineteen,  to  which  we  refer,  in  order  that   you   may  treat 

to  l^'nd!      *     ""     "^^  ""'^  '"°"'""  ""P^  "''''"'"•  '"  '""  ''''  ^"'  ''''°"''*  "°^  ''«^«  '=°'"« 
Respecting  the  fourth  point,  you  shall,  etc. 


i 


detract  from  the  Jour,uil  of  the  Dutch  Ambassadors  in  England. 

(  Ftom  Ih*  Orlflntl  lo  lh«  Kor«l  Ar<!lilT«i,  H  the  Hiiftie,  ] 

Extract  of  the  Journal  or  Report  of  the  Mess"  Francis  van  Aersscn.  Lord  of 
bommelsdyk.  &c.,  and  Albert   Joachin.i.    Lord   nt  Ostend    in   Oudekens- 
kercken.  Ambassadors  from  the  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands 
near  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  from  February  to  July,  1024. 

4  June,  1684.     My  lord,  the  Prince  of  Wales,  sent  Mr.  Caer.  first  Lord  of  hi.  Bedchamber, 

ome  days  ago  to  u,  and  r..,ue,ted  us.  through  him.  that  we  would  believe  that  Sir  Ferdinand 

(.e..rg...  Gov..rnor  of  l..,rt„nonth.  is  an  honest  and  honorable  gentleman,  and  that  we  should 

\oL.  I.  0 


34 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


80  consider  him,  in  whate%-er  he  had  to  transact  with  us,  without  the  above  named  Caer 
knowing  any  thing  of  what  the  above  mentioned  Sir  Ferdinand  had  to  do  with  us,  or  the 
purport  of  the  aforesaid  recommendation. 

4""  June.  The  aforesaid  Sir  F^erdinand  Georges,  came  to  us  and  made  known,  that  he  and 
his  being  disposed  lo  rnnoy  the  Spaniard,  one  of  his  sons  who  is  in  New  England,  proposes 
some  notable  enterprizes  in  the  West  Indies.  And  inasmuch  as  he,  seeing  the  uncertainty 
of  the  resolutions  in  England,  was  afraid  that  his  son,  having  performed  the  exploit  and  coming 
home,  may  be  complained  of  in  consequence  to  the  King;  he  prayed  that,  in  case  the  King 
of  Great  Britain  remained  in  friendship  with  the  King  of  Spain,  his  son  may  be  guarantied 
by  your  High  Mightinesses,  and  commission  granted  him  to  annoy  the  King  of  Spain,  in  your 
name.  We  praised  his  good  disposition,  and  said  that  the  exploit,  when  achieved,  could  be 
best  avowed  That  otherwise,  when  Naval  commissions  were  issued  by  yoar  High  Mightinesses 
they  were  formally  maintained.  He  said  he  made  no  difficulty  as  to  that.  And,  afterwards, 
put  his  request  in  writing,  which  we  have  brought  over  to  your  High  Mightinesses. 

We  have  heard,  etc. 

Thus  done  and  communicated  by  us,  undersigned, 

(Signed)        Francovs  van  Abrssbn, 
Alb:  Joachimi. 


Re-solution  of  the  S'ates  General  on  the  Report  of  the  West  India  Company. 

[  From  Ui<  Reglater  of  Retoliidoat  of  Ihe  SUtn  Otoenil,  In  ihe  B«Ml  Archlret  >t  lk«  Hajue-  ] 

Monday,  the  14  Octob.,  1624. 

R.|wJ'tn.°m*Br..ii,  Albert  Koenmels  and  Philips  Doublet,  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company, 
vi.gini.w.,iouiii«.  pppeared  before  the  Ass  .mbly,  and  rendered  a  report  of  the  present  stale  of 
affairs,  both  in  Africa  and  Brazil,  relating  that  two  ships  have  arrived  from  the  coas'  of  Guinea, 
bringing,  in  addition  to  their  freight  of  627  pounds  of  gold,  1840  elephants'  teeth,  and  330  ton* 
of  pepper,  news  that  the  General  there  hath  made  an  alliance  and  treaty  with  the  King  of 
Sabou  and  Acora,  not  to  trade  with  ai./  one  eicept  with  those  of  the  Company;  and  that  he  is 
engaged  in  a  like  negotiation  with  a  third  King.  And  fhat  four  ships  '  '  e  arrived  from  the 
Bay  of  All  Saints,  bringing  the  Vice  Roy  and  his  Son,  and  the  Jes  ts  prisoners.  That 
Admiral  Willekes  is  gone  to  the  Weat  Indies  with  12  Ships,  and  the  Vice  Admiral  to  Angola, 
with  5  ships. 

That  one  ship  ig  arrived  from  Virginia,  bringing  some  peltries  with  a  number  of  other 
articles.  Request  their  High  Mightinesses'  resolution  on  certain  points  delivered  in  writing  by 
them,  the  disposal  whereof  is  postponed  to  to-morrow. 


It 

I    i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    I. 


95 


Rmilution  of  the  States  General  admitting  Mr.  Schagen  to  his  Seat. 


I  From  the  BegUtor  of  BnolaUou  of  the  BlatM  Oenwal,  In  the  Eojal  ArchlT««,  at  Ih-  Ha(ne.  ] 

Tueaday,  the  6""  May,  1625. 
Mr.p.j.LUen.  Received  a  letter  from  the  States  of  Holland  and  Westfriesland,  of  this  day's 
date,  wherein  they  advise  that  they  have  deputed  Pieter  Janssen  Schagen.  Councillor  and 
Magistrate  of  the  City  of  Alcmaer,  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  Assembly,  in  the  stead  of 
the  Mr.  Albert  Sonck,  requesting  that  he  may  obtain  admittance,  which  their  High 
Mightinesses  granted. 


^J'eds  of  the  West  India  Company,  1626. 

t '»«»  *•  Original  in  tho  Royal  ArchUM  at  the  Ilagne  j  File,  WiH  Jitdien.  ] 

Two  ships  destined  for  the  trade  and  settlement  of  the  Colony  in  New  Netherland. 

Efficts  of  the  Incorporated  West  Lidia  Compan>j,  as  they  are  found  at  present,  after  it  was 
determined,  aa  it  indeed  is  true,  that  the  Sailors  and  Soldiers  of  the  Fleets  of  General 
Boudewyn  Hendrixsen,  the  Admiral  t'Lam,  be  paid,  and  can  be  forthwith  paid  out  of  the 
Company's  previous  funds,  and  all  moneys  on  interest  be  paid,  which  are  very  trifling. 
Estimated  this  4""  Sept',  1626. 

9  ships  from  150  to  200  @,  230  lasts,  well  equipped. 
3  large  yachts. 

In  all,  12  ships  and  yachts  destined  for  the  African  trade  in  Guinea,  Benin, 
Angola,  Greyn,  and  Quaqua  coasts,  with  the  exported  cargoes  and 
expected  returns,  as  more  fully  can  be  shewn,  amount  to,  according 

J°''°'l' fl.  1,709,000 

1  ship  of  Dordrecht  to  Cape  Verd,  with  cargo 60,000 

1  ship      )  destined  for  the  trade  of  the  Amazon  and  the  Coast  o(  CJuiana, 

2  yachts  )  with  the  cargoes 80  000 

1  ship  of  about  130  lasts,  |  well  equipped,   destined  for  the  trade  and 

^  y^*^^^  )  colonization  of  New  Netherland,  estimated, 

*''""'•"* 120.000 

Total,     18  ships  and  yachts  trading  to  all  quarters  where  the  Company  hath  any  ~ 

free  trade,  amounting  to 1,969,000 

9  large  ships  of  200  to  300  lasts,  )  despatched     in    May,    1626,    under 

6  large  and  small  yachts,  j  Admiral     Pieter    Pieterzen     Heyn, 

{ whose  plan  promises  to  be  successful )  victualled  for  18  months, 

having  full  1800  men,  furnished  with  metal  and  iron  guns,  amounting, 

with  the  equipage,  to 70U  000 


T.— ■■(■'■iLajumma 


M  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MiNUSCRIPTS. 

8  ships  and  yachts  on  div  rs  expeditions,  under  Thomas  Sickes  flag, 

victualled  for  18  inont amounting  to fl.  oqO  000 

33  ships  of  200,  (ft,  300,  (Bi  350  lasts,  including  9  or  10  big  and  little  yachts 

—      which  the  Company  hath  still  lying  here  in   port,  provided   with 

In  all     73       metal  and  iron  guns,  and  all  sorts  of  supplies  of  ammunition  of  war, 

ships.  powder,  muskets,  arms,  sabres,  and  whatever  may  be  necessary  for 

the  equipment,  which  can  be  fitted  for  sea  at  the  fourth  part  of  their 

former  cost,  estimated,  as  more  fully  can  be  seen,  at 1,100  000 

The  sugar  prize  lately  by  Thomas  Sickes,  and  the  goods  freighted 
through  the  fleet  by  General  Boudewyn  Hendrixen,  will  amount 

'""y  'o 300,000 

The  wages  of  the  1600  soldiers  allowed  to  the  Company  by  your  High 
Mightinesses,  and  the  expense  incurred  thereupon  by  the  refusal  to 

pay  anything ^50,000 

That  your  High  Mightinesses  still  owe,  on  the  promised  1500""  guilders, 

to  be  paid  before  you  can  derive  any  advantage  as  partners, 150,000 

These  following  moneys  are  still  to  he  received  in  cash,  which  being 
in  the  Treasury,  will  be  applied  to  keep  the  foregoing  ships  at  sea, 
not  only  to  injure  the  King  of  Spain,  but  also  by  God's  blessing 
to  do  your  High  Mightinesses  and  the  Company  much  service,  and 
the  Partners  good  profit : 
From  the  shareholders  what  is  yet  unpaid  of  the  3^  installment;  the 

third  of  the  3"  installment,  estimated  at 488  000 

From  the  shareholders  for  the  4"-  installment,  all  which  is  forthcoming, 

amounting  to 1,467,000 

Your  High  Mightinesses  still  remain  indebted  on  the  1500""  guilders, 

bi  sides  the  150°"  guilders  before  stated .'        750,000 

Total, fl.  7,304,000 

Further,   5  ships 

and  3  yachts  which  your  High  Mightinesses  promised   to   indemnify  the 

Company  for  in  guns,  powder,  and  other  munitions  of  war;  as  these 

are  still  wanting  to  complete  the  subsidy  promised  by  the  40'*  article 

of  the  Charter,  and  by  divers  acknowledgments  made  by  your  High 

Mightinesses,  as  to  be  seen  in  resolutions. 

It  remains  to  be  staled,  that  the  valuation  of  the  ships  and  necessaries 

of  war  hereinbefore  entered  in  gross,  is  not  taken  at  the  highest 

value,  but  will  doubtless  bring  more  when  minutely  reexamined. 

Then,  as  to  what  relates  to  the  state  of  the  trtide  and  the  pay  of 

shareholders,  they  think  they  are  sufficiently  well  informed  thereof. 

N.  B.  When  the  Assembly  of  the  XFX.  resolved  to  send  the  expedition  under  Admiral 

Willekens,  the  capital  of  the  shareholders  of  all  the  chambers,  aJded  together, 

amounted  to, -,   .„„„„„» 

m       I-  I.-      _../ fl.4,300,000 

To  which  18  added  what  youi  High  Mightinesaea  promise  by  the  Charter, 5,000,000 

In  all fl.6,300,000 


m 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    I.  „-> 

n^^H  "'K'^'f '""'"'"^'.'  "P''""  ''  «'""'"  "'  *'"■«  ^'■™«''  ''3'  t^«  mi"!""',  than  it  was  at  that 


A«^«<i»„  »/  (&  ^toto  Oeneral  nppmnti,,^  Arutu,  to  the  A„mUy  of  the  XIX. 

[  From  Ihe  OriglK,l  B«gUter  rn  Ih.  noyil  Arcblrci  .t  IhL  lUgUf.  ] 

Resolution  Of  the  Ftntes  General  of  the  10-  October,  1626.  appointing,  as  their 
H,gh  M.ght.nes8e8'  Deputy  in  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  Z  the  W  st  India 
Company,  M'  Putcr  Janss  ^chagen,  the  writer  of  the  earliest  i.Wbrmation 
relative  to  the  Colony  of  Sew  Netherlands  of  the  7'-  November,  1626. 

Saturday,  the  10"- Octob',  1626. 

d«f  Tfj't!""'"/*"  f  "■'''"7  "^  '^'  "^"^  ^"'^"^  ^""^^^^y'  C'^^'"^"  «t  Amsterdam,  a  letter 
date     the  7-  ms  ..  wherem  they  advise,  that  for  divers  weighty  reasons  and  consid  ra  io^s 

the  XIX.  for  the  17."  mst.,  to  proceed  to  business  on  Monday,  the  19'",  requesting  their  Hi<rh 
M.ght.nesseswoud  be  phased  to  send  their  Depu.v  thither' for  the  said' day  to  as  st  sal^ 
ABsemby  w.lh  the.r  authority  and  wise  council.  Whereupon,  deliberation  be  ng  had  th  v 
thereunto  commissioned  Mess"  Hendrick  van  Eck  and  Schagen.  ^ 


Mr.  Peter  ScMgeu  to  the  State.  General;  the  Inland  of  Manhattans  purchased. 

[  From  lb.  OrlKlniJ  In  Ih.  Eo„l  ArchI,..  ,t  th.  Il.gq, ;  rile,  .nUU«l  BW  Indi».  ] 

Hich  and  Mighty  Lords: 

out  r/ir^T;""'^^  ^""  t'^e  Ship  the  Arms  of  Amsterdam,  which  sailed  from  New  Neth.rland 
out  of  the  River  Mauritius,  on  the  23-  September.  They  report  that  our  people  T  „  Zi 
heart  and  live  in  peace  there;  the  Women  also  have  borne  some  children  Tre  Th  ^  have 
purchased  the  Island  Manha.tes  from  the  Indians  for  the  value  of  60  guild  r-  'tis  U  Z 
morgens  in  size.  They  had  all  their  grain  sowed  by  the  middle  of  May'  a  reap  d  y  Z 
middle  of  August.  They  send  thence  samples  of  summer  grain  •  such  as  whLrZ!  K  . 
oats,  buckwheat,  canary  seed,  beans  and  flax.  ^  '"'"  '^'''  ''"''"y' 

'J'he  cargo  of  the  aforesaid  ship  is: --7246  Beaver  skins. 

1784  Otter  skins. 
675  Otter  skins. 
48  Minck  skins. 
36  Wild  cat  skins. 

33  Mincks. 

34  Rat  skins. 


W.sS' 


':        'iiJ 


OD 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Considernble  Oak  timber  nnd  Hickory. 

Herewith,  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  he  commended  to  the  mercy  of  the  Ahnighty. 

In  Amsterdam,  the  S""  November,  A"  1G2G.  Your  High  Mightinesses'  obedient. 

Received  T"- November,  1626.  (Signed)         P.  Schaqen. 

The  address  was  as  follows :  • 

High  and  Mighty  Lords, 
My  Lords  the  States  General 
at  the  Hague. 


liesoluiion  of  the  States  General. 

I  rrom  tha  R«(<tler  of  RMolutloru  of  the  Slataa  OunenI,  la  the  Rnjral  ArohIrM  at  the  BufUe.  ] 

Saturday,  the  7""  November,  1626. 
Received  n  letter  from  Mr.  Schagen,  written    at   Amsterdam,   the   6""   Inst., 
Arri«j  of  J  Ship  containing  advice  of  the  arrival  of  a  Ship  from  New  Netherland,  which  requires 

tram  Now   Nolher-  °  »  '  » 

no  action. 


Folio '.::. 

Mr.  Bchafteo. 


i 


ij 


The  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  to  the  Stales  Oeiural. 

[  From  the  Original  In  the  lioyal  ArehWee,  at  the  HagM ;  File  Wtd  Indit.  ] 

Extract. 

Exhibited  the  16""  November,  1627. 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

1.  We  have  heretofore  communicated  to  your  High  Mightinesses  the  exploits,  &c. 
4.  The  last  letters  from  New  Netherland  bring  word,  that  the  English  cf  New  Plymouth 
threaten  to  drive  away  those  there,  or  to  disturb  them  in  their  settlement  and  little  colony, 
notwithstanding  our's  heretofore  had  tendered  to  them  every  good  correspondence  and 
friendship.  They  therefore  request  the  aid  of  forty  Soldiers  for  their  defence.  We  would 
rather  see  it  secured  by  friendly  alliance. 

In  March,  last  year,  our  yacht,  the  Sturgeon,  was  in  the  River  Gambia. 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  obedient 

The  Commillee  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX. 
(signed)         Albkkt  Kounraats, 
Michael  Paauw, 

CoHNELIS    BiCRGK, 
C.    NlCOLAV. 


Extract.    - 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    I. 


The  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  to  tim  States  General 

I  From  the  Original  In  the  Rojrul  ArchIrM  .1  tho  Hi  gn. ;  File.  KM  MU. ) 


39 


High  and  Mighty  Lords, 

We  have  heretofore  represented,  in  writing,  to  your  Hi«h  Midhtinessps  thnf  „,.,  n 

rum  and  dissolution  of  said  Company  will  be  the  consem.pnrp  r.r  .1,  7 

r..  With  the  Ene.y  and  have  'ther^efore  with^,  :Z^^:^^^::Z^.; 

that  you  would  be  pleased  to  be  careful  that  nothing  may  be  done  to  t  e  prejudice  ot^ 

ZThl'tT  r^r  ?'"  '"""'■^"^"  ''^"^'^^  '"this  country;  but  tha't  the  Compa  y 
may.  as  heretofore  be  also  ,n  future,  strengthened  and  supported,  and  continue  thu.  sustained 
.n  order  more  and  more  to  be  of  good  service  to  this  state  and  the  stockholders.  W  have 
now  considered  u  further  necessary  and  useful  to  explain  to  you.  High  and  Mighty  in  all 
submission,  the  reasons  of  our  fear,  in  order  that  your  High  Mightinesses  being  info  m el  "e 
may  more  seriously  consider  the  same;  and  to  answer  all  such  objections  a's  tnay  he  11 
forward  0  the  contrary,  so  as  to  remove  ail  argumonts  which  m'ay  influence  you.  High  and 
Mighty,  to  judge  otherwise,  of  the  importance  of  this  matter. 

Your  High  Mightiuesses  are  aware,  and  it  is  not  unknown  to  us,  that  this  Company  was  in 
the  commencement,  designed  principally  to  increase  Trade  and  Commerce,  without  which  the 
great  multitude  of  seamen  bestowed  by  God  on  this  country  cannot  be  employed,  and  all 
occupa  lons  maintained  in  continual  action  and  prosperity;  that,  also,  those  who  supposed 
themselves  most  conversant  with  this  trade,  were  of  opinion  that  the  West  India  Countries 
were  not  so  exposed  to  the  attacks  of  our  enemies  the  Spaniards  and  Portuguese,  but  that 
trade  could  be  carried  on  with  sundry  nations  and  people;  colonists  transported,  and  plantations 
of  various  products  promoted,  from  which  advantages  could  be  derived  equal  to  those  our 
aforesaid  enemies  have  realized  since  many  years,  to  the  strengthening  considerably  of  the 

foTn     r";'."  '.         r*     ^"^  *"n""  °'  '^^'"^  "" '"  '''''''''  ''  ^"«  '-^'^'^^  ««  -""ke  good  a 
portion  of  the  loss    by  going  to  Punta  del  Rey  for  salt;  but  in  consequence  of  the  tedious 

the  P  nta,  and  as  regards  general  trade,  experience  has  now  made  us  wiser,  and  shown, 

ho  e  ir"'"7"  ","".'*''  °"  «"""'^  """^^^'^^^  '°°  ^''^'  """^   '»>«'  the  trade  with    ' 
andirifl  ""'^  P^'^'  -"«  «""  ^-'-"  independent  of  the  King  of  Spain,  is  very  meager 

and  trifling;  and  that  the  countries,  yet  uninvaded,  are  for  the  most  part  of  liftle 
consequence  and  unproductive,  or  if  good  and  fruitful,  are  very  difficult  of  cultivation,  especially 
for  our  people,  who.  being  unaccustomed  to  so  hot  a  climate,  can  with  great  difiiculty 
be.ake  themselves  to  agriculture;  and  being  unprovided  with  slaves,  and  not  used  To  the 
einployment  of  them,  cannot,  like  the  Spaniards  and  Portuguese,  supply  throul^.  others 
their  own  insufficiency.  Moreover,  the  colonizing  such  wild  and  uncuLated  cou„  r  * 
demands  more  inhabitants  than  we  can  well  supply;  not  so  much  through  lack  of  pop  lln 
•n  which  our  provinces  abound,  as  from  the  fact,  that  all  who  are  inc'ned  to  do    ny      r  toJ 

from  home  on  an  uncertainty;  to  this  may  be  added,  the  doubt  of  being  able  to  protect  it 


11    i 


i 


40 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


unless  at  greater  and  heavier  expense  than  the  returns  are  worth  that  may  probably  be  derived 
from  thence.  But  in  order  that  you,  High  and  Mighty,  may  be  correctly  informed  herein,  and 
understand  the  situation  of  the  countries  yet  uninvaded  by  our  enemies,  we  shall  explain  to 
you  more  particularly  the  extent  and  condition  thereof,  from  one  end  of  our  boundaries  ia 
West  India  to  the  other. 

The  limits  granted  to  us  by  Your  High  Mightinesses,  start  from,  or  begin  on  the  North  at, 
Nova  Francia,  the  bounds  whereof  were  extended  somewhat  too  far  by  the  French ;  so  that 
they  have  even  been  inclined  to  dispute  us  New  Netherland,  which  is  the  first  country  occupied 
and  possessed  by  our  people ;  and  the  Company,  on  that  accomit,  have  suffered,  of  late  yeaiis, 
notorious  damage  by  reprisals.  Now,  this  district,  which  we  have  named  New  Netherland, 
although  it  ought  to  be,  in  point  of  climate,  as  warm  and  as  well  adapted  for  the  cultivation  of 
fruits  at  least,  as  the  furthept  frontiers  of  France  towards  Spain;  yet  it  has  been  found  much 
colder,  and  as  much  subject  to  frost  and  other  inconveniences  as  these;  nay,  as  more  northern 
countries.  The  people  conveyed  by  us  thither,  have,  therefore,  found  but  scanty  means  of 
livelihood  up  to  the  present  time ;  and  have  not  been  any  profit,  but  a  drawback,  to  this 
Company.  The  trade  carried  on  there  in  peltries,  is  right  advantageous ;  but  one  year  with 
another,  we  c^,  at  most,  bring  home  only  Fifty  thousand  guilders.  Proceeding  more 
Boutherly,  next  comes  Virginia,  possessed  by  the  English ;  and  Florida,  so  far  as  it  has 
commercial  advantages,  by  the  Spaniards.  For,  although  Florida  is  extensive,  the  places 
occupied  by  the  Spaniards  are  few,  and  the  harbors,  even  for  middling  ships,  so  rare  that  there 
is  but  very  small  probability  of  being  able  to  execute  anything  advantageously  there.  The 
large  Islands  are  settled  by  the  Spaniards,  etc. 

Exhibited  23"  October,  1629. 


Considerations  in  regard  to  the  Truce  with  Spain, 

[  From  the  Original  In  the  Boytl  ArchlvM  at  tht,  Hague;  nir,  Wtct  IndU,  ] 

Extract  of  the  Reasons  and  Considerations  submitted  '  y  the  Directors  of  the 
Incorporated  TFeat  India  ComjHiny  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  the  Lords 
States,  in  the  present  deliberation  regarding  the  truce  with  the  King  of  Spain. 
Exhibited  the  IG  Novemb.,  1G29. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords, 

Although  we  are  confident  that  you,  High  and  Mighty,  can  in  your  usual  wisdom,  and  will, 
pursuant  to  your  special  regard  and  favor  for  us,  consider  that  the  security  and  welfare  of  our 
beloved  Fatherland  is  most  intimately  connected  with  the  preservation  and  prosperity  of  our 
Company,  yet  we  have  deemed  it  our  duty  to  lay,  with  all  submission,  before  you.  High  and 
Mighty,  in  a  summary  manner,  the  principal  points  which,  in  these  parts,  ought  to  be  taken 
into  consideration. 

First:  it  is  to  be  considered  with  what  longing  the  Company  has  been  expected,  for  many 
years,  by  all  good  Patriots  at  home,  and  all  good  wishers  of  our  slate  abroad  ;  and  how  slowly 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    1. 
wUl,  foreign.,,.  '       '  ""'  "'"'  "■  ■»"""*'»• '"  "'"I'  '""S"*.  «"  th.ir  com™,. 

our»r,icei  wte-.^  the  p.ol  tl  'onr  M,    ■        ,°' ",      °°"' "  I"'"""'  '""  ■«■»»» '» 
we  have  at  present  over  400  m(.i«l  .,;„ .  l       .    ^  mcreasect  this  year,  so  that 

r.w.,.;  hLesped::r:ir;:r^^        ^^'--  --  --  -*- 

one  hundred  thousand  pound  op  wdeFr^m'l.'r-^'^"'  "'  '""'^  °"^  «'"P«'  "^^ 
trade  our  equipments  have  created  ^Z^Jr  T  ''  """'  "'  ''""^  ^«  «««"'  ^^at 

with  what  a\eLrUh.e7orce:rh  :e'^^^    r^^^^^^^^^  ^  ^-  -'P'oyed.  and 

High  Mightinesses  can  make  use  in  tim^  on,  ^°"  ,  ^'^  M'ghtinesses'  navy,  of  which  Your 
particularly  we.,  timed  in  tL  ,:s;;r^l"::;;;e:  '"'"''^"^'  ''''  -''^-'^--'"«.  was 
thil^:::;:;  '°   '^  '""'"^^  ^""^'''•^^^'^   -'^^  --^^^   ^•>-.  our  ship,,   have  brought  into 

e4;"n;s^":::?p:^';:.,^r:i:r'f  ?^"  ''r^-  ^^-^  '"  -urse  or  trade  in  gold, 
in  b'ars.  received^rr  ^     m  i/Jn    I^'^^^^^^^^  ''""  ^'^^  "^-'  ^^^  «"ver.  coined'and 

New  Spain,  amounted  to  so  Zn  T  tr '  *>      '=°"''''1"""=«  "^  '^e  capture  of  the  fleet  from 

or  any  other  countrj  '  ''''""'  ""'  "•^^'"•'""  "^"^  «-'  ''^'"8-'=^  a  prize  to  this. 


Vol.  I. 


6 


1 4 
I  III 


»,.•  .•*- 


4S 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


oecondlj:  we  have  now,  during  some  consecutive  years,  plundered  the  e.iemy  and  enriched 
this  country  with  many  large  parcels  of  Indigo,  so  that  over  4000  cases  have  been  received  at 
the  close  of  the  last,  and  the  beginning  of  this  year. 

Thirdly:  a  large  quantity  of  Sugar,  so  that  we  have  brought  in,  this  year  alone,  thvee 
thousand  cheots. 

Fourthly :  a  wonderful  large  quantity  o'  Haw  hides,  and  have  taken  36"  principally  this  year 
from  the  enemy. 

Fifthly :  the  hanJsomest  lot  of  Cochineal  that  was  ever  brought  i  ito  this  country. 

Sixthly  :  a  considerable  quantity  of  T'^bacco,  which  is  now  an  important  article  of  commerce. 

And  finiliy,  a  vast  amount  of  wealth  in  all  sorts  of  precious  stones,  silk  and  silk  goods, 

musk,  amber,  all  sorts  of  drugs,  Brazil  and  Log  Wood  ana  other  wares,  too  numerous  to 

mciition  here;  so  that  we  have  already  brought  several  millions  into  this  country.     All  which 

warss,  sold  and  distributed  among  the  good  inhabitaatd,  were  consumed  here  and  conveyed 

elsewhere,  and  therefore  enriched  yourHigli  Mightinesses'  subjects,  and  inceased  the  revenue- 

Tlia   damage   done   thereby   to   our  enemies,   is   easily  estimated.     Wii  have,  moreover, 

captured  some  even  of  the  King  of  Spain's  galeons,  hithp  to  considered  inviiicible,  besides 

some  other  of  his  men  of  War,  exclusive  of  more  than  two  hundred  ships  and  barks  which 

we  have  ta'  t..  from  his  subjects,  and  partly  appropriated  to  our  own  use,  and  partly  destroyed. 

Our  ships  and  fleets  also  reduced,  and  lor  a  time  kept  possepsion  of,  the  rich  and  migiity  city 

of  St.  Salvador,  in  Brazil ;  sacked  Porto  Rico ;  pointed  out  the  way  to  seize  its  exceedingly 

enclosed  harbori^,  and  ha^e  destroyed  the  castb  of  Margrita. 

Py  all  which  acts  have  we  not  only  drained  the  King  of  Spain's  treasury,  but  also  further 
pursued  him  at  considerable  expense. 
We  say,  exhausted  his  treasury  — 

First,  by  depriving  him  of  so  much  silver,  which  was  &8  blood  from  one  of  the  arteriea  of 
his  heart. 

Secondly,  bj  Sk. 

Your  High  MightinesseB* 

Humble  Ssrvants, 

The  Depuiied  of  the  Chartered  West  India 
Company  at  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX. 
(Signed)        Ant*  Gcdin,  Symon  van  der  Dobs. 

Mascvc  van  Valckunburch,  db  MooR; 

.To'  DB  Last,  Dirdkrich  ScHBRpy, 

PiBTBRzoN'T,  Abraham  Oykns, 

J.  Van  dkr  NrENBUROy  Wkprincc' 

'  Tb«  kboT :  doeament  will  b«  fcimd  •otir*  in  AilMm*,  Stoat  m  Oorlogh,  folio,  I.,  tOl;  4to  IL,  9\%  wher*  Uiati(n«i  b/; 
Kimii*  Ruit,  A.  ricnuoNt,  Didusii  Scnnw, 

Kvtom  Oon.1,  Oeuit  tan  NrtuMI,  Aiiabaii  Utirn, 

I  Di  LiiT,  Stmcn  Vcidub,  Ai»UT  WTrmnoE. 

lUl'int  TAD   ViUXIHiniB  JoaAM  PI  MoOl, 


HOLLAND  DOCtJMENTS!    L 


48 


A 


Paient  to  Messrs.  Qodyn  and  Bhmmaert  for  a  Tract  of  land  on  Delaware  Bay. 

[  From  U.  Orlftn.1 ;  ind  from  th.  Soeord  In  Book  O  Q..  to  U»  ofllc.  of  Iho  Bw^r  of  8tat^  Albuij,  N.T.  ] 

We,  the  Director  and  Council  in  New  Netherlnnd,  residing  on  the  Inland  Manahatas  and  ia 
For  Amsterdam,  under  the  authority  of  their  High  Mightinesses  the  Lords  States  General  of 
the  United  Netherlands,  and  of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at  Amsterdam, 
hereby  acknowledge  and  declare,  that  on  this  day,  the  date  underwritten,  came  and  appeared 
before  us,  m  their  proper  persons,  Queskakous  and  Eesanques  Siconesius,  and  the  inhabitants 
0.  their  village.  sUuPte  at  the  South  cape  of  the  Bay  of  the  South  River,  and  freely  and 
vo.untan.y  declared,  by  special  authority  of  the  rulers  and  consent  of  the  Commonalty  there, 
that  they  already,  on  the  first  day  of  the  month  of  June  bf  Jhe  past  ytar,  1629,  for  and  on 
account  of  certain  parcels  of  cargoes,  which  they,  previous  to  the  passing  hereof,  acknowledged 
to  have  received  and  got  into  their  hands  and  power,  to  their  full  satisfaction,  have  transported, 
ceded,  given  over  aud  conveyed  in  just,  true  and  free  property,  as  they  hereby  transport,  cede, 
give  over  and  convey  to,  and  for  the  behoof  of.  Mess"  Samuel  Godin  and  Samuel  Blommart. 
absent;  and  for  whom  We,  by  virtue  of  our  office,  under  proper  stipulation,  do  accept  the 
same,  namely:  the  Land  to  them  belonging,  situate  on  the  South  side  of  the  aforesaid  Bay. 
by  us  ca  led  The  Bay  of  the  South  River,  extending  in  length  from  C.  Hinlopen  off  unto 
the  mouth  of  the  aforesaid  South  River,  about  eight  leagues  (groote  mylen),  and  half  a  league 
in  breadth,  into  the  interior,  extending  to  a  certain  marsh  (Icegte)  or  valley,  through  which 
these  limits  car  be  clearly  enough  distinguished.     And  that  with  all  the  action,   ri«ht  and 
junsdiction  to  them  in  the  aforesaid  quality,  therein  appertaining,  constituting  and  surrogalinR 
the  said  Mess"  Godin  and  Blommaert  in  their  stead,  state,  real  and  actual  possession  thereof; 
and  gmng  them,  at  the  same  time,  full  and  irrevocable  authority,  power  and  special  command, 
to  hold   in  quiet  possession,   occupancy  and   use.  tanquam   Actores  et    Procuratores  in   rem 
propriam.  the  aforesaid  land  acquired  by  the  above  mentioned  Mess"  (Jodin  and  Blommaert  or 
those  who  may  hereafter  obtain  their  interest;  also  to  do.  barter,  and  dispose  thereof,  as  they 
may  do  with  their  own  well  and  lawfully  acquired  lands.     Without  they,  the  Grantors,  having 
reserving,  or  retaining  for  the  future,  any.  the  smallest  part,  right,  action  or  authority,  whether 
of  property,  command  or  jurisdiction  therein;  but  now,  hereby,  for  ever  and  a  day  desisting, 
retiring  from,  abandoning  and  renouncing  the  same  for  the  behoof  aforesaid;  promising  further, 
no   only  io  observe,  fulfill  and  to  hold  fast,  unbroken  and  irrevocable,  this  their  conveyance 
and  whatever  maybe  done  in  viriue  thereof,  but.  also,  the  said  parcel  of  land   to  maintain 
nga.nst   every   one   and    to   deliver  free   of  controversies,    gainsays   and   contradiction.,    by 
whomsoever  instituted  -gniiist  the  same.     All  in   good    faith  without   guile   or   deceit.     In 
Witness  IS  this  confirmed  with  our  usual  signature  and  with  our  seal  dependant  therefrom. 
Done  on  the  aforesaid  Island  Manahatas,  this  fifteenth  of  July.  XVI"  and  thirty. 

(Signed)        Peter  Minuit,  Director, 

PiBTEH    ByLVELT, 

Jacob  Elbertpen  Wissinck, 
Jan  Ja\nkn  Brouwer. 

SVMON    DlHCKSEN    Po8, 

Rkv.mxr  Harusnsbn. 


Jan  Lampc, 
Sheriff. 


u 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Patent  to  Kiliaen  Van  Rensselaer  for  a  Tract  of  Land  on  Hudson^s  Hivet: 


f  i 


Ml 


[  From  the  aaUienlle  Tranacrlpt  Iq  the  Eojral  Arohlree  U  the  Hague ;  File,  WmI  Iitdit.  ] 


(  L.  8. ) 


Anno  1630,  adi  13th  of  August.  Wb,  the  Director  and  Council  of  New  Netherland,  residing 
on  the  Island  Manhatas  and  in  Fort  Amsterdam,  under  the  authority  of  their  High  Mightinesses 
the  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands  and  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company, 
Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  do  hereby  acknowledge  and  declare,  that  on  this  day,  the  date 
under  written,  before  us  appeared  and  presented  themselves  in  their  proper  persons :  Kottomack, 
Nawanemit  Albantzeene,  Sagiskwa  and  Kanaoinack,  owners  and  proprietors  of  their  respective 
parcels  of  land,  extending  up  the  River,  South  and  North,  from  said  Fort  unto  a  little  south  of 
Moeneminnes  Castle,  to  the  aforesaid  proprietors,  belonging  jointly  and  in  common,  and  the 
aforesaid  Nawanemit's  particular  land  called  Semesseerse,  lying  on  the  East  Bank  opposite 
Castle  Island  off  unto  the  abovementioned  Fort;  Item,  from  Petanock,  the  Millstream,  away 
North  to  Negagonse,  in  extent  about  three  miles,  and  declared  freely  and  advisedly  for  and  on 
account  of  certain  parcels  of  Cargoes,  which  they  acknowledge  to  have  received  in  their  hands 
and  power  before  the  execution  hereof,  and,  by  virtue  and  bill  of  sale,  to  hereby  transport, 
convey  and  make  over  to  the  Mr.  Kiliaen  van  Renspelaer,  absent,  and  for  whom  We,  ex  officio 
and  with  due  stipulation,  accept  the  same;  namely:  the  respective  parcels  of  land  hereinbefore 
specified,  with  the  timber,  nppendencies  and  dependencies  thereof,  together  with  all  the  action, 
right  and  jurisdiction  to  them  the  grantors  conjointly  or  severally  belonging,  constituting  and 
surrogating  the  said  Mr.  Rensselaer  in  their  stead,  state  and  right,  real  and  actual  possession 
thereof,  and  at  the  same  time  giving  him  full,  absolute  and  irrevocable  power,  authority  and 
epecial  command  to  hold,  in  quiet  possession,  cultivation,  occupancy  and  use,  tnnquam  actor  et 
procurator  in  rem  suam  ac  propriain,  the  land  aforesaid,  acquired  by  said  Mr.  Van  Rensselner, 
or  those  who  may  hereafter  acquire  his  interest;  also,  to  dispose  of,  do  with  and  alienate  it,  as 
he  or  others  should  or  might  do  with  his  other  and  own  Lands  and  domains  acquired  by  good 
and  lawful  title,  without  the  grantors  therein  retaining,  reserving  or  holding  any,  the  smallest 
part,  right,  action  or  authority  whether  of  property,  command  or  jurisdiction,  but  rather, 
hereby,  desisting,  retiring  and  renouncing  therefrom  forever,  for  the  behoof  aforesaid  ;  further 
promising  this  their  conveyance  and  whatever  may  by  virtue  thereof  be  done,  not  only  forever 
to  hold  fast  and  irrevocable,  to  observe  and  to  fullill,  but  also  to  give  security  (or  the  surrender 
of  the  aforesaid  land,  obligans  et  renuncians  a  bona  fide.  In  testimony  is  this  confirmed  by 
our  usual  signature,  with  the  ordinary  seal  thereunto  depending.  Done  at  the  aforesaid  Island 
Manahatas  and  Fort  AniHlerdam,  on  the  day  and  year  aioresaid.  Signed,  Tutkii  Mi.nuit, 
Director;  Pieter  Bylvelt,  Jacob  Elbertss.  Wissinck,  Jun  Jussen  Drouwer,  Symon  Dirckss.  I'os, 
Reyner  Harmfiisen,  Jan  liampe,  Sheriff. 

There  was,  besides;  This  Conveyance  written  with  mine  own  hand  is,  in  consequence  of 
the  Secretary's  absence,  executed  in  my  presence  on  the  thirteenth  day  of  August,  XVI',  and 
thirty,  as  above.     Si^^.icd,  Lknaht  Colk,  Deputy  Secretary. 

After  collating  with  the  Original,  dated,  signed  and  sealed  as  above,  this  Copy  is  found  to 
agree  with  it.     Amsterdam,  the  6""  September,  ItiTsJ. 

In  testimony,  (Signed)         Auiuaen  Lock, 

Nutaris  Publ. 
1072. 


i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    I. 


45 


Subjects  for  tlm  Consideratwn  of  the  AssemUy  of  the  XIX. 

[  Prom  the  Ort^n«l  in  th.  Eoyid  Archlrw  tl  the  Hign. :  File.  II  e^  IndU.  ] 

Points  for  Consideration  on  which  all  the  Chambers  of  the  We*t  India  Company 
are  convoked  for   tho  SO-  March,  1632,  at  Amsterdam;    from   which  is 
extracted  so  much  as  relates  to  Nev  Netherland. 
U""  Point. 
And  observing  the  misconstructions  which  occur  in  the   Freedom  and  Eremvtions  to   the 

them    he',   ;:  IT         "'"'"^  ^'""  *'""'°"  ^""«  '°  '^^^^  '^^  —  -^  blg^v^^h 
them  the  hsts  of  the.r  rece.pt,  together  with  the  names  of  those,  who  are  admitted  as  pfaZZ 

Exhibited  19  March,  1632. 


i  .11 

'I 


i  Hi 


Mrf  van  Arnhem  to  the  States  General. 

[  Fromthe  Origtnel  In  the  Roy.l  AnshlTt.  u  the  Befae ;  File.  Wm  IndU.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 
The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  have  informed  us  that  one  of  their  ships  named 

'he  r  .r  '    :T    '"'  ""  ""«"  '' '''''  "'''P  ""^  P'"--'^  "'  'h«^  J^"«'i«'>  Coi;Z;  next 

h«   the  Company  had  appropriated  some  countries  belonging  to  the  Englfsh;  notwithstanding 

said  trade  was  prosecuted  at  such  places  in  New  NetlLland;  to  wil  be^re  I  t  e  So    f 

ami  South  Rivers ;  which  have  been  always  in  the  peaceable  and  uncon.ovet"    possession  of 

the  Company ;  and  those  of  sai<l  Company  have  never  encroached  on  the  Eng  sh      TheT  U  i. 

tTe  (iL7'     '  ""■'V?,"'  "r*^"  ""  ""  ""  '""'  "^  ^"•'  «P"'-"  Ambassador      EnZd,  Vr 
he  Company  ,s  credibly  informed,  the  said  Ambassador  will  endeavor  to  lay  claim  to  all    he  ; 

«b  ps  arriving  there  in  order  thus  by  all  possible  means  to  obstruct  said  tra.L     Wh  eh    anno 

but  cause   great  injury  to  the  Company,  and.  consequently,  to   your   High    Mi^htiZes 

Therefore,  we  cannot  forbear    hereby  respectfully  soliciting  your  High  Mfline„e    ^1." 

gracmsly  pleaNe.l  so  to  recommend  these  an.I  similar  matter^  which  may  occ  fr  iiFnl    1   , 

your  H,gh  Mightinesses- Ambassador  and  Delegate  there,  that  the    .../y    Z      he  C  n  L: 

all  favorable  assistance  herein;  and.  especially.  i„  case  the  Earl  of  CarlLe  (as  he  ban    ^ 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

Pr„,„  A^  .     1         .       .  Your  High  Mightinesses' humble  Servants. 

From  Amiterdam,  the  6'*  April,  1C33.  fSi»„«,n        n  . 

Ueceived,  7  April,I638.  (Signed)        0.  van  Arnhkm. 


$ 


46  NEW.YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Ai  M'  Olikan  is  not  here,  and  this  must  be  dosed,  it  is  not  signed  by  him. 

The  nddress  was  as  fullows: 
The  High  and  Mighty, 
Lords  States  General, 
of  tha  United  Nutherlaudi, 
in 
The  Hague. 


'<■»»■■» 


^jfi 


Jiesoluiion  of  tli«  States  General  to  write  to  tlieir  Andxissailor  in  En(/land. 

[  From  Um  B*|t>>>r  of  nnolttUou  of  Uw  SUtM  Oraaral,  In  th*  Ka;tl  Arohln*  M  tin  llifu*.  ] 

Wednesday,  T^  April,  1632. 
iMio «!«.  Ileceived  a  letter  Trorn  Mr.  Anihein,  their  High  Mightinesses'  associate  Delegate 

to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  M'  Olican  absent,  written  at  ^nsterdora  the  6""  inst.,  ond 
seconded  by  the  verbal  petition  of  Mr.  Adriaen  Pieterson,  Director  of  the  aforesaid  Company, 
in  order  to  obtain  letters  to  Ambassador  Jonchiini  and  Deputy  (lovert  Drasser,  with  n  view 
Ship  Unity.  that,  through  tlieir  intercession,  the  Ship  EenJntchi,  coming  from  New  Nelherlnnd 

and  touching  at  I'lymouth,  in  Knglnnd,  and  there  seized,  should  be  again  released  and 
discharged ;  which,  being  considered,  it  is  hereby  resolved  and  decided,  to  uUow  and  grant  th« 
letters  aforesaid  in  the  best  fuini. 


<SIfa/«v  General  to  their  Aint>asmihrs  in  A'ligland. 

[  rram  llu  UlBnto  In  Ui*  Rorml  ArcblTM  •!  Ill*  Htguc :  nif,  Wm$  MJU  ] 

To  Mess"  Joachimi   and  Urosser,  their  High  Mightinesses'  Ambassador  and  Deputy  in 
Knglaud  ;  the  7<^  April,  1062. 

Tub  States,  etc. 
Honorable.  The  Directors  deputed  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  West  India 
Company,  at  .Vmsterdam,  have  represented  to  us  that  the  Ship  Emdracht,  on  arriving  at 
Plymouth,  from  New  Netherland,  was,  by  the  Vice  admiral  nnd  Captains  of  the  Plymouth 
Castles,  seiied  on  the  false  information  of  the  provost  of  said  Ship,  who  was  dissatisfied, 
because  he  could  not  have  his  earned  wages  paid  to  him  there,  {which  lie  must  first  receive  at 
Amsterdam)  and  of  the  Pilot,  who,  in  opposition  to  the  Director  and  Skipper,  being  on  shore 
got  married.  Rut  a  settlemiMit  being  had,  with  much  dillicully,  she  was  released  again,  and 
the  aforesaid  provost,  having  received  his  wages,  went  up  to  London,  and  before  the  shi|> 


m 


,l.,ll 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS  i    L  4* 

could  depart,  hrought  down  a  accond  nrre.t.  in  which  the  ship  must  remain  and  be  yet  detained 
wuhu.  freight  solely  upon  a«  untrue  representation  that  the  Peltries  were  bought  with i„The 
jurisdiction  or  district  belonging  to  his  Majesty  of  Great  Britain,  whereas  they  were  on  the 
contrary  bartered  m  New  Netherland.  under  our  resort  and  within  the  limits  of  thabov! 
named  Company's  charter,  on  the  South  and  North  Rivers,  where  there  are  not  any  English 

oftriiw^^^^^^^^^ 

InL  hlhU  "^'^'f,*"^""'"  Y""'   ""*»".  and  especially  of  the  Concession  of  freedoms 
granted  by  his  said  Majesty  to  the  above  Company'.  Ships,  said  Company  is  most  deepTy 
prejudiced,  and  put  to  excessively  great  expense,  such  as  loss  of  wages 'and  consumpUon  of 
stores,  amounting,  daily,  to  a  large   sum.   besides  the  loss  of  the  season  for  the  sale   of 
peltries,  which  go  most  y  to  Russia,  and  could  otherwise  have  been  sold  with  the  pel  rie 
already  advertised     And.  moreover,  the  crew  of  the  aforesaid  ship  had  so  much  the  more  time 
aflorded  them  to  take  away,  ,„  violation  of  their  oath,  great  quantities  of  the  peltries  belonging 
to  the  Company  and  to  convey  the  same  stealthily  into  the  interior,  or  elsewhere.     Therefore 
we  cannot,  neither  must  we.  neglect  to  request  and  solicit  you  hereby,  to  do  the  Compa  y 
uch  good  offices  and  kindnesses  with  the  King  of  Great  Britain  and  other  persons,  if  necessary 

re    oVc"ost    anri"    '  ''\"'°T"  "'"^  ""'  """''  "^"^  '^  i-ediately  released  LraS' 
free  of  cost,  and  damages,  but.  also,  that  order  may  be  given  that  hereafter  such  unfounded 

«t,ac  ments  and  impediments  may  be  avoided,  and  the  Company  freed  from  such  inconven  ences. 

troubles  and  annoyances.     And  in  case  the  aforesaid,  or  any  other  ship.  may.  in  conse  uence 

of  the  unfounded  pretension,  of  the  Earl  of  Carlisle,  be  troubled  about  a  certain  iTndSt 

Martin,  claimed   0  have  been  given  him  by  the  King ;  where,  nevertheless,  the  saiS  E  rTn;ve; 

had  any  people,  but  which  has  been  made  use  of  by  the  above  mentioned  Companyryou  will 

on  the  contrary,  nlege  such  reasons  as  you  «ill  consider  most  applicable  in  the  premise.! 

Relying  on  which,  we  commend  you  to  God's  protection. 

At  the  Hague,  the  7'*  April,  1032. 


Messrs.  Joachimi  and  Bnmer  to  the  States  General. 

( rroiii  Id*  Or1,lii«l.  r.ni.laln.  In  th.  Ro,.l  ArohlTM  .1  th.  Hi«..  j  ril.,  BHgrimd.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 
My  Lords. 
K»!r.'.S      "^ '"" '» I""'  High  Mightln..,,.,  „»,  of  ,h.  2,.  of  |„.,  „„„,h,    gi„„,  1^ 

•n.i»ir,rtofiu(m.  """^  on  iiio  eveuts  at  Amboina;  and  a  so.  reauoatHH  ihnt  hi.  i  ^.a  u-  ■  . 

iH.runi  pointo;  to  nro««„f   . k  .    •         ..  '  '"H^'e""*!  toat  his  Lordship  wou  d 

eonfar  wU  Ml  K«.  pfcvent   ths   exportntiou  of  warlike   stoma   »«   tu^   »„-..,  ..•        /  . 

n\\f>nc,  iher.>i|K.B,      ■  .      "^  wHriiRo   Biores   to   the   enemy ;   settins   forth    ihn 

SRr^  lIT  "*'  ^^t  ?">'"«••«-  ™'«"''  •"  *<-  -Hi  place,  deprive  therefr  ^     Hi 
-^c„,  J.^.  Lordsiip  said,  he  hau  not  given  any  consent  to  have  the  book  printed;  and  th 

Secratarie.  w.r  ^l'l')'^!>---^^  "ad  no  knowledge  of  it.    That  the   Bishop,  or 

B^Cftarie..  w«.       ,.,  hab.t  of  giving  such  licence.,  that  he  agreed  with  us.  it  were  better 


¥' 


48 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


omitted.  But  that  such  was  permitted  in  the  case  of  the  East  India  Company,  which  is  much 
dissatisfied,  because  it  does  not  receive  any  satisfaction  for  the  Amboina  affair.  And  in  regard 
to  the  export  of  warliiie  stores,  that  the  Council  had  requested  his  opinion  thereupon,  in 
connection  with  his  Majesty's  finances,  and  that  he  had  then  disapproved  thereof.  We, 
nevertheless,  have  been,  afterwards,  informed  that  the  exportation  is  permitted  to  Spain 
and  Italy-  His  Lordship  told  "s  among  other  things,  that  he  had  copy  of  the  Instruction 
given  to  Don  Gunsalva  di  Cordua,  from  Spain,  to  the  effect  that  he  should  proceed  quietly  in 
all  other  matters,  except  in  regard  to  the  reconciliation  of  the  King  with  his  mother  and  brother; 
that  he  should  thenin  proceed  zealously  and  earnestly. 

He  also  said,  he  had  advice  from  the  English  Ambassador,  resident  in  France,  that  such 
was  the  case;  and  having  received  no  satisfaction  therein,  he  had  refused  to  accept  a  costly 
rapier  from  the  King,  and  a  certain  present  from  the  Queen.  And  his  Lordship  added, 
moreover,  that  he  thought  the  fi-st  news  we  should  receive  from  Spain,  would,  also,  bring 
intelligence  that  the  Spaniards  from  Catalonia  had  fallen  on  France;  for  which  purpose  great 
Naval  preparations  were  making  in  the  Mediteraneau. 

We  likewise  addressed  ourselves  to  Mr.  Secretary  Kooke,  whom  we  found  much  excited  in 
the  India  affair;  and  soon  observed,  that  he  had  consented  to  the  publication  of  the  Book. 
His  Lordship  was  so  violent  in  the  matter,  that,  when  we  afterwards  spoke  to  him  of  Captain 
le  Clercq's  trial,  and  the  wrong  suffered  therein,  he  gave  us  for  answer,  Amboina.  When  he 
complained  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Admiralty  at  Rotterdam,  in  the  case  of  the  owners  of  the 
Ship  the  Kim,  (the  Child);  we  answered  thereunto,  that  we  should  afford  his  Lordship  good 
satisfaction,  whenever  the  complaint  was  laid  before  us.  His  Lordship  hath  since  received 
the  Seals  of  the  Foreign  affairs;  so  that,  hereafter,  all  these  matters  will  pass  through  his 
hands.  We  have  congratulated  his  Lordship,  and  expressed  our  satisfaction  that  his  Majesty 
had  been  pleased  to  employ  him  therein,  as  we  were  well  aware  that  his  Lordship  was 
always  disposed  to  maintain  good  correspondence  between  this  kingdom  and  the  United 
Countries.  Indeed,  his  Lordship  is,  also,  well  disposed  towards  the  Reformed  religion,  and  not 
favorable  to  Spain ;  and  labors  strenuously  to  establish  the  English  nation  in  trade  and  commerce. 
As  all  matters  must  henceforth  pass  through  the  hands  of  this  gentleman,  and  the  expeditions 
be  advanced  by  him,  your  High  Mightinesses  will  please  to  consider  in  your  great  wisdom, 
whether  U  would  not  be  for  your  High  Mightinesses'  service  to  present  him  some  token  of 
courtesey  on  his  entrance  into  office.  Whatever  your  High  Mightinesses  resolve  to  apropriate 
thereto,  may  be  paid  hero  from  the  balance  of  the  payment  of  100,000  guilders  which  have 
begun  to  be  disbursed,  on  account  of  the  (J50,000  for  which  Mr.  Carleton  signed;  then,  should 
there  be  a  deficit  of  3,  4  to  5,  1000  guilders,  nothing,  in  our  opinion,  would  be  thought  about 
it  here. 

His  Majesty  being  returned  hei^  on  the  first  of  April,  we  requested  his  answer  to  our 
proposals  made  at  New  Market,  and,  ii;  addition,  complained  of  the  seizure  since  at  f'lymouth 
of  a  certain  ship  named  the  Eendiachl,  belonging  to  the  West  India  Company,  and  now  coming 
from  New  Netherland,  where  your  High  Mightinesses'  subjects  have  long  pep.ceahly  traded, 
and,  moreover,  many  years  ago  planted  a  colony  an  a  certain  island  named  Manathans,  situate 
on  the  river  also  of  the  same  name,  which  they  purchased  from  the  native  inhabitants  and 
paid  fur.  That  your  High  Mightinesses'  said  subjects  had  hitherto,  in  going  and  coming, 
peaceably  made  use  of  the  harbors  of  Knglaiid,  without  opposition  from  any  quarter,  and  that 
a  ship  coming  from  thence,  was  now  seiited  for  having  traded  within  his  Majesty's  territories. 


HOLLAND  DdCUMEKtS:    I." 


% 


should  also  take  further  infor  Jtl  rda  ive    o  the  T  ^"«"«V*'^"«"P''"  afterwards;  that  he 
his  roads  and  harbors.     ThatT-rhad  aoDoLH  P  ^^"  ""^"''^  °"  "'  ^^  °"^  «"«"'^">  '" 

of  the  published  hooks,  ^x  ::^s^:i  ^::z:t:^  zi^^^^ttv 

governor  at  Plymouth   had   advised   him  of  it    and  .h,f  h  ^  i       £««/r«c/<^  that  his 

Mightinesses  had.  heretofore    0^1   fl  ,  '   """  '"'^""""'^  ""'^  ^our  High 

trading  to  those  iartT   But  hrad  «H  ''""''''""'•   '"'^^'^''^'^'^  y"""-   i"h»bitants  from 

circum'stances  of  C Le  :le    then  r/tTeTh:  Id     I  T".  ""'  """^'^^'^  '">^  ^'-^ '»'« 
as  we  urged  the  provisional  release  of    h«     r  '^°'^\''''  '^"^"'"  mformation  thereon  ,  and 

therefor,  and  meanwhile  to  keep  evervthirin  1  \v      "''""  '"  '•«1""--»tiBfactio„ 

this  opinion,  because  the  Lord  Hig ,  T       Jr      IZ^Ta  ""'  f """''  ^""'^'^^  >" 

which,  howev.r.  wa,  made   bv  o^L  of    hlp^  '^""?""  "'^  ''^^  '^'''"''''^  "«'=="■•«. 

Lordship  is  the  first:     Moreover    be  nfdesro^rT'"'"r\°'  '''  ^''""""^'  ""^^^f  '''» 

Vol.  L 


•0 


NTCWYORK  COLONIAL  MANIT8CRIPT8. 


Ill 


thnt  win,  without  doubt,  \u\  moat  ulinrply  diKpuled  here.     The  ship  the  Kcndrachi  hni  over  five 
tlioiianiul  henvtir  Rkins  on  honrd. 

T\u\  llt'ildent  Ciirloton  nnd  M'  Uoshuil,'  who  ia  to  reiide  near  your  High  Mighlineiaea  in  the 
place  of  the  former,  hi»ve  been  to  vialt  ua,  iind  notified  ua  thnt  tliey  nre  about  to  take  their 
departure,  preaenling  their  aervicp.  Finally,  they  requeated  tliat  wo  ahould  recommend  your 
High  Mightinoaiea  to  furnish  the  nforeaaid  Uoahuil  with  a  free  houae,  and  that  your  High 
Mightineaaea  would  bo  pleaaed  to  interpoao  a  word  in  (iivor  of  the  aforenamed  Carleton'a 
family,  that  they  may  romuin  a  mouth  or  more  after  May  in  the  old  house.  The  above  named 
Uoahuil  hath  the  reputation  hero  of  being  a  very  honeat  man,  and,  eapeclally,  that  he  ia  well 
inclined  to  mnintain  good  correapnndence  between  hia  Mnjeaty  and  Your  High  Mightineaaea. 
We  aubmit  to  Your  High  Mightineaaea'  wisdom  and  discretion,  whether  or  not  you  will  furniah 
hhn  with  a  (Vee  house.  We  ahall  merely  observe  thua  much,  that,  if  not  done,  it  will  again 
lay  open  the  wound  of  the  refuaed  seat  in  the  Council,  and  bo  interpreted  aa  having  been  done 
through  disreapect  for  hia  Majeaty,  whoso  agents  have,  heretofore,  been  supplied  by  your  High 
Mightineaaea  with  a  fh'o  house. 

8ir  Bronckhorst  has  alao  waited  on  ua,  saying  that  he  undorstood  your  High  Mightineaaea 
were  making  new  levies.  Ami  as  he  had  a  commiaaion  to  raiae  a  regiment,  he  requeated  ua, 
whenever  your  High  Mightineases  were  enlisting  new  forcea,  to  acquaint  yout  High 
Mightineseas  of  hia  oiler  to  raiae  a  regiment  and  to  take  it  over  at  hia  own  expenae. 

We  were  afterwarda  informed  that  application  would  bo  made  for  permission  to  convey  to 
Dunkirk  a  large  quantity  of  Saltpeter,  which  has  arri 'ed  from  India.  And  herewith, 
conimending  ourselves,  most  reaped  fully .  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  good  graces,  we  ahall 
continually  pray  Almighty  (Jod.  High  and  Mighty  Lorda,  that  he  may  bluaa  Your  High 
Mightineaaea'  wiae  government  njore  and  more. 

Your  High  Mightineaaea' 

Moat  liumble  and 
The  l(V»  April,  loas  ;  Moat  faithful  servant.. 

Stylo  novo.     In  London.  (Signed)        Ai.B.  Joachimi. 

Uecvived  I  May,  ItiUy.  Oovk«t  Bra^srr. 


nWt  Ituiiii  Chm/ktnt/  to  th«  StatM  (i«nmU. 

I  F»o«  Uif  Oriftnal  la  ih.  Uojii  AnhlTM  >l  Um  U>r» ;  ril»,  Wtat  At.N*.  1 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lortia  Stalea  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 
High  and  Mighty  Lorda. 

We  have  heretofore  complained  to  your  High  Mightineaaea  that  our  ahip  the  Eendracht. 
coming  from  .New  Netherland,  laden  with  peltriet,  '«.,  was  detained  at  Plymouth  by  his 
M-.je8ty'a  command,  under  pretence  that  our  pe&ple  had  traded  in  countriea  claimed  to  belong 
to  hia  aforesaid  Majesty. 


'  Bo»w«ii.  —  r». 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    I. 


&1 


On  the  third  instant.  Pieter  Minuit  of  We.d,  Director  on  behalf  of  your  Company  in  New 
Ne  her  ..nd  and  Jnn  Lampo  of  CantelbergI,  Sheriff  on  the  hland  ManlLles  Ze  o  us  her^ 
.md  .".onned  u,  that,  on  arriving  with  your  Hhip.  named  the  /JcW.  J/,  i .  he  po  of 
I'lymouth,  were  there  arreMed  for  having  tra.ied  in  countries  under  the  King  of  GrearBrit  „^ 
junsdicfon.  We  thereupon  complained  to  hi.  Majesty;  related  the  circumstances  o  the  nl 
an  requested  that  the  aforesaid  ship  may  be  provisionally  released  Zm  srsat.  that  hJ 
had  been  advised  thereof  by  his  governor  of  I'lyn.outh.  ami  ha.l  been  i..formeJ  i  I't  ^n  a  trmer 
compla,nt.  y  h„  lather,  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  of  their  inhabitants  hgtadeTo 
those  Countries,  their  High  Mightiness  had  forbidden  them  so  to  do ;  but  rddnot  know 
P-cise  y  w  at  the  circumstances  were,  and  would  Inform  himsel  furiler  of  it  A.  .7 
notw.lhstan   ing  our  repeated  deman.i  for  the  provisional  release  of  the  ship    .  s  Ma    Ity  wi 

of  his  r  ght      We  addressed  ourselves,  with  a  similar  view,  to  some  Lords  of  the  Council  and 
received  substantially  the  same  answer.  council,  and 

«u.r;"^tThe'firt'r"'' '  i"  '^  "■■  '"'^  *°  "■^''""^^""^  »'«»•  m'^*^^---  th„t. 

BUbstquent  to  the  first  discovery,  by  your  subjects  in  the  year  1000.  of  the  North  River 
(commonly  called  the  Manhattos.  also  Hio  de  Montaigne  and  North  ri  er.)  and  afte  some  of 
your  inhabitants  had  resorted  thither,  in  the  year  ,6,0  and  following  ^ears.  you  hI 
M.g htines.es  had  hnally.  i„  the  year  10,6,  granted  some  of  your  inhabitants  a  ch  rter  to  "  de 
to  those  countries,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  other  persons,  and  that  they  estabi  shed  a  or  a„d 
garriHon  there  which  were  maintained  until  the  charter  granted  to  th  Wes  „dia 
Company  included  the:,  and  other  countries  That  in  the  year  ,006.  his  MajesTv  of  Great 
Britain  granted  to  his  subjects  by  special  charter    South   -.ml    lV,r.l,    r  .i        r         V,  ^ 

Wl„r.u|,„„,  .!,„  E„8li.l,  begun,  „b„„,  ,|,.  y.nr  1007,  l»  ..,,1.  by  ,h„  riv.r  S»g,dahoc,  which 
.elllement  w„.  »g„„,  »ft„,w„„r.  „ba„do„e,l,  „„l  no  „«„  pl«„ta,i„„  undertaken  bAh.  I'l.! 
north  or  New  Ne.bcri.n.l,  befo,.  the  yea,  ,020,  when  oh'.,  whioh  .     y  o  NeC^^^^^^^^ 

was  commenced  behind  Cape  Cod.  lymoum, 

The  English  themselves,  according  to  their  charter,  place  New  England  on  the  coast  between 

the  forty-first  and  forty-fifth  degrees  of  latitude.  oetween 

But  the  English  began  in  the  year  ,600.  to  resort  to  Virginia,  which  is  South  of  our  territory 

tr::!::^C^ ''-  ^--'-'--  --^'-^  -  ^^^'^  ^--.  r-,  the  z;z:2 

So  that  our  boundaries,  according  to  their  own  shewing,  should   be  from  the  thirlv-ninth 


I 


s» 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Whnt  boundaries  your  High  Mightinesses  have  granted  to  your  subjects,  can  be  seen  by  the 
charter  issued  in  the  year  16Jd,  which  your  High  Mightinesses  will  please  cause  to  be 
looked  into. 

We  have  not  the  slightest  knowledge  of  his  Majesty's  further  allegation  respecting  the 
demand  made  by  his  father,  and  the  result  thereof.' 

In  order  to  execute  this  business  effectually,  your  High  Mightinesses  will  be  pleased  to  have 
this  examined,  and  cause  your  High  Mightinesses'  Ambassador  to  be  duly  informed  thereof, 
and  to  order  the  release  of  our  ship  and  goods  to  be  prosecuted  and  obtained. 

It  is  further  to  be  remarked  :  that  inasmuch  as  the  inhabitants  of  those  countries  are  freemen 
and  neither  his  Britannic  Mnjesty's,  nor  your  High  Mightinesses' subjects,  they  are  free  to 
trade  with  whomsoever  they  please. 

That  his  Majesty  may  likewise,  in  all  justice,  grant  his  subjects  by  charter  the  right  to 
trade  with  any  people,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  others,  his  subjects,  as  your  High  Mightinesses 
have  u  right  to  do  by  yours. 

But,  that  it  is  directly  contrary  to  all  right  and  reason,  for  one  potentate  to  prevent  the 
subjects  of  another  to  trade  in  countries  whereof  his  people  have  not  taken,  nor  obtained 
actual  possession  from  the  right  owners,  either  by  contract  or  purchase. 

Much  more,  to  lay  claim  to  countries  of  which  your  High  Mightinesses'  subjects  have 
acquired  the  property,  partly  by  confederation  with  the  owners  of  the  lands,  and  partly 
by  purchase.  "^       ^ 

And  many  other  reasons  which  your  High  Mightinesses'  wisdom  will  better  suggest,  for  the 
maintenance  of  your  sovereignty  and  the  freedom  of  trade  by  sea,  and  alliances  with  distant 
nations,  who  are  not,  naturally,  the  subjects,  nor  have  become  the  property,  of  any  other  person, 
by  conquest. 

Exhibited  6  May,  1632. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceding  Letter. 

I  From  tta.  B«(UI«r  of  the  B«olaUani  or  the  Sletee  Oener.1,  In  the  Royel  Arehlre.  .1  the  n.r>e.  ] 

Wednesday,  the  5""  May,  1G32. 

7ZB^'  ^  ^"  '''^  <=°'"P'"'"'  »'■  ^he  West  India  Company,  to  the  effect  that  their  ship,  the 
8h„.L.,T.cht.  Ecndnichl,  commg  from  Nev^  Netherland,  laden  with  peltries,  &c.,  is  seized  at 
P;ymou  h  by  the  King's  command,  and  that  his  Majesty  questioned  the  said  Company's  right 
to  trade  to  the  aforesaid  New  Netherland.  It  is,  after  previous  deliberation,  resolved  and 
concluded,  that  Ambassador  Joachimi  and  Deputy  Brasser  shall  be  written  to,  that  they  use 
and  exert  all  possible  means  to  have  the  aforesaid  ship  released  from  arrest,  and  the  West  India 
Company  in  future  saved  from  all  similar  annoyances,  and  that  the  Deduction  communicated 
by  tho  Deputies  of  the  abovementioned  Company  in  attendance  on  their  High  Mightinesses, 
be  sent  to  the  said  Miuisters  to  justify  the  trade  to  the  aforesaid  New  Netherland. 

'Seepof/,  IIL,  «.  — Ed. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    I  -. 

am 

States  General  to  their  Ambassadors  in  England. 

[  From  th.  Mlnuto  tu  Ih.  Bo,.l  Archl,..  « th.  H.,..  i  Fll.,  Eneriand.^ 

To  Mess"  Joachimi  and  Brasser,  the  6'"  May,  1C32. 

The  States,  etc. 

dou..t  your  hearty  zeal  no.  duty,  yet  a.  we  uri,n^7L":^:^,ZZ  aZ' 
admonished  to  exert  and  exercise  all  possible  means  for  the  release  o  L  aforesaid  shTpTnd 
that  the  merchant-men  of  the  West  India  Company  may  in  future  be  saved  rom  u  E'  1  ke 
annoyances.  And  m  justification  of  the  trading  of  said  Company  to  the  Zesaid  liew 
^et  erland,  the  sa.d  Directors  have  communicated  to  us  the  annexed  Deduct  „  to  wS 
we  have  appended  copy  of  a  certain  Charter,  granted  by  us  on  the  14-  Octob.  1«U  to  some 
private  inhabitants  of  this  country,  to  resort  to  New  Netherland      Rv  nil  h  .'    ^  T 

the  right  of  the  aforesaid  Company  to  trade  to  New  Ne:,?e:,rd'muftVe'^^^  Z^^^^^^  ^j^l 

add  thereunto  such  reasons  and  motives  as  you  shall  judge  pertinent,  according  to  circumstanlesl 
Done  the  5^  May,  1632. 


^1 


*"»■■» 


Messrs.  Joachimi  and  Brasser  to  the  States  General 

I  F«,n.  lh«  Origtn.!,  In  lb.  Ho,.l  A«hlr«i  .t  th.  H,«n. ,  FU..  Unf^nd. ) 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

possible  diligence,  to  obtan  a  written  answpr  fn  ,...,  I    »  .   "c  euueavorea   Dy  all 

eo,u.,i„i„g.  f„  brtef,  .he  .„b«:     .  IZlu  p Tc  d "f  Th"  '°""""f '"  'l''"  ""'""■ 

•" -• '  ■•-  ""-■>.  -  -.: .." "  .'•™:.-:;r  xr^tzi 

'  Aengeteyektndt  ia  the  Dutch  word:  it  it  doubtlM.  *n  .«.„.  t 
AmbM«.dor'.  next  de.p.tch.  -  Ed.  '  ^°'  ong^tuckend,  un.igned.  which  i.  the  word  ueed  in  the 


M 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


that  Mr.  Vosbergen  waa  not  charged  with  wliat,  report  says,  has  since  been  negotiated  with 
France;  that  we  had  no  knowledge  in  the  world  of  it;  that  being,  apparently,  matters 
concerning  the  direction  of  the  war,  his  Majesty  had  no  reason  to  take  it  ill.  that  it  was  kept 
secret  until  completed ;  with  which  answer  the  Secretary  seemed  somewhat  satisfied. 

The  second  reason  why  he  wished  to  speak  to  us  on  the  delivery  of  the  answer  was,  we 
think,  to  communicate  to  us,  in  addition,  the  internal  meaning  of  the  answer;  namely,  that 
the  intent  is,  that  like  batisfaution  shall  be  given  by  parties  on  both  sides  for  every  thing; 
that  is  to  say,  satisfaction  shall  be  given  for  what  passed  at  Amboina;  otherwise,  we  cannot 
expect  that  any  regard  will  be  paid  to  our  complaints ;  for,  indeed,  matters  here  are  so  situated 
that  we  are  in  great  doubt  whether  or  not  we  shall  press  for  his  Majesty's  declaration,  that 
your  High  Mightinesses'  subjects  shall  be  at  liberty  to  bring  their  captured  prizes  in  and  out 
again  of  his  Majesty's  harbors;  for  we  know,  that  so  long  as  this  stumbling  block  be  not 
removed,  every  thing  shall  turn  to  our  prejudice. 

Regarding  the  Amboina  affair:  whilst  it  pleased  your  High  Mightinesses  to  commit  the 
direction  thereof  to  his  Lordship  the  Prince  of  Orange  and  some  of  the  members  of  your  High 
Mightinesses  Assembly,  we  repeatedly  wrote  on  the  subject  to  the  Prince  and  represented  i.t 
full  length  and  breadth,  in  what  position  the  affair,  in  our  judgment,  stood  here.  Your  High 
Mightinesses  will  please  to  remind  the  gentlemen  to  whom  this  affair  was  committed,  to 
prosecute  the  aforesaid  affair  with  all  diligence;  for  otherwise,  more  or  less  danger  is  to  be 
expected  from  this  quarter.  We  send  your  High  Mightinesses,  herewith,  copies  of  said 
proposal  and  answer.  The  aforesaid  answer  did  not  contain  any  mention  of  the  trial  of 
Captain  le  Clercq.  Apparently  from  considerations  before  mentioned,  this  affair  was  dragging 
along  to  the  exceeding  great  inconvenience  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  subjects  who, 
meanwhile,  dare  not  approach  his  Majesty's  harbors  with  their  prizes;  whereby  many,  either 
through  stress  of  weather,  have  perished,  or  through  inability  to  wait  for  a  convoy,  have  fallen 
into  the  enemy's  hands;  as  has  happened,  even  within  four  days,  to  a  certain  privateer  who 
had  a  good  prize  with  him ;  understanding,  off  Plymouth,  that  Captain  le  Clercq's  ship  lay  there 
still  seized,  he  dare  not  enter  the  harbor,  and  both  ship  and  prize  fell  into  the  hands  of  4 
Dunkirkers.  These  Dunkirkers,  it  is  reported,  are  expressly  instructed  to  keep  themselves 
west  of  the  needle,  in  order  that  our  ships,  not  daring  to  enter  the  harbors  here,  might  fall  into 
their  mouths.  It  is  to  be  remarked,  that  the  trial  of  Captain  le  Clercq  is  of  great  consequence, 
as  'twill  be  a  beacon  to  all  those  who  shall  have  made  any  prizes  on  the  enemy,  to  determine 
whether  or  not  they  are  to  have  the  privilege  of  entering  the  harbors  of  this  kingdom.  We, 
therefore,  requested  your  High  Mightinesses  heretofore,  in  our  dispatches  of  the  26"*  March 
and  17"*  April  last,  to  advise  us  how  we  should  act  in  case  judgment  was  rendered  against  the 
said  Captain;  requesting,  also,  most  respectfully,  that  the  aforesaid  order  might  be  sent  over 
to  us  by  the  earliest  opportunity.  We  apprehend  another  difficulty  in  this  matter;  namely, 
that  the  Captain's  owners,  weary  of  the  long  nnd  useless  proceeding,  iiicli/.t*  to  ^;ttle  with  their 
adversaries;  which,  as  regards  your  High  Mightinesses,  is  almost  ar  |if«tji  diiii  i  as  the  loe ;  ;  f 
the  suit;  for  your  High  Mightmesses'  inhabitants  understanding  tliai,  will  not  dare  to 
enter  the  harbors.  We  do  not  fail  to  encourage  the  owners,  and  to  dissuade  them  from  that 
course;  but  do  not  know  how  far  desperation  may  drive  them.  We  have,  therefore, 
concluded  'o  suggest  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  whether  it  were  not  better  for  the  State 
to  negotiate  rather  with  the  owners,  and  to  assume  the  stock  for  the  public,  it  being 
well  undftrst vs):;  »>   'tis  said,  that  the  owners  cannot  be  any  longer  kept  from  agreeing  with 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    I. 


55 


the  opposue  party.  It  is  of  the  highest  importance  to  our  enemy  that  this  matter  be  settled 
by  arrangement,  though  their  inhahitnnts  should  derive  but  little  advantage  therebv  for 
reason,  already  stated.  The  aforesaid  owners  are  also  much  importuned  thereunto.  Your 
High  Mightinesses,  in  your  profound  wisdom,  will  best  understand  what  ought  to  be  done  in 
this  matte.  We  shall  most  respectfully  await  your  comnrnnds,  and  will  most  dutifully  and 
faithfully  obey  them.  •' 

Regarding  the  inquiry  about  the  little  ship  taken  near  the  Recolvers,  we  do  not.  and  cannot 
think  what  IS  wanting.  The  long  delay  in  sending  that  over.  doe.  your  High  Mightinesses' 
affairs  here  no  good.  o         a       ^o^o 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Ashley  has  requested  us  to  inform  your  High  Mightinesses,  that  he  has 
gone  hence,  by  express  orders  from  his  Majesty,  to  the  King  of  Sweden ;  that  if  your  Hiirh 
Mightinesses  require  him  to  join  his  regiment,  he  shall  do  so  immediately;  he  intends  to 
convey  his  Majesty's  final  resolution  to  his  Ambassador.  Lord  Faen.  and  entertain,  do  doubt 
but  the  subsidy  of  100-  guilders  a  month  will  be  paid  from  here  to  the  King  of  Sweden. 

His  Majesty  seems  resolved  to  dotate  his  niece,  the  Duke  of  Lenox's  daughter,  and  to  give 
her  ,n  ™;rriage  to  the  Lord  High  Treasurer's  son.  whose  oldest  sister  is  married  to  the  Earl 

hL  m!w  '  f  TC-  "^''^  '^''""'''  ^"'  ^'  ""'  "  ""'«  strengthened  by  this  connexion  with 
his  Majesty  s  next  of  kin.  and  the  friendship  between  him  and  the  Earl  of  Arundel,  whi.  h  is 
considerable,  will  apparently  be  further  increased.  The  aforesaid  High  Treasurer's  son  goe. 
Zi.'!lVTTr7  '"  ^'"^'  ^'"^  "  -nessage  of  condolence  on  the  death  of  the  late 
S:]i:t/s  ills  Itr  '"'"  '""  "  '''  ^'"«  ''  ^""™"''  ^°  ^^^'^'^  "'^  ^'^  ^-'^  °f  ^^' 
And  herewith,  commending  ourselves,  most  humbly,  to  Your  High  Mightinesses'  good 
graces,  we  will  pray  God  Almighty,  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  that  He  may  bless  your  High 
Mightinesses  wise  government  more  and  more. 

Your  High  Mightinesses 

Most  obedient  and 

In  London,  this  SS-  May.  1632.  rsKd?'"''""!  '^'''T'' 

Stylo,  novo.  ^^'^°'^^        Alb:  Joachimi. 

GOVERT    BbASSBB. 


Menumstrance  of  the  Amhassadors  of  the  States  General  to  King  Charles  I. 

i  From  Uio  US.  Id  th«  B..„|  ArohlrM  >t  the  Utgn. ;  File,  imUIKxl  B!ng>land.    1089.  ] 

To  the  Most  Serenb  Kino  of  Great  Britain,  &c. 


Sire 


repre.  n  ed  that  th'^        H  .  '        -     «         ^""'  ''"^"''  '°  ''"  ""  ^*  ^^"'"»^''«*'  "« 
lX«H?r         .  Lordships,  the  States  General,  our  Masters,  aware  that  the  enemy 

ndeavoi:  "r  h"r  '""'""'^•'"'-'''"«  ^«'--  Vour  Sacred  Majesty  and  their  LordsMps' 
endeavoring,  for  that  purpose,  to  create  a  belief  that  their  Lordships  did  not  entertain  the 
respect  due  to  Your  Sacred  Majesty,  and  even  that  they  leaned  more  towards  some  otrPri nee 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


than  townrds  Your  Majesty,  had  deemed  it  necessary  to  send  expressly  to  Your  Sacred 
Majesty  to  assure  you  of  their  respect  for  Your  person,  and  of  the  affection  they  bore  Your 
Majesty's  Sacred  Person  and  State,  and  to  pray  you  not  to  condescend  to  lend  an  ear  to  such 
like  calumnies,  which,  tending  only  to  disturb  an  existing  uninn,  they  have  the  greater  cause 
to  fear.  That,  in  confirmation  of  the  respect  our  said  Lords  cherish  for  Your  Sacred  Majesty, 
khey  had  i)een  pleased  to  communicate  to  Your  Majesty  the  subject  of  the  embassy  they  had 
sent  to  France,  and  that  they  had,  on  the  earliest  notice,  ordered  that  the  vessel  be  sent  back 
which  their  Captains  had  onptured  near  Roculvers ;  they  pray  the  affection  they  entertain  for 
Your  Sacred  M.njejty  may  be  measured  by  that  they  manifest  towards  your  nearest  of  kin. 

We  besought  your  Majesty,  Sire,  thereupon  to  be  pleased  to  continue  to  our  Masters  the 
honor  of  Your  good  graces,  and  to  treat  them  as  good  neighbors,  friends  and  allies,  by  causing 
our  enemies  to  give  up  the  vessels  they  have  captured,  md  especiidly  that  it  please  Your 
Majesty  to  put  an  end  to  all  seizures  and  prohibitions  against  the  prizes  taken  from  our  enemies 
at  sea.  being  brought  into  your  Majesty's  harbors,  such  being  contrary  to  the  law  of  Nations 
and  the  universal  law  and  practice  of  all  the  princes  of  Europe,  and  contrary  even  to  the 
constitution  of  Your  Kingdom  and  the  practice  of  Your  ancestors,  and  even  of  Your  Majesty, 
aud  finally,  to  give  order  for  the  delivery  to  Captain  le  Clercq,  of  the  prize  he  captured  from 
our  enemy  fourteen  months  ago. 

We  complained  also.  Sire,  of  the  publication  of  two  certain  books,  the  tendency  whereof  is 
only  to  excite  the  te'i.per  of  one  people  against  the  other,  a  result  altogether  contrary  to  that 
desired  by  our  Masters. 

Your  Majesty  was  pleased  to  defer  an  answer  to  the  foregoing,  until  you  should  have 
returned  to  the  city  of  London.  Wherefore,  Sire,  we  most  respectfully  approach  Your  Sacred 
person,  that  you  may  be  pleased  to  give  us  such  a  reply  as  may  contribute  to  a  firm  union 
between  the  two  States,  so  profitable  to  both.  The  happy  accession  of  Your  Majesty  to  Your 
crown,  which  we  this  day  celebrate,  induces  us  to  hope.  Sire,  that  Your  Majesty  will  render 
us  this  day  happy,  by  the  assurances  to  our  Masters  of  your  affection  for  them.  We  pray  God 
that  Your  Majesty  may  see  many  returns  of  the  same  day. 

Moreover,  Sire,  we  cannot  conceal  from  Your  Majesty  that  we  are  very  sorry  to  hear  that 
whilst  we  labor  to  cement  the  good  correspondence  between  Your  Sacred  Majesty  and  their 
Lordships  the  States,  your  subjects,  on  the  other  hand,  create  new  difficulties. 

Thus  it  is,  that  the  subjects  of  their  Lordships,  the  States,  have,  for  a  long  time,  traded  in 
the  river  Manathans,  now  called  Maurice,  in  the  West  Indies,  having  purchased  from  the  native 
inhabitants  and  paid  for  a  certain  island  called  also  Manathans,  where  they  remain  surrounded 
on  all  sides  by  the  Natives  of  the  country,  and  have,  from  all  time,  in  coming  and  going,  freely 
enjoyed  your  Majesty's  ports  and  harbors  without  any  objection. 

Now  it  has  happened,  that  a  vessel  belonging  to  the  West  India  Company,  and  coming  from 
the  said  island,  with  quite  a  number  of  people,  their  wives  and  children  on  board,  arrived  at 
Plymouth  harbor  through  stress  of  weather,  where  she  has  been  seized  with  very  great 
inconvenience  to  the  said  people. 

Wherefore,  Sire,  we  most  humbly  pray  your  Majesty  to  be  pleased  to  give  order  that  the 
ship  be  released,  so  that  the  said  people  may  terminate  their  voyage. 

[Pound  as  an  appendix  to  the  despatch  of  Mess"  Jouchimi  and  BroMer,  received  ll"" 
June,  1C33.] 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS  :    I.  ^-j 

Answer  to  the  Remomtrance  of  the  Dutch  Ambassadors. 

[  rrom  the  MS.  Id  lh«  Bortl  Archirn  at  the  nigue ;  File  .ntlUed,  JSntOmi.    \m.  ] 

Answer  to  the  Remonstrance  presented  to  the  King  and  the  Lords,  his 
Commissioners,  by  their  Lordships  the  Ambassador  and  Deputy  of  the 
Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Provinces,  in  April,  1032. 

First:  as  regards  the  occasion  of  this  Remonstrance,  which  is  founded  on  the  suspicion  of 
some  misunderstanding,  it  cannot  but  appear  strange  to  his  Majesty  who  could  not  imagine, 
by  any  indication,  except  l>y  this  Remonstrance,  that  there  had  been  evil  designed  attempts 
made  with  a  view  to  disunion,  nor  that  offence  had  been  taken  to  the  respect  shown  by  the 
said  Lords  the  States  to  other  princes.  For  although  hi.  Majesty  might  well  claim  for  himself 
the  preference  in  the  balance  of  their  esteem,  he  would  not  object  to  the  good  understanding 
they  cultivate  with  their  other  friends,  confident  that  they  are  in  a  position  to  weigh  well  in 
Uie.r  prudence  how  much  more  advantageous  is  their  union  with  him  to  that  with  others. 
Now  inasmuch  as  they  have  sent  expressly  to  assure  his  Majesty  of  the  respect  and  aff-ection 
they  bear  h.m.  the  attention  they  have  manifested  therein  is  deserving  all  praise.  These  pains 
cannot  indeed  be  too  great  to  preserve  such  a  treasure  as  they  possess  in  the  friendship  of  hi. 
Majesty  and  his  subjects,  their  antient  friends  and  good  neighbors.  And  the  consideration  of 
that  respect  towards  his  Majesty,  afforded  l,y  the  communication  of  the  contents  of  their  Inst 
despatch  to  Prance,  furnishes,  indeed,  an  evidence  of  their  confidence  without,  in  the  least 
prejudicing  their  affairs;  and  were  this  frr.nkness  continued,  it  would,  without  doubt,  have 
dissipated  all  those  pretended  clouds  of  disaffection  and  distrust. 

As  regards  the  restoration  which  they  have  made  of  the  vessel  captured  near  Reculvers  by 
one  of  their  ships  (mention  whereof  is  made  in  the  second  Article)  that  also  deserves  praise, 
as  the  result  of  their  justice,  especially  if  the  first  delinquent  had  been  punished  and  had 
made  reparation  for  the  losses  and  damages  they  have  been  always  accustomed  to  demand  and 
sue  for  in  such  case,  which  also  should  properly  be  made  to  prevent  the  recurrence  of 
■uch  depredations. 

In  the  third  place:  as  regards  the  representation  to  his  Majesty  of  the  friendship  they  have 
manifested  to  his  nearest  relatives ;  although  these  personally  are  well  worthy  thereof,  and  may 
well  merit  it.  yet  his  Majesty  always  willingly  shares  and  feels  an  interest  in  whatever  concern, 
the  beloved  persons  of  his  brother  and  sijter.  and  hopes  that  the  Lords  States  will  not  have 
cause  to  repent  of  the  kind  offices  they  have  done  th<!m,  which  hi.  Majesty  acknowledge,  with 
thanks  and  a  cordial  affection  towards  them. 

Now,  the  object  of  this  Remonstrance  is  to  demand  of  his  Majesty  a  continuation  of  hi. 
favor,  and  that  particularly  in  the  following  points: 

1":  To  cause  their  enemies  to  restore,  with  reparation  of  damage.,  their  veuel.  which 
they  captured  in  his  Majesty's  ports  and  rivers  specified,  to  the  number  of  five.  To  this  we 
are  enabled  to  answer,  that  his  Majesty's  Agent  ha.  enrne.ly  prosecuted  this  aff-«ir  in  their 
behalf,  and  has  now  ren.lered  an  account  of  his  proceedings  in  that  regard,  communication 
whereof  will  be  given  them,  in  order  that  they  may  advise  what  wiii  be  necessary  to  be 
done  therein. 

Vol..  t.  m 


8« 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


*l 


S**  To  relense  from  seizure  the  prizes  taken  by  their  people  at  sea  from  their  enemies,  and 
brought  into  our  harbors.  Herein,  we  confess  that  they  presuppose  many  things  wiiich  do  not 
appear  clear  to  us,  particularly  the  allegation  that  this  proceeding  is  contrary  to  the  law  of 
nations,  which  many  learned  jurisconsults  do  not  hold,  and  there  are  few  of  the  opposite 
opinion ;  nay,  even  they,  themselves,  will  confess  that  the  decision  of  this  point  is  not  clear, 
as  well  as  that  wherein  they  say,  that  it  is  contrary  to  the  practice  of  all  other  princes,  which, 
nevertheless,  is  refuted  by  several  instances.  And  although  the  puissant  Kings  of  France 
and  Spain  have  prided  themselves  on  this  practice,  their  individual  laws,  however,  do  not 
constitute  the  public  law.  As  regards  ours,  our  civilians  are  in  doubt  on  the  matter,  and  do 
not  furnish  an  instance  of  this  case  wherein  there  is  not  some  difference.  Moreover,  other 
considerations  present  themselves  i  this  connection,  of  such  consequence,  that  though  we 
would  desire  to  hold  the  balance  even,  without  prejudicing  either  the  one  or  the  other,  yet  the 
difficulty  of  the  matter  may  excuse  the  postponement  of  the  resolution  in  what  relates  to 
the  interests  of  all  our  allies,  and  which  must  stand  as  a  general  and  permanent  rule. 

They  require,  likewise,  the  suppression  of  two  books,  lately  published  *o  embitter,  say  they, 
the  animosities  between  the  subjects  of  the  two  states,  contrary  to  what  they  deserved.  To 
this  it  may  be  replied,  thit  nothing  save  the  balm  of  justice  can  heal  ulcerated  hearts.  This 
his  Majesty  has  waited  for  a  long  time  with  grent  patience,  and  should  a  denial  or  a  delay  of 
this  be  persisted  in,  not  only  will  the  King  and  people,  but  the  whole  world,  complain 
of  such  misdeeds,  and  demand  redress  at  their  hands. 

In  the  fourth  and  last  place,  they  demand  the  release  of  a  vessel  seized  at  Plymouth,  returning 
from  a  certain  plantation  usurped  by  them  in  the  north  parts  of  Virginia,  which  they  say  was 
acquired  from  the  natives  of  the  cou;itry.  But,  first,  it  is  denied  that  the  Indians  were 
jxissessoret  bona  Jidci  of  those  countries,  so  as  to  be  able  to  dispose  of  them  either  by  sale  or 
donation,  their  residences  being  unsettled  and  uncertain,  and  only  being  in  common  ;  and  in  the 
second  place,  it  cannot  be  proved,  Je  jiicto,  that  all  the  Natives  of  said  country  had  contracted 
with  them  at  the  said  pretended  sale. 

And  as  to  what  they  say  in  addition,  that  the  said  Natives  have  their  residences  around 
them,  the  truth  is,  that  the  Knglish  encompass  them  on  the  one  side  and  on  the  other,  as  they 
well  experienced  heretofore  when  they  attempted  to  maintain  their  right  against  them.  But, 
moreover,  the  right  his  Majesty's  subjects  have  in  that  country,  is  justified  by  first  discovery, 
occupation  and  the  possession  which  ihey  have  taken  thereof,  and  by  the  concessions  and 
letters  patents  they  have  had  from  our  Sovereigns,  who  were,  for  the  above  reasons,  the  true 
and  legitimate  proprietors  thereof  in  those  parts,  where  their  Lordships,  the  States,  had  not 
of  themselves  and  did  not  assume,  such  pretension,  and  had  not  granted  any  patent  thereof  to 
their  subjects,  to  give  them  any  power  or  title  thereunto.  Which  turned  out  to  be  the  case 
(ir.  ficrijia),  in  the  year  1021,  when  the  late  King  of  happy  memory,  on  the  complaint  and 
remonstrance  of  the  Karl  of  Arundel  Sirs  Ker.  (iorges  and  Samuel  Argal,  and  of  Captain 
Maion,  instructed  hii  Ambassador  to  apply  to  the  Lords  States  (Jeneral  to  prevent  the 
departure  of  certain  ships  that  were  prep.iring  to  go  to  the  said  country,  and  to  (orbiii 
the  intrusion  of  their  subjects  into  that  plantation;  for,  then  they  answered,  that  Ihey  knew 
nothing  of  that  enterprize,  which  was  likewise  very  probable,  because  the  said  Ambassador  alter 
informing  himself  more  particularly  of  the  matter,  certified  his  Majesty  by  those  letters,  that  it 
was  only  two  companies  of  Amsterdam  merchants,  who,  whithout  the  knowledge  or  advice  of  the 
■aid  Lords  States,  had  begun  to  trade  between  the  40'''  ami  ftO"  degrees,  within  the  limit  of 
his  Majesty's  plantation  in  the  said  country  of  Virginia,  and  had  given  to  those  places  the  name 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    L 


59 


of  New  Netherliind,  Texel,  Vlieland,  and  such  like,  and  sent  ships  of  30  and  40  Unh  to  look  for 
furs  in  those  parts;  but  that  he  was  not  aware  that  they  had  begun  or  designed  to  establish 
a  plantation  there;  and,  moreover,  that  a  good  number  of  families,  inhabiting  the  United 
Provinces,  were  then  soliciting  him  to  procure  them  a  place  in  the  said  country  where  they  might 
settle  among  his  Majesty's  subjects,  that  if  these  who  are  now  returned  thence,  and  the  others 
who  have  remained  behind,  wish  to  make  a  similar  request  and  to  submit  themselves  to  his 
Majesty's  government,  as  his  subjects,  it  can  be  ascertained  if  he  will  be  pleased  to  admit  them 
in  that  quality,  and  thus  permit  them  to  leave  with  their  ships  and  merchandise,  or  else  to  sell 
these  here  at  the  highest  rate  possible ;  on  condition  that  the  said  Lords  States  promise  to 
prevent  them  going  any  more  to,  or  frequenting  in  any  manner  those  parts.  Should  they  not 
consent  to  that,  his  Majesty's  interest  will  not  permit  him  to  suflTer  them  to  usurp  and  encroach 
on,  in  this  manner,  one  of  his  Colonies  of  such  importance,  which  he  has  great  cause  to  cherish 
and  maintain  entire. 

By  these  answers  to  the  said  complaint,  their  Lordships,  the  States,  may  see  what  little 
cause  they  have  of  supposing,  in  his  Majesty,  any  alienation  towards  his  neighbours  ;  but  we, 
on  our  side,  make  many  complaints  much  more  serious  and  more  grave  than  those;  the  said 
Lords  States  having  never  offered  suitable  satisfaction,  can  well  imagine  that  nothing  but 
discontent  can  remain  in  his  Majesty's  breast. 

For,  without  mentioning  the  crying  fact,  which  it  is  unnecessary  to  discuss  further,  the 
ex  reme  injustice  they  have  been  guilty  of  in  regard  to  the  Tare  hnA  qwui  banished  all  our 
trafic  from  their  country,  had  not  some  moderation  been  obtained  by  the  jielding  and 
accommodation  on  our  side,  and  not  by  any  mitigation  on  their  part,  who  retain  always  the 
power  to  extort  hereafter,  whatever  they  please  in  this  regard. 

There  also  continues  to  be  another  great  complaint  with  the  Board  for  the  depredation  and 
destruction  of  his  Majesty's  subjects  in  (ireenland;  the  reparation  ordered  by  his  late  .Majesty 
for  that,  remains  always  unfurnished. 

And  to  pass  over  all  the  other  complaints,  which  daily  increase,  the  course  they  have 
pursued  in  regard  to  this  ship  belonging  to  his  Majesty's  subjects,  now  detained  by  process  at 
Rotterdam,  exceeds  all  those  that  ciii.  justly  be  adduced  against  us,  ns  v='l  evidently  be 
manifest  to  them  by  the  relr.tion  of  the  fact,  which  will  shortly  be  laid  before  them.  In  fine, 
this  is  the  true  statement  of  the  complaints,  presented  on  the  one  side  and  on  the  other.  They 
complain  of  damages  received  from  their  enemies,  the  reparation  whereof  they  demand  of  us; 
and  ol  some  trilling  detentions  at  our  hands  which,  we  say  and  consider,  are  well  founded;  but 
we  complain  of  their  injustice,  committed  as  well  against  the  goods  as  against  the  lives  of  his 
Majesty's  subjects;  of  having  wronged  us  in  our  trade;  of  having  dispossessed  us  of  divers 
countries  in  the  Kast  and  West  Imlies,  where  our  right  was  indubitable.  And  if,  in  fine,  in 
the  excess  of  the  evil,  those  violences  explode,  ns  they  appear  to  apprehend,  the  remedy  which 
ought  to  be  applied,  on  the  one  side  and  on  the  other,  is,  first :  to  bring  about  n  termination  of 
those  evils  by  a  better  administration  of  jusiiie;  and  then,  to  rel'stablish  by  mutual  good 
otfices,  that  ancient  friendship  which  augmented,  and  can  preserve,  both  their  commerce 
and  security. 

As  for  us,  we  shall  not  fail  to  render  therein  all  the  best  olHcei  and  servicei  dependent  on 
us.  And  as  regards  his  Majesty,  the  good  and  gracious  disposition  of  liii  heart  is  sufliciently 
notorious  to  them  and  to  ail  the  world. 

[  Found  as  an  appendix  to  the  despatch  of  Mess"  Joachimi  and  Bratser,  of  2:)"'  \fay,  1032.] 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Measrs.  JoacJdmi  and  Brasser  to  tlie  States  General. 

[  Fiom  Um  Original  la  Iha  Rojril  Aioblret  al  tb«  Higut ;  ni«,  Kiftland.  ] 


High  and  Mighty  Lords. 


My  Lords, 


We  sent  your  High  Mightinecses,  on  the  23''  inst.,  n  certain  unsigned'  writing. 


Thia  and  the  Idler 

and  papara  annex*    ,         ,     ,  i        i         i     r  i       n 

*i,  wow  placed  In  hnuded  to  us  on  the  dny  before  by  Secretary  Kooko.     We  have  since  addressed 

the    nandi   of  Mr.  "  "*  •' 

il^iM^hirVnu"?  ''i^  8""'  Secretary  and  complained  of  the  contents  thereof,  consisting  of  nothing 
&'i?^"'i..  fJ^Ti  hut  retorts  in  place  of  satisfaction  ;  we  also  especially  demanded  that  we  should 

thereon.     IVme  11  *  *^t-  ri.ma-  .  ... 

.lannarv, lona.  rcccive  Btt  Buswer  in  the  name  of  his  Mniesly,  to  whom  we  submited  our 
WuKh.  loffii.  proposals,  or  that  at  least  it  might  be  expressly  stated  who  those  were  who  gave 
the  answer,  and  that  it  might  be  signed  by  him  as  Principal  Secretary  of  State.  He  evinced 
much  scruple  therein,  not  daring  to  take  back  with  him  the  said  writing  to  submit  it  to  the 
Lords  Commissioners,  but  requested  us  to  speak  to  the  Lord  High  Treasurer  about  it,  as  we 
have  done.  His  Lordship  told  us  that  the  writing  was  no  answer,  but  only  the  first  reply,  in 
order  thence  to  come  into  further  conference ;  all  which  tends  to  the  agitation  of  the  Amboina 
question.  Your  High  Mightinesses  know  how  ill  instructed  we  are  on  that  subject;  we 
therefore  request  again,  most  humbly,  that,  pursuant  to  our  previous  despatches,  we  receive 
by  the  first  opportunity  further  order  on  this  subject. 

We  particularly  complained  to  the  said  Lord  High  Treasurer  of  the  unreasonable  and 
unheard  of  proceeding  adopted  towards  the  ship  the  Ectulnuht,  which  arrived  from  New 
Netherland,  and  have  finally  so  far  influenced  his  Lordship  that  he  promibed  us  to  give  orders 
for  the  release  of  the  aforesaid  vessel,  saving  and  without  prejudice  to  his  Majesty's  right. 
We  have  advised  the  Agent  of  the  West  India  Company  hereof,  so  that  he  may  retain  on 
board  the  ship  the  crew  ho  had  orders  to  send  over. 

Tiie  said  Lord  Treasurer  hath  also  iiiform»d  us  that  the  King  hath  postponed,  until  the 
next  week,  the  consideration  of  Cnptr.in  Daniel  le  Clercq's  case,  in  consequence  of  the 
occurrence  of  divers  important  affairs  here,  which  must  he  first  disposed  of.  We  have  already 
written  at  large  to  your  High  Mightinesses  on  the  subject  of  this  trial  and  refer  you  thereunto. 

Yesterday  evening  the  news  came  of  the  arrival  of  an  extraordinary  Ambassador  from 
France,  who  li:»;l  been  excepted. 

And  herewith  commending  ourselves,  most  humbly,  to  the  good  graces  of  your  High 
Mightinesses,  we  shall  pray  Almighty  (Jod,  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  that  he  may  continue  to 
bless  your  High  Mightinesses'  wise  government  more  and  more. 

Your  High  Mightinesses' 

Most  dutiful  and  faithful  Servants, 
In  London,  Alb.  Joaciiimi. 

87'^  May,  IfiSa ;  new  style.  Govkht  Brasser. 

Received  11  June,  1032. 


'  Sm  notf ,  lupra  p  St  —  Kb. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IL 


61 


SxitjectfoT  the  Conaideration  of  the  AsaemUy  of  the  XIX.  1633. 

I  From  the  Ortglul  in  Ik*  BojrtI  ArchiTM  *t  th»  Hague ;  File,  KM  Indit.\ 

Extract  from  the  Points  of  Reference  whereupon  all  the  Chambers  of  the  West 
India  Company  are  summoned  to  Amsterdam,  for  the  Ist  April,  1633,  so  far 
as  relates  to  the  affairs  of  Aew  Netherland.     Exhibited  23"  March,  1633. 

le""  Point. 

And  whereas  there  are  some  prizes  at  the  islands  of  Fernando  Norenho  and  St.  Martin,  it  is 
to  be  considered  whether  the  Commanders  there,  as  well  as  those  on  the  coast  of  Guinea, 
Africa  and  New  Netherland,  ought  not  be  authorized  by  their  High  Mightinesses  and  the 
Prince  ofOrnnge,  to  adjudicate  there,  on  said  prizes;  to  declare  them  lawful,  and  to  protect 
said  prizes  from  seizure,  in  English  or  other  harbors. 


<■■»■■» 


Resolution  of  the  Slates  of  Holland  in  regard  to  the  Affairs  of  the  West  India  Cmipany. 

[  From  Ih.  RettaKr  ol  B««laUo..  of  tb.  BUM  of  HolLnd  and  WMUM«l.nd,  In  th.  BoyiU  AreblrM  .1  Ih.  H.gn*  ] 

Resolution  of  the  Noble,  Great  and  Mighty  Lords,  the  States  of  Holland  and 
West  Friesland.     The  10'"  June,  1633. 

•  The  Committee  appointed  to  communicate  with  the  Directors  of  the  East  and  West  India 
Companies  on  the  subject  of  the  present  trade,  so  far  as  it  concerns  the  said  Companies 
presented  a  report  of  the  interview  which  took  place  this  morning  with  the  Directors  of  the' 
West  India  Company;  when  it  was  proposed  to  them.  Whether  the  truce  to  be  concluded 
with  the  opposite  party,  would  be  advanlngeous  or  not  to  them.  In  case  they  were  of  opinion 
that  the  tnice  would  be  of  advantage  to  them,  the  limits  and  whatever  depended  thereon  must 
be  taken  into  consideration:  in  case  they  should  conclude  it  to  be  disadvantageous  to  them,  it 
must  be  considered  how  the  aforesaid  Company  could  be  best  maintained.  That  the  aforesaid 
Diiectors  answered  thereunto,  that  they  had  handed  in  their  reasons  in  writing,  to  which  they 
■till  adhered;  and  that  the  aforesaid  Company  could  not  exist,  except  by  war.  That  the 
condition  of  the  Company  was  such,  that  it  improved  from  day  to  day,  whereof  they  shortly 
expect  intelligence;  some  of  which  they  had  communicated.  The  aforesaid  Committee 
communicating  their  opinions  further  to  the  Assembly,  were  of  opinion  that  the  aforesaid 
Company  could  not  be  well  maintained  without  a  war. 


1 


eSi  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Eenionstrance  of  the  West  India  Company  against  a  Peace  with  Spain. 

I  From  lh«  M9.  Id  the  Royal  ArchWei  at  the  Hagae ;  Loksltat  of  the  Slates  QenenI :  DIvtolon,  WMt  Inditcht  Ornipafnis,  No.  4.  ] 

'^0  the  Great  and  Mighty  Lords,  the  States  of  Holland  and  Westfriesland. 

Great  and  Mighty  Lords. 

Your  Great  Mightinesses  were  pleased  to  summon  this  day  the  Directors  of  the  Incorporated 
West  India  Company;  namely,  those  of  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam ;  and  to  explain  to  them 
what  was  done,  or  would  still  likely  be  done,  in  this  negotiation  with  the  enemy  concerning 
the  Company,  and  to  ask  their  opinion  thereupon.  We  had  truly  wished  that  all  the  opinions 
of  the  respective  Chambers  in  these  United  Netherlands,  could  be  heard  on  this  subject  at  the 
same  time,  and  so  considered  by  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  and  his  Highness 
the  Prince  of  Orange,  that  both  might  thereby  advance  the  interest  of  Fatherland  and  the 
prosperity  of  the  Company;  and  that  the  Company  might  be  maintained,  as  we  heretofore 
have  humbly  set  forth  in  divers  Deductions  and  Remonstrances;  and  particularly  in  the  year 
1629,  when  like  deliberations  were  held. 

But  as  Your  Great  Mightinesses  have  been  pleased  to  call  on  us  specially  on  the  subject,  we 
shall  not  remain  in  default,  but  well  and  ihoroughly  inform  your  Great  Mightiness  of  every  thing 
that  must  be  considered  in  this  connection,  for  the  interest  of  this  State,  according  to  our  limited 
abilities  and  good  disposition. 

And,  lay  before  Your  Great  Mightinesses,  first  of  all,  the  vast  services  this  Company  hath, 
from  its  inception  until  now,  conferred  on  this  State,  and  what  it  can  further  perform  hereafter. 

For,  howbeit,  we  trust  that  the  enemy's  persevering  endeavors  to  be  freed  from  the  arms 
of  this  Company  in  the  West  Indies,  is  a  clear  and  irrefrngible  argument  of  the  service  which 
it  is  daily  conferring  on  this  State,  whilst  the  latter  seems,  nevertheless,  not  to  greatly  esteem 
or  consider  it ;  yet  the  following  Deduction  will  serve  more  strongly  to  confirm  those  who  have 
duly  comprehended  the  importance  of  the  Company  to  this  State,  and  afford  better  information 
to  those  who  may  entertain  a  doubt  thereupon.  * 

Brief  deduction  ok  the  advaxtaoe.s  the  Commonwealth  derives  from  the  Company. 

First:  As  regards  what  it  consumes. 

The  Company  hath  yearly,  on  an  average,  one  year  with  another,  equipped,  victualled  and 
dispatched  over  fifty  ships. 

Hath  employed  over  six  thousand,  ns  well  soldiers  as  seamen,  and  over  eight  or  nine 
thousand  duririg  the  last  year. 

And  for  the  support  thereof,  purcliiisedand  slaughtered  n  large  quantity  of  cattle,  made  great 
store  of  biscuit,  hard  bread,  flour,  beans,  pens,  groats,  dried  codfish,  butler  and  cheese,  and 
such  like  supplies. 

Hath,  also,  sent  large  quantity  of  wines,  brandies,  oil,  vinegar,  and  similar  liquors. 

Item,  a  large  amount  of  powder,  lead,  bullets,  and  other  munitions  of  war. 

Secondly:  Regarding  duties. 

The  Company  imported  an  excessively  large  amount  of  costly  wares,  such  as  Cochineal, 
Silk,  Indigo,  an   innumerable  quantity  of  Sugars,  Hides,  Ginger  and  other  spices,  Cotton, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:     IL  gg 

Elephants'  teeth,  Tobacco,  Brazil  and  other  woods.  Salt,  Gums,  etc..  from  the  exportat'on  of 
which  to  other  countries  the  State  had  the  benefit  of  large  duties.  exportat.on  of 

Thirdly:  By  the  increase  of  the  Trade  and  Wealth  of  the  Commonalty. 

The  said  Company  brought  into  the  country  a  very  large  amount  of  gold  and  silver,  both 
corned  and  unco.ned ;  exported  a  vast  quantity  of  all  sorts  of  manufactures,  most  of  which 

a7  aVrr  r  '  7  !^  "T'*  '°  ''"'"^'*  ^'""^  "''"'"«'  '''  '»"  '^-"'P^--  °f  manufactures, 
an  ^a^nnual  outlay  of  above  fave  tons  of  gold,  and  returns  yearly  in.o  the  country  over  ten  tons 

In  like  manner,  a  large  quantity  of  goods  was  shipped  to  other  parts  of  Africa  and  America. 

r.i„  H.  7  .  ""'?  "  ^"°^'  """■"  ™P°'''^*^'  "■^^'••^''y  '^'  inhabitants  of  this  countrJ 
ootainecl  trade  and  employment.  ^ 

Fourthly:  By  strengthening  the  Country. 

The  Company  hath,  at  present,  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  well  built  ships,  some  of  400 
and  some  of  300  lasts,  several  of  2-50  200  and  150  lasts  and  the  remainder  of  smaller 
d  mens,ons;  all  as  well  supplied  with  metal  and  iron  pieces,  and  suitable  ammunition,  as  y 
of  the  enemy's  best  and  largest  vessels.  ■' 

ubiic'service"'  '"  '"'^  "^  "'''^'  '""^  """''"'"^  °^  '^°'^  """  "'™°'^  '^''^^y''  ^^  «"'P'°y«d  '"  the 
The  Company  maintains  and  employs  a  large  number  of  seamen,  who,  otherwise,  would  not 

find  any  work,  and  fits  them  for  divers  situations,  even  the  highest  in  the  State 
fifthly:  Regarding  the  aid  afforded  to  the  Country. 
Particularii;.  when  the  .nen.y  invaded   the  Veluwe,  the  Company  supplied  the  common 

people  with  ammunition  and  provisions,  so  that   its  fleet,  destined  for  Brazil,  was  thereby 

detained  over  three  months,  whilst  it  had  to  maintain  above  three  thousand  men  abroad  doina 

nothing,  to  the  great  damage  and  obstruction  of  its  designs. 

The  Company  aided  the  State,  in  its  necessity,  with  a  handsome  sum  of  ready  money 
And  so  strengthened  it  by  the  rich  distribution  of  public  and  private  wealth,  that  it  became 

much  better  able  to  bear  the  public  charges,  and  more  promptly  to  discharge  them 

Sixthly:  Seeing  that  it  has  inflicted  such  excessive  damage  on  the  enemy,  and  caused  an 

indescribable  diversion 

Laid  waste  Bahia,  which,  independent  of  the  incurred  damages,  cost  the  King  of  Spain  over 
ten  millions  to  recover  it;  and,  also,  captured,  plundered  and  destroyed  Porto  Rico,  Margarita 
bancta  Martha.  St.  Thomas,  Guiana,  and  sundry  other  places; 

Took  and  retained  I'ernaml.uco  and  Tamarica,  whereby  the  King  of  Spain  hath  lost  over  a 
million  and  a  half  of  yearly  revenue. 

Forced  the  said  King  to  great  expence  of  fleets,  to  be  sent  to  Brazil,  whence  his  sugars  used 
heretofore  to  be  brought  home  without  any  trouble,  and  whilst  he  lay  asleep;  and  his  revenue 
collected  without  any  cost. 

Item.  Prevented  the  Portuguese,  by  the  continual  cruizing  of  our  ships  on  the  coast  of  Brazil 
from  bringing  over  their  sugars  and  other  produce;  twenty-three  per  cent  of  which,  when 
imported,  went  to  the  King;  and  as  much  when  exported,  amounting  together  to  forty-six  per 
cent,  nearly  half  the  sugar;  without  the  loss  which  is  suffered  in  Brazil  wood,  from  shrinkage 

Also,  captured  his  fleet  from  New  Spain,  and  thrice  made  prize  of  the  rich  Honduras  ships;' 
took,  moreover,  in  divers  parts  of  Africa  a  id  America,  over  a  hundred  of  his  vessels,  most  of 
which  had  full  freights,  including  several  of  his  best  galleons;  and  burnt  and  destroyed  nearly 
as  many,  if  not  more,  that  had  ran  ashore. 


m 


i: 


64 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Forced  him  to  dispatch  a  greater  number  of  galleons  and  armed  ships,  than  he  was  formerly 
accustomed  to  send,  to  convey  the  fleet  from  Terra  firma  and  New  Spain. 

Obliged  him  to  change  his  usual  seasons,  and  to  let  his  ships  come  over  at  unusual  and 
unfavorable  periods  of  the  year,  whereby  a  rich  fleet  from  New  Spain  was,  last  year,  almost 
entirely  lost;  and  (as  far  as  we  can  ascertain)  his  last  year's  fleet,  which  otherwise  ought  to 
have  been  in  before  the  winter,  hath  not  as  yet  arrived  up  to  the  present  time;  by  all  which 
his  treasury  i&  so  exhausted,  and  his  credit  so  damaged,  that  it  can  with  difficulty  be  repaired; 
and  he  is,  in  consequence,  obliged  to  apply  to  this  country  even  for  the  Truce. 

It  is  also  to  be  considered,  that  this  State  hath  paid  and  still  pays  to  foreign  princes,  heavy 
yearly  subsidies,  the  money  whereof  goes  and  remains  out  of  the  country;  and  nothing  was 
obtained  in  return,  except  what  was  eflect^d  this  last  year  by  the  Company,  who  expend  the 
subsidies  in  this  country. 

From  all  this,  and  from  what  can  be  more  fully  set  forth,  if  necessary,  your  Great 
Mightinesses  will  easily  perceive  what  services  the  Company  hath  rendered  this  State,  and 
what  advantages  the  country  hath  derived  from  it.  And  more  especially  this  province  of 
Holland  and  Westfriesland,  because  thither  flowed  six-ninths  of  the  Company's  capital,  and 
here  most  of  the  equipments  were  made ;  besides  all  that  -s  above  enumerated,  the  Company 
can  hereafter  effect  still  more  for  the  public  service,  and  to  the  enemy's  prejudice. 

And  that  with  greater  ease  and  much  more  effectually  than  heretofore,  first,  because  it  now 
possesses,  in  Brazil,  the  most  important  points  in  that  country,  and  the  most  convenient  that 
could  be  selected  in  all  America ;  as  the  entire  world,  and  even  the  enemy  best  knows. 

Secondly,  because  it  has  ascertained  by  great  outlay  and  long  experience,  wh#re  the  King's 
power  in  America  is  weakest,  and  how  easily  he  can  be  deprived  of  the  most  valuable  of 
his  revenues. 

Whether  these  services  which  the  Company  can  confer  on  the  country,  and  which  this  State 
hath  undoubtedly  a  rifnt  to  expect  for  its  preservation  and  for  the  humbling  of  the  enemy,  ought 
still  be  continued  and  encouraged  ;  or  rather  whether,  on  the  contrary,  such  favorable  advantages 
ought  to  be  thrown  away,  are  considerations  which  we  leave  to  commend  themselves  to  your 
Great  Mightinesses'  wise  deliberations. 

For  your  Great  Mightinesses  will  easily  perceive  the  advantage  the  King  of  Spain  hath  to 
expect  if  the  Company's  Ships,  and  power  be  lifted  off'  his  neck.  And  how  soon  he, 
unobstructed  in  the  arrival  of  his  fleets,  will  be  able  to  recruit  his  battered  finances  and  credit, 
and  become,  ere  long,  more  formidable  to  this  State  and  its  Allies  than  he  ever  has  been 
before ;  and  how  easily  he  will  be  able  to  fortify  the  places  which  now  lie  open  to  us,  and  to 
strengthen  those  already  fortified,  so  that  all  our  power  and  knowledge  will  hereafter  profit 
us  nothing. 

We  can  herein  prescribe  in  no  wise  to  your  Great  Mightinesses,  nor  be  of  use  any  longer 
than  is  agreeable  to  this  State. 

But  this  we  must,  in  virtue  of  our  office,  lay  in  all  submission,  before  your  Great 
Mightinesses,  that  the  Company,  so  far  as  the  interest  of  its  stockholders  is  concerned,  can 
without  great  loss,  be  easily  brought  to  this  negotiation,  by  money  or  goods  for  its  contracts, 
such  as  the  case  deserves.  That  the  Stockholders  also  would  easily  forget  their  losses,  if  the 
State  might,  by  that  means,  be  much  benefitted  ;  but  that  the  Company  would  thereby,  in 
time,  come  to  ruin,  and  be  unable  to  do  the  State  any  further  service. 


i 


•HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    II. 


# 


done  the  enemy;  for.  it  will  be  of  no  . In!  Company,  even  if  any  essential  injury 

negotiation,  retrain  its  Xe  si":;  ;^;X'":e"s7or^f  ^  TZ'  T'"  ^"^  ^'^'"P-y-  ''^ 
We  willingly  acknowledge  that  thrrl  '°  "'^  ^'"«  ''"^  «*  «"'"  °f  """"^y- 

for  the  augmenLion  of  t  ade  and  „,  L^^^^^^^^  'V'u   ^^S'""'"?' ''^-gned  pHncipalfy 

people.  wUh  which  God  has  blessed   hTcou!;rr^°u       '"u   '''  ''"''  ""'''^"^^  •"■  •^''^"""g 
kept  in  continual  action  and  prosTerity  ''  """  ""'  '^  •""P'^^^'^'  "»'  ^''^  "-eral  trades 

t^^^^^z^::::^:;^:t:t!:z:''' '°  ^^-  5--  -»^ ^'-  «'«^-^.  were  or 

enemies,  but  that  trade  could  be  estaTi  ed  w  hT  "  ""  ?""^  ""'^'^  ""'^  "'»"'-'  ^^^  °" 
over,  plantations  of  divers  profi ^1^0  od  Ij  '^''"Y^'^J"  ""'  ''''''°"''  '^°'°"'«''  '^"'"-d 
similar  to  what  our  enemieTh  e  „ow  or  ir"  '  f'  ''"°'""'""'  -^^"^^^  ^'^-«^-'" 
strengthening  of  the  King's  finances  Ind  in  cas^.  'fZ  '""'!„''^°'"  '"^^'^  '»  ^he  manifest 
make  good  a  part  of  the'loss.  by  t^r"  ca^^  "  of  s.ll  "'hT  """"'  ''  ""  ^^P^^^'^''  '» 
negotiations  with  those  of  the  North  Q^^arterr  ^    u  '  :"  •=°"««q"«"«=«  °f  the  tedious 

at  Punta  del  Rey.  ^  "'"'  '^'  ""'"y  '^'^"^  wholly  destroyed  our  Salt  Trade 

veryti^^r^:;'  IT;!:^^^^ p'et,  ''  T'"  ""'''  "»  -=-'  ^^'  '-«^'  -  that  it  is 
ofSpain  ;\lso.  thatthecou  tls  uZplI  ZZ  tT''  1  '''  '"'^"^"'^''"^  ''  ''^  ^'"« 
value,  and  those  which  have  been  found  InH      .        ^  P'''  unproductive  and  of  little 

timber.  &c..  are  very  difficullof  cul  Zion^  .  'r      '''''"  '""«  ^^'^''^  ""^"'"bered  by 

...labor  Of  others,  as  ^  ^^1^  Z%^-ZnX:tr:^rtZ 

^u:llT;Van^Xnofs:ruc^^^^  rr"i  '^"'"'^™""^'  ---  ^^^^^n....... 

as  because  all  those  w^owmuZ  in  !.         °! '''''"'''"'  ^''^^  -"ich  our  provinces  swarm, 
are  disinclined  to  go  farfr^m  It:  oVa:  unTertaTnT "  ^^"'  "'"'"  '''''''  '^''  ''"^^"'«' 

grer::;ertt;te;p;;r^^^^^^^         'r'r'  '^^-«'-"  -'-'  - « 

order  that  your  Great  Mightiness"    m-^v  h«  ,h  u       ^'''^^"'"'  "'''"  '"  J"'""^-     B"'  i" 

condition  of\he  countr^yetu^^o^^^^^^^  ''^'•«'"' ^"'^  ""''«"'-d  the 

toyou.  High  and  M.,htrmorer.uZ  r  °"^«"''""«''•  ««  shall,  with  this  view,  explain 
and  condition  thereof   '^'  '"^  °"  '""""  '"  '"«  ^^-^  ^»'''«'''  t«8«ther  with  the  exteat 

thet^n^'lrort'e^xte^nJeTlo'^Je^?;^^  '^«^"'  ""  '^«  ^-^'"  «^  ^^  ^^-e. 

our  New  Netherland.  wh  ch  s  tl.e  fi  °t  .7  "  '  '^''r''  ''''  ^''^^  """''»  ^•■'"  '"  q^^^ion 
in  point  of  climate,  ug  to  e  warm  and  '  ^Jf  ^/  °"  P^''^'"  '"^""^'^  ^'^^  ^^'-t. 
adjoining  Spain,  yet  it^as  found  J be^e  ^^^d  :  ttntTalr"  "  '':""'"^"  °^  ''''''' 
countries.     For  this  reason   then    th«  nJlni  ?  .         '""*■■'  y*"''  ^^«"  "'""-^  northerly 

discover  only  .canty  mean  f  sJbltrj  !,T  u  ''"'"  '^  "'  ''"^''  «"  ^'^  ^-"  »^'«  ^o 
thi,  Company.    The^^ade "  here  i^    tr  e^^^  '''"  "".  "'^""*"«*''  ''"'  "  ^"^''-'^  '« 

o".an..ousand  guilders,  at  rrt"'^^^^^^^^^ 


98 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


m 


BPttled  by  the  English,  nnd  Florida,  so  fni  ds  it  is  adapted  to  trnde,  by  the  Spaniards.  The 
large  Islands  are  occupied  by  the  Spaniards  ;  the  small  are  difficult  of  access;  their  condition 
as  yet  but  little  known,  nnd  some  of  the  best  of  nil  the  roadsteads  are  in  the  possession  of  the 
French  and  Englieh  ;  in  nddition  to  this,  the  English  lay  claim  to  all  the  Caribbean  islands,  by 
virtue  of  a  certain  grant  made  to  the  EnrI  of  Carlisle.  Moreover,  from  the  Cupe  of  Florida, 
which  runs  out  opposite  Cuba,  to  the  beginning  of  New  Spain,  there  is  still  more  land  adapted 
for  settlement,  and  people  to  trade  with.  Now,  from  New  Spain,  Eastward,  the  whole  coast 
of  Incanntn,  Honduras  and  'i'erra  Firnin  (us  the  Spaniards  call  it)  to  beyond  Trinidad,  arul 
not  only  the  coasts,  but  also  the  islnnds,  are  all  settled  by  Spaniards ;  except  next  to  these,  the 
Guiana  country,  wliicli  we  call  (he  Wild  coast;  this  Coast  and  divers  rivers  are  inhabited  by  free 
Indians,  and  still  unsettled  ;  in  these  countries  are  many  products  which  might  be  advantageously 
brought  hither  ;  but  what  of  them  ?  Those  people  are  so  barbarous,  and  have  so  few  wants 
(inasmuch  as  they  feel  no  desire  fur  clothing,  and  require  no  necessaries  for  their  subsistence) 
that  all  the  trade  which  exists  there,  can  easily  be  carried  on  with  two  or  three  ships  a  year, 
nnd  be  maintained  with  trifling  Capital.  The  country  is  bounded  by  the  great  river  of  the 
Amazons,  which  also,  is  not  free  from  Spanish  settlements,  as  our  people  have  experienced  to 
their  damage.  Next  follows  again,  an  extensive  coast  unto  Ilrazil,  the  greatest  part  of  which 
possessing  any  capability  of  producing  articles  of  trade  or  cultivation,  is  altogether  settled  by 
the  Portuguese.  IJrazii,  wholly  settled  by  them,  extends  beyond  the  Tropic  of  Capricorn, 
nnd  from  thence  onward  to  the  straits  of  Magellan,  nnd  is  of  no  value. 

Across  the  Strait,  in  the  South  sea,  nothing  remains  unsettled,  except  the  west  part  of 
Mngellianica  and  a  part  of  Chili,  and  finally,  the  isolated  ( geumigmeerde j  wealthy  countries 
of  Terra  Australis. 

Thus  your  Great  Mightinesses  see  what  remains,  within  such  great  limits,  in  the  West 
Indies,  open  to  the  Company  for  trade  or  cultivation;  wherefore,  from  the  commencement  of 
our  administration.  We  preferred  to  proceed  in  a  warlike  manner  against  the  common  enemy; 
the  rather,  because  we  found  that  even  the  few  nations  (whether  situate  far  or  near)  who  are 
independent  of  the  King  of  Spain,  could  be  brought  to  trade  with  us  in  no  other  way  than  by 
declaring  themselves  in  our  favor,  and  showing  themselves  to  be,  in  fact,  enemies  of  the 
Spaniards;  but  principally  because  we  found  that  the  expected  service,  for  the  welfare  of  our 
Fatherland  and  the  destruction  of  our  hereditary  enemy,  could  not  be  accomplished  by  the 
t.''ining  trade  with  the  Indians,  or  the  tardy  cultivation  of  uninhabited  regions;  but,  in  reality, 
by  acts  of  hostility  against  the  ships  and  property  of  the  King  of  Spain  and  of  his  subjects; 
surprizing  his  possessions  and  preserving  them  fur  the  public  service;  which  plan  has  been  so 
graciously  blessed  by  God,  during  these  latter  years,  that  great  wealth  has  thereby  been 
brought  to  this  State,  nnd  the  enemy's  finances  thrown  into  such  arrears  and  confusion,  that 
no  iniprovenunt  is  to  be  expected  therein,  except  from  the  cessation  of  our  arms  and  retaining 
our  fleets  nt  home,  out  of  those  countries.  But  this  prosecution  of  war,  instead  of  commerce, 
lias  not  be(  n  undertaken  by  us,  of  our  own  mere  motion,  but  principally  by  the  advice  of  the 
High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General,  and  the  concurrence  of  his  Serene  Grace,  the  Prince 
of  Orai'j^.  ,  for  your  Great  Mightinesses  will  well  remember,  that  from  the  very  inception  of 
the  Company,  we  have  all  been  solicited  by  their  High  Mightinesses'  Commissioners,  not  only 
to  undertake  some  hostile  expedition  against  the  enemy,  but  even  to  dispatch  our  fleet  to 
reinforce  tliat  which  i  short  time  before  had  been  ordered  out  under  the  command  of  Admiral 
L'  Hermile,  and  to  send  the  ships  we  had  thuu  by  ua  ready  equipped  in  the  Zuyder  Zue,  wliich 


W^ 


'MiAM, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    II  ^j, 

spoiled,  by  other  nations-  and  in  .1.  '^  % . '«^  ^"P '»'•  «"^  'i"''  ''e^n  already  diverted  and 
quarter.     We.    heXeVontZTZ    f  '  '""  l""'"  "'""''  '«  '"  ''«  ''"P-'^'^  •"  •''«» 

into  a  Truce,  must  e  he/  ^  o  JdrCo  n  ""  '"'"T  "°"'''''^*'' ''"  "^^"''  "'"'  '»'•'  -'">"« 
everlosethefortunalerronTths  '.f  '7,?  "  7  '"''  "'«''  '^"k''^'—  will  fo? 
nnances.  Tor  Jet         y  Z^s  of  0^1  .  f^"' '"""""' ^''"^  l-redi.ary  enemy', 

straw  can  the  enemy  ^'::i::;Z^  ;rtC::h  ^n  7  ''"  ["  T^^""^;  ""' « 
and  consequently,  only  n  s.all  portion  ofthe  Se^en  L  n  ,  i  °  wl  "'  be  e„,j  ,oyed; 
Ind.ans  to  tra  'e  with  us,  nor  can  we  trade  with  them    witL.^  '^'  "'" 

ourselves  the  friends  of  the  Snanii  ds  an      „  7  circumspection,  if  we  show 

to  court  the  Chilians  an  to  s^n  t  'sp  n^^^^  ZT'''  "  ."'""  "'"  '"'"•  ''  ^'^^^  ""« 
meager  scum  of  a  well  fed  bod v    for  h?  "'  """""^  "'"'  '■'^'^'"'"  ''"■•  "»■  ««ve  a 

tbeir'largest  «hips  J     Lan/o  t^hH      n  ^  17^  ""'  'h^  """^r'  "  ^^"  "  «-"'  ^-'^  "^ 

empty  or  sicM  -d  then.  nLer::e::ToraV: '^Z/Zu':-;::'  ^hr:;'  V^f  '7''  77 
discouraged;   the   shares   will    fall    in   value-   ma.v  wTll    1    i  stockholders  will  be 

done,  and  daily  continue  to  do-  even  JVh  ,  ^  ""''   "'    '"'"^   ''"^«    "'"-^^dy 

this  Company.  '      '"  ''^  "'"'^  ''''°'  "P  '°  ^'"«  ''-"«•  have  conferred  lustre  ou 

Will  adopt  a  laudable'and  fi^m  reJolut        to  ;:  IS  •''"'"^.^'  ,""''  ^"'^«^-  '^•'"  ''-^ 

them  in  prosecuting  the  war-   and  thnT  v     "'7'"'"  '\^"'"P""y '" '''^'r  Charter,  and  aid 

example  o'^'.eale,u!,?oU:;Vo:to;m:r,r:h^^^^^  '''''-''-  -'"'  -^'-  ^  «'-  ^n 

are  :i;::'ztr:^.:ii:nt:f :::;;:::;  7^"^  "r  ^"^^''"^'^^^'  -''- '-  ^-" 

we  now  propose  to   do    if   .rooerlv     n  f ,  "'"'  ""  «-^P'"-'''"<'''d  chief  thither  (as 

State,  but^endere    so    ;     t      e Tint  itsT'^    "-^T  "'"  ""'  °"'^  '^'^  «'^'^"-^  ^^  ^'- 
trade  and  prosperity  tols  L.'ntl^;'  '^  ^^^'^""^  "'"  '''^'^PP^^'  "'"^  '^  -"'  P-duce  great 

JZ^::'^^::^:Zr:^'''  -'"'-'- r  ^-«^---o  demanded  are 
where  those  subsidies  appT  to  be  air  no  difficulty  about  them;  but 

the  profit.to  be  reaped  t Ee  r  1  rs  „I  o    o  77'  "T,''"""'  circumstances  can  well  justify. 

t..^..  .0  evident  t.,at  tbt  :;:r  x^j^  ^  si'::^:?;:  ""^^  ^"'  "'^^ 

P."^  =;  ^Z^rt::—:-  ^-  ^^  -  ^t-  --^  ^-:  were  v.ed  these 

heretofore  derived  but  little' ^^v     tie  fj^f  """  r""  "'"'"  ""«  «'"'«  '^'^ 

weakening  the  enemy;  with  wha:t  u;e  L^v      m'^Te^,:  7;"'"'^  '':''''''''"'  ""'' 
disregard  of  a  Comnanv    wl.i,.l,   „,..    r  •.  "'''"  '°  '^°^'""  "'e'r  neglect  or 

com„!onwealth     nd'w  icl    el:   :  e'lr"  '"'T  """'  "'^'•^  --^'"'-'^"  «-'  for  the 
dreaded  except  by  its  enemies/  ^"^  """"^  ^"«'""'««es'  wings,  and  cannot  be 


m 


48 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


If  your  Great  Mightinesses  please  to  examine  the  deliberations  previous  to  the  compleat 
establishment  of  the  Company;  the  Charter  which  tbeir  High  Mightinesses  offered,  unsolicited 
by  their  subjects;  the  circumstances  which  occurred  in  the  course  of  the  Administration,  it  is  a 
very  questionable  point,  whether  the  Directors  are  not  better  able  to  vindicate  themselves 
before  their  stockholders  for  having  expended  their  property  so  lavishly  in  the  puolic  service, 
than  the  rulers  of  this  State  to  excuse  themselves  to  posterity  for  having  had  such  little  regard 
for  the  services  of  the  Company,  which  they  had  hitherto  assisted,  as  to  abandon  it  at  last  on 
the  appearance  of  the  enemy. 

It  depends  on  the  determination  of  the  Lords  to  continue  the  war,  or  to  terminate  it  by  a 
peace,  or  even  to  suspend  it  for  some  years,  by  a  truce.  Whichever  bo  resolved  upon,  the 
Company  must  necessarily  come  into  consideration.  The  enemy  who  intrudes  herein,  seems 
not  disposed  to  come  to  any  conclusion,  before  and  until  the  Company  be  taken  off  his  neck, 
and  the  captured  places  restored  on  certain  conditions. 

We  are  not  afraid  that  their  High  Mightinesses  will  concur  with  the  foe  in  this;  but,  indeed, 
that  those  who  most  affect  the  truce,  may  charge  us  with  being  an  obstruction  to  its  full 
accomplishment.  And,  although  it  were  in  no  wise  to  be  tolerated,  the  consequence  will  be, 
that  the  resolution  of  subsidies  will  be  passed  late,  and  carried  slowly  into  effect,  so  that,  in 
conclusion,  we  shall  have  to  pray  your  Great  Mightinesses  seriously  to  consider,  first:  whether 
this  State  hath  to  expect  any  notable  relief  and  profit  from  the  war  which  the  Company  is  to 
continue  in  the  countries  of  America?  or,  if  it  be  better  to  oblige  the  King  so  far  as  to  surrender 
such  considerable  advantages,  obtained  at  so  great  an  expense,  and  to  abandon  the  Company. 

And.  meanwhile,  your  Great  Mightinesses  are  humbly  requested  to  take  into  consideration 
the  Charter  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  have  granted  us,  which  attracted 
stockholders  not  only  in  this  country,  but  also  among  many  of  the  confederates,  and  how  it  will 
be  possible  to  answer  the  one  or  the  other  before  the  world ;  also,  to  pay  due  attention  to  the 
placards  lately  promulgated  in  Brazil,  in  the  name  of  their  High  Mightinesses,  according  to 
whicn  the  natives  and  likewise  some  of  the  Portuguese,  as  we  are  informed,  have  already 
begun  to  regulate  themselves,  and  cannot  be  abandoned  without  marked  infamy  and  loss 
of  credit.  We  pray  God,  that  He  be  pleased  to  inspire  your  Great  Mightinesses  in  such  wise, 
as  shall  tend  to  the  dissemination  of  His  honor,  and  the  prosperity  of  our  fatherland. 


SvJiject  for  tJie  Consideration  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.     1634. 

[  From  the  Orifiiul  In  the  Bojril  AnshlTM  at  (ha  Hagu :  File,  WM  Tndie.  ] 

Points  of  Reference  on  which  all  the  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company  are 
summoned  to  Amsterdam  for  the  18""  March,  1634,  extracted  as  far  as  relates 
to  New  Netherland. 
6"'  Point. 

Inasmuch  as  the  dilajrences  with  the  proprietors  of  Colonies  of  New  Netherland  were 
postponed  at  the  last  meeting,  the  members  shall  be  reminded  to  come  with  mature  deliberation, 
in  order  to  terminate  this  matter  at  once,  according  to  the  Resolution  of  the  V^  and  lO* 
September,  16*  November,  and  l?"-  and  21"  December  last. 


!  m 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS  j    II.  ^^ 

I^esdution  of  the  State.  General  on  the  difficulties  between  the  Company  and  the 

Patroons. 

Saturday  the  13""  May,  1634. 
w.*i"lt?lp,ny  ^8'"' a  certain  memorial  pr,   ented  to  their  High   Mightinesses  setting  f.r,^, 
T.,    Wr™7^^«'  ««-"«  ''iff-'^'-ences  have  arisen   between  the  Directors  of     he   w2   .^ 

Heir  Nelherlwid.       fJomnnnTr    nn    th,. ^  x  i       ■        „  i'lio-iors    01     tne     West    India 

their    committee;    and    that    their    High    Mlghtinlr  houirihlr  T*        ^     """'"' ^ 

and  con,  respecting  their  differences;  and  afterwards  to  decide  said  Hrff.?  \      ,    '  ^^ 

of  votes,  shall  be  found  most  agreoable  to  jus  ce  •  a„ri„  cl  J  f     T  "'' ^ 
party  or  the  other,  their  High  Mightinesses'  ra^rc'oUji: r  a     Impter;  to  tts"! 
busmess  w.th  the  party  present;  and  those  interested  shall  be  summoned  tHnn       T 
the  21"  inst.,  in  order  to  proceed  to  business  on  the  day  following  '  °° 


Slates  General  to  the  Amsterdam  Clmwber  of  the  West  India  Company. 

[F.om  U>6  lllnut«  In  th.  Eo/.!  Arehlrw .t  lh«  Hig«.  j  Fll.,  W»t  Indi.. ] 

The  States. 
r"!iS"»r„*':'"™'  "'  ''"•  "■"  ''•y  '''P"'«i  "-•  Lord,  from  ou,  A...mbly,  to  he.,  .„d 

Which  h,v,  ,™e„  ;„:,h  .iX^^"^'.T^:,:^^:'::r^f:' ""  "'"'r- 

plurality  of  ,ot..,  .h.ll  and  ™o.t  .greeabl,  to  ia.lic.     Aad  ,  ,  sS  ■         .T"  "  ""''•  '"' 
...d  ..pointed  hy  ou,co™.i..i„„.,f  r„  .,„  huZH  wetter,      '".rd".?  Xt 

Done  13'*  May,  1634. 


m 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


States  General  to  the  Patroons  of  New  Netherland. 

(  From  Iha  Mloale  In  th«  Ro)r«l  ArohlrM  at  th«  Iligue ;  File,  Went  Indie.  ] 

To  Mr.  Michiel   Pauw,  Lord  of   Achlienhoven,   Co-Patroon   m  New   Netherland.     The 
IS"-  May,  1634. 

The  States. 
'^*"  oSIS'p.n,'"'"*  Whereas  we  have  this  day  deputed  some  Lords  from  our  Assembly,  to  hear 
Mi«PiiiJi«n"of!J«w  and  examine  you  and  the  other  interested  patroons,  planters  of  the  Colonies  in 
"  Tieia.  i^ew  Netherland,  on  the  one  part,  and  the  delegated  Directors  of  the  West  India 
?."ma'i!  irmmel;;  Company  and  the  authorized  Stockholders  on  the  other  part,  relative  to  the 
iwr.°i"ur'icit iuIJJh.  differences  which  have  arisen,  with  power  afterwards  to  determine  the  said 
ditferences,  as  by  plurality  of  votes  they  shall  find  equitable.  And  the  Sa""  instant  having  been 
fixed  and  appointed  by  the  said  Lords,  our  Deputies,  as  the  day  for  the  business;  we  have 
therefore  resolved  to  notify  you  thereof,  commanding  you  to  attend  here  at  the  Hague,  duly 
provided  in  all  things,  as  the  case  requires,  on  the  evening  of  the  21"  instant,  in  order  to  appear 
on  the  next  day,  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  before  the  above  mentioned  Lords,  our  deputies, 
who  will  then  proceed  to  business.  Wherein  fail  not;  giving  notice  hereof  to  the  other 
patroons,  planters,  who  are  also  interested  iu  the  aforesaid  difTerences. 

Done  13  May,  1G34. 


Jiesolution  of  the  States  General  on  a  letter  from  the   West  India  Company. 

[  From  lb*  RegliKr  of  Retolutlont  or  Uir  SMIm  OenenI,  In  ths  Itojril  ArchlTM  •!  Ui«  Bigu*.  ] 

Monday,  22  May,  1634. 
Read  a  letter  from  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  at  Amsterdam, 
of  the  ao""  instant,  requesting,  for  reasons  therein  set  forth,  that  the  appearance 
before  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies,  whereunto  they  are  summoned  for  the 
82*'  instant,  may  be  postponed  for  eight  days  or  more.  Whereupon  it  is  resolved,  to  hand 
the  aforesaid  letter  to  Messrs.  Arnhem  and  others,  their  High  Mightinesses'  Dt  puties,  who  will 
fix  another  suitable  day,  and  notify  the  aforesaid  Directors,  together  with  the  masters  of  the 
Colonies  in  New  Netherland,  to  appear  as  aforesaid. 


Folio  4*0. 

WmI   India  Com 
paujr. 

Plintorv. 


Jiesolution  of  the  States  General  fjcimj  c  day  for  hearing  the  Patroons,  d'C. 

I  From  th*  Ranttur  »r  ItoolaUoiu  of  UiK  SUIm  Otncrkl,  In  th*  Itojrtl  ArtklrM  •!  lb«  Hifiir,  ] 

Saturday,  10  June,  1634. 
.  .f"!!",^'  ^^1  motion  of  Mr.  .\rnhem,  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  and  the 

lb.  p!IJ?i"l  pi.nl.  f'"'''oo"»'  pirtiilf"  in  New  Netherland  shall  be  summoned  to  be  on  the  evenin[, 
•"  of  the  U""  instunt  at  the  tavern,  in  order  to  proceed  to  buaineas  next  day  on 

the  diflfereDce  between  them  respectively  existing. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    II, 


n 


States  General  to  the  Patroom  of  Mw  JVethei-land. 

I  From  Ih.  Mlouf  l„  u,.  Royl  Archlr-  .,  ,h.  11.^,.    F,„,  r««  MdU.  ] 

To  the  Patroons.  planters  in  New  Netherland.     The  lO-  June,  1634. 

The  States. 

rSSZ,  „^^'  "°''fi«'^yo»  and  the  other  Patroons,  planters,  on  the   13-  May  last   to 
Nnh.ri.od.  -Tppear  here  on  ihe  evening  nf  fho  oi« . I,  ..  .  "»'«y  lasi,  lo 

differences  exis  ing  wi.h  those  of     e  West  I .  i  a  cll„  '"'"'"«'  °"  ''*  ""'J^'^'  °'  ^'^^ 

rights  i„  New  Netherland.     And  wherTa     h    d  v  m  stT'"  T'"';*  ^  ''°'°"'"  ""'^  ^"'^'^ 

the  West  India  Company,  we  have  a    o  ding  y  aLur  ed^^  °'^'°^^  "'" 

in  the  evening,  at  the  tavern.     Wherein  fail  not  *    '""''"'•  °"'  ^""^ '"«' 

Done  10*  June,  1634. 


States  General  to  the  Amsterdam  Chancer  of  the  West  ladia  Company. 

t  From  Ui,  Mlnut.  In  Ih.  B071U  Arohlr-  ,t  ,h,  H.r...    File.  W^  /*/fe.  ] 

""^  Ju'nf  I'at"  °'  '''  "^"^  '"'"  ''°'"''""^'  •"  ''•^  ^""'"^^  ^'  A-t-d-.    The  10* 

The  States. 
ItrS!;'    ,,7,7°""'''  ''°'' '"'  ""  ""  "»'  I""'  <»  "PP"'  l>"-  »"  th.  eTCTin,  of  th. 

Done  10'*  June,  163* 


•^/r.  Joachimi  to  the  States  (feneral. 

t  'mm  DM  Ofl|Hn.l,  m  Ui.  Ko;.!  AiohlTM  u  u,,  »,„,;  r,,^  m,),iam4.  J 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

trnm/there.n       i:;'^     X    ,;t.    <t°    ''^r\"'  ^'"^  ^■""  "•"«-'-"  Prevented  to 

tbenuelvc.  iujur Jt        by        'y  p^lT!^^^^^^^  ''"'^"•'"7'  IndiaCo.pany.     Deen.ing 

J        lucreuy,  loey  prtteod  to  demand  reparation  for  their  dainagea.    Prcviout, 


72 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


m 


however,  to  submitting  their  complaints  to  the  King  or  to  the  Lords  of  his  Majesty's  Council, 
they  concluded  to  speak  to  me  and  to  place  the  information  in  my  hands,  to  see  if  they  could 
obtain  satisfaction  voluntarily  for  what  they  claim.  Copy  of  the  aforesaid  information 
accompanies  this.  I  have  also  sent  a  like  copy  to  the  Directors  of  the  aforesaid  Company. 
Parties  have  given  me  the  name  of  a  person  who  offered  them  a  good  sum  of  money  for  the 
daim,  in  order,  as  they  say,  that  these  complaints  may  be  added  to  the  other  grievances.  For 
the  Spanish  Ambassador  gathers  together  all  that  can  be  collected  against  your  High 
Mightinesses  and  your  subjects,  with  a  view  to  provoke  and  foster  misunderstandings  among 
this  nation,  against  your  High  Mightinesses  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  Netherlands. 
To  this  they  seem  to  attach  altogether  too  much  credit.  Some  months  ago,  disputes  about 
boundaries  broke  out  here,  in  presence  of  the  King  and  his  Majesty's  Council,  between  those 
who  have  the  King's  Charter  for  Virginia  and  those  who  sail  to  and  colonize  New  England. 
A  noble  Lord,  who  regrets  to  perceive  that  there  is  any  misunderstanding  between  the  English 
and  Dutch  nations,  has  informed  me,  that  the  aforesaid  disputes  did  not  arise  because  the 
persons  above  mention-'d  were  suffering  any  injury,  the  one  from  the  other,  but  in  order  to 
pick  a  quarrel  with  the  Dutch  about  the  possession  of  New  Netherland.  The  aforesaid  Lord 
was  of  opinion,  that  the  disputes  above  mentioned,  are  forged  in  the  Spanish  forge.  He  asked, 
if  the  Dutch  could  not  be  disposed  to  pay  the  King  of  Great  Britain  some  acknowledgment  for 
what  they  occupy  there?  I  cut  him  off  from  all  hope  of  that.  The  intrigues  of  the  Spaniards 
are  many  and  palpable.  They  have  great  advantage,  because  your  High  Mightinesses*  power 
at  sea,  is  looked  on  with  great  jealousy  here.  I  humbly  crave  your  High  Mightinesses  to 
make  such  order,  that  1  may  know  by  the  first  opportunity,  how  I  shall  have  to  act  further  in 
this  matter.  The  right  way  would  be  to  leave  these  people  to  the  law.  But  I  fear,  that  this 
case  would  not  be  allowed  to  be  tried  in  the  ordinary  manner;  inasmuch  as  the  question  of  the 
King's  jurisdiction  is  mixed  up  with  it.  The  merchant,  or  factor,  of  the  ship  in  this  case,  ii 
the  same  person  that  was  factor  to  the  French  ship  of  Caen;  respecting  which  the  Directors 
of  the  East  India  Company  several  years  ago,  had  trouble.  Your  High  Mightinesses'  letter 
of  the  xvii  March,  with  the  M.  Oxensterne's  proposal,  and  the  pieces  thereunto  belonging,  and 
another  of  the  xxi  of  the  aforesaid  month,  respecting  the  two  Scots  skippers,  arrived  here  only 
on  the  xvii  instant,  through  want  of  conveyance  from  Zealand.  Herewith  I  shall  close  this, 
commending  myself  respectfully  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  and  praying  God, 

High  and  Mighty  Lords,  that  He  may  bless  your  High  Mightinesses'  Government,  more 
and  more. 


In  London,  the  xxvii  May,  1G34. 
Received  IS"-  June,  1G34. 


Your  High  Mightinesses' 

most  humble  servant, 
(signed)        Alb.  Joachimi. 
1634. 


Appendix;  Received  13.  June,  1034. 
Pro  magro  Clobery 
et  Alio. 

1  November  1633. 
1.  Andrewe  Hume  of  the  precincte  of  Snincte  Catherine,  London  mnffiner,  aged  about  3il 
yearei,  aworoe  before  the  Woi^  William  Bomea,  Doctor  of  Lawes.  Surrogate  to  tiie  righle 


I 


LIBRAR       .'ARCHIVES 
INDIAN  Al....uS   BRANCH 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS; 


II. 


79 


John  De,aba..  i„  tl  .oneZ  o  ,tV. L  td  De!:  ^r  T  1'  ^"^''  ^'"^"'''"^'^  '"' 
did  freighte  and  victuall  the  interr-  Shippe  called  ^rWil  '  ^"J"/"'"'"'  ''^'  '««'«  Pa»te. 
Trevore  was  Master)  and  did  lade  divert!  I,        t  T  !    ""  "^  '^°°''°"  (whereof  William 

be  traded  W-  and  trucked  awaye  w'-  the  N  Uve    nf  .7  ••"''"'  '^'""'"'"°''  ""^^«  »» 

other  skinnesor  furrs;  the  premises  heeknl./T  "°""'"'^''  ^°^  ''^"^^^  «'""°«''  «"<» 
shippe  the  saide  voyagl  ^'^'^  '"  ''"  '^"«'  ^«'"«  ™"  ">»*«  of  the  said 

about  the  latitude'lf  ffoXd'e-^^^^^^^  -uth   or  entrance  of  said  river   i. 

degrees  or  thereaboutes  from  Fnulan.    I  T^     '"'""'''•  ""'^  '"  '°"«'^"'^«  "'^^  «"<»  fou^tye 

that  assoone  as  the  I  ippt^.e  i^uoTf  '"''  TT  '"''«""  ''^  "  '''''^-    ^"^  --'h. 

all  her  compauye  (excepte  o' e  boye    to  I  '      H  ".    T-  ""  ''''''  "'''  ^"'^'^  commanded 

Where  they^ere  abou  L  "  «:  ie  Tnd  hi"  !  "l"  T'  '" '^^"^  '°  '^«'^«  f^'^ 
afterwards  wente  about  ffourtyelngue;^^^^  "bord   theire  shippe  againe;  and 

the  merchants  factor,  and  some  ot^s  of  tlfe  r  '     "^'"^  "'""'  •^"'^"''  •^"^°''«°"  *^"''"''. 

and  carryed  divers  g  odes  w  t  n  to  t  de  r.T;';''  ""'*'  °"  ''°"«  """^  P'^'"""  »"«  ^-'« 
other  furrs.  But  the  Dutch  followeth  th  m  u^^  1  T""  °'"  """  ''"''"'  ^°^  ''-^-»  -^ 
trade  there;  but  went  on  shoar  Tnd  o  l'  7^^  the  sa.d  r.ver.  and  would  not  suffer  them  to 
and  the  said  factor,  and  the  rest  ;   the  col  ^     "u       '''''''  ''"''  ""'^  '^"^'^  '"«  «ood, 

boate.  in  disgrace  of  the  Englislfera  d  rfwo  tl"  "'lT"'*^'  ''""  trumpett  in  the 
with  them  to  trade  with  the  Li  jlcob  Jacol  ,  .  7  '  ^'""'^  ''"''  ""'^  ''^°"«'"«  <"her. 

the  Dutch  goinge  abord  the  srid  X':^^:^^:::^^''  ^^^  ^""  "'^^-"'^• 
to  depte  with  the  said  shippe  out  of  the   aid  wJ  T  ""'^  '"^''''"^  ^''  companye 

Bea  They  should  not  trade  there  anrtls-iH  ""f  "'"'  '""'""  '''*  "^^^  ^'"^  '"«•"  «« 
and  others  of  the  said  shipps'  comp; 'ye)  d  si  "TT  T'"  <*"  ''^  ^""''^  '''"  "-•^«'« 
towards  the  companye  of  the  said  sh  p'pe  .„d  h  t  th  "n  '""  ''"  ''""^'^  °'  "^^^  -"*««« 
to  shewe  it  to  his  merchants,  w  ien  lea^an  e  .om  '.T  "n  '""  ''*  ^"«""^«  '^«^«  ^^eir. 
further  he  cannot  depose.  '"'"•''  *'"^''  '^'  ^"''=''  '«'""''«'l  to  give  him.  and 

that  sett  her  forth,  have  thereby  .usteyned  10^1.  7  T"'"'"' ""'^ ''^^ '""^^^^ 

to  the  value  of  foure  thousand  poL^delT.  „';::;  ,  eXfh  ^  ''^' '^^  ''"^^^^^'^  > 
m  trade  with  the  natives  in  those  places  if  fll„      7  L     ^''•"^ '"«'8f"«  there  have  gott 

awaye  all  theire  godes.  accorire  to  h  '  L'll  th  '7  '"":"'  '"  '"""''  ""'  ""^  '-<=*«<» 
the  said  goodes.  be.ore  the  Du.cM  Lced     e„    o  Zt  "   k''  '"  ""^  "'"""  ''"-^'•"'  "^ 

he  cannotl  depose.  "'  '°  '^"P''  ^'""'  '»"'"<=«  ««  aforesaid,  and  further 

Dicto  die. 


Vol.  I. 


10 


74 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


To  the  ffirst  iiiterrye :  he  sayeth,  that  in  or  about  the  moneth  of  November  Auno  domini 
1632  last  past  the  interr'*  William  Clobery,  David  Morehead  and  John  Delabarr  of  London 
merchants,  did  victuall  and  set  forth  the  shippe,  called  the  William  of  London  (whereof 
William  Trevore  was  Master)  and  did  lade  diverse  goodes  abord  her,  for  a  voyage  to  bee  made 
by  her  to  Hutson's  river,  adioyninge  to  Virginia  and  New  England,  within  his  Majesties 
dominions,  there  to  trade  and  trucke  awaye  such  goodes  asshee  carryed  in  her  with  the  natives 
of  those  countryes  for  beaver  skinnes  and  other  furrs;  the  premisses  he  knoweth  to  bee  true, 
being  gunner  of  the  said  shippe  the  said  voyage. 

To  the  second  hee  sayeth,  that  the  said  shippe  the  William  arived  and  entred  into  Hutson's 
river  in  the  moneth  of  Aprill  last  ppst,  which  is  in  the  latitude  of  ffourtie  degrees  and  twentye 
minutes  or  thereaboutefl,  and  about  three  dayes  after  her  arrivall  there,  the  Dutch  there 
inhabitingesend  and  commannded  all  her  companye  (excepte  one  boye)  to  come  to  their  forte, 
where  they  stayed  about  twoe  houres,  and  whilest  they  were  there,  the  Governor  commannded 
his  gunner  to  make  ready  three  peeces  of  ordnance  and  shott  them  off  for  the  Prince  of 
Orange  and  to  spread  the  said  Princes  Colouers,  whereupon  Jacob  Jacobson  Elkins,  the 
merchants  factor  of  the  siiid  shippe,  tlie  William,  commannded  this  deponent  to  goe  abord 
the  said  shippe  and  spread  her  Colouers,  and  to  shoote  of  theire  p'feccB  of  ordnance  for  the 
honor  of  the  Kinge  of  England.  And  afterwards  the  said  shippe,  goinge  about  three  or  fower 
and  fourtie  leagues  higher  upp  in  the  said  river,  to  trade  a  Spanishe  carvell,  manned  with  all 
Dutch,  and  a  smacke  followeth  the  said  shippe;  and  after  the  said  marchants  factor,  and  this 
exaidate,  and  some  other  of  the  said  shippers  companye,  had  carryed  divers  goodes  on  shoare, 
and  pitchte  theire  tent.  And  when  the  Indians  or  natives  of  those  places  came  downe  to  trade 
with  them,  the  Dutch  did  as  much  as  they  could  disparidge  the  cloath  and  other  comodities, 
that  the  Englishe  did  trucke  away  to  the  said  Indians.  But  the  said  Jacob  Jacobson  Elkins, 
being  very  well  acquainted  with  the  said  Indians,  having  often  traded  with  them  and  speakinge 
theire  language.  The  Indians  were  a  greate  deale  more  willinge  to  trade  with  them  then  with 
the  Dutch,  which  the  Dutch  perceavinge  they  forbadd,  and  would  not  suffer  the  said  Jacobson 
Elkins  and  the  rest  of  the  Companye  of  the  said  shippe  the  William  to  trade  th.re  any  longer, 
but  inforced  her  Companye  to  take  theire  goodes,  which  they  had  landed,  to  trucke  awaye  with 
the  said  Indians,  and  putt  as  manye  of  them  as  the  shaloppe,  belonging  to  the  said  shippe,  would 
carrye  abord  that  shalloppe,  and  therein  so  carryed  them  abord  the  said  shippe,  and  the  rest  of 
the  said  goodes  together  with  the  said  factor,  and  the  rest  of  the  said  shippes  Companye,  which 
were  on  shoait^.  The  Dutch  carryed  abord  her  in  theire  owne  boate,  and  then  weighed  her 
Anchors,  and  putt  her  under  senle,  and  commannded  the  companye  of  the  said  shippe  to  come 
downe  to  theire  lower  forte.  And  the  said  Dutch  smacke  kepte  them  companye  to  see  (as 
this  deponent  and  the  rest  of  the  Englishe  did  conceave)  that  they  should  not  trade  by  the 
waye.  And  hee  also  sayeth,  that  about  three  or  foure  dayes,  before  the  Dutch  carryed 
the  Englishe  and  theire  goodes  abord  theire  shippe  as  aforesaid;  this  deponente  beinge  in  a 
shalloppe,  neere  the  upper  forte,  belonginge  to  the  Dutch,  in  trade  with  the  Indians  for  some 
fewe  beaver  skinnes  and  other  furrs.  The  Dutch  commannded  him  to  bee  goone  from  thence 
with  the  saide  shalloppe  unto  the  tent,  where  the  rest  of  his  Companye  were.  Whereuppon 
this  deponent  desired  a  note  under  the  hand  of  the  Governor  of  the  said  forte,  that  hee  was 
forced  to  depte  from  thence  with  the  said  shalloppe.  Otherwise  (he  tould  them)  the  merchants 
would  not  give  him  his  wages.  And  then  the  said  Governor  sett  his  hand  to  such  a  note  as 
he  desired;  and  then  the  said  Governor  and  others  of  his  companye  came   into   the  said 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    II 

overthrowne,  and  the  merchants  which  sett  her  forth  andfrdghted  her.  have  t    TbyT    teyned 

for  r.rl      X   A,l  "  "  ^'''''  'l"""'"'*^  "'■  ''«"^"  «'^'""««  «"d  «'her  furrs  to  be  trade 

for  there      And  the  natives  of  those  places  were  a  greate  deale  more  willinge  to  trade  whh 

e  Enghsh  t  en  w  th  the  Dutch,  and  sayeth.  that  if  they  had  bine  suffered  to  st  ye  and  t-d 
he  e  and  had  truci^ed  awaye  all  the  goodes  abord  the  said  shippe,  att  the  rate  as  thev  had 

: '  Tttn ;  :V'"'  '^t  r  -^'^^^  ^^^-^  ^^«  ^-^ch^i^f^ced  the":  Cn  .1 

'rto  the  vaCn  f       ^r  "I"  '""  "'  ""  '"'"^  ^'"^''  '"  ^«^'-  ^l^'-^^  -d  other  furrs. 
then  to  the  value  of  four  thousand  poundes.     And  this  he  affirmeth  uppon  h.s  oath  to  be  trul! 

Dicto  die. 
swlfaslre^d"'  "'  ''""'  '"  '''  ^°""^^^  °^  ^'^^^  '"-^"".  ^^^"^  ^bout  .4  yeare. 
Tho  the  ffirst  in.errye:  hee  sayeth,  that  the  shippe  the  William  of  London  (whereof  William 

master  Delabarr.  of  London  merchants,  and  they  lu.led  diverse  goods  abord  her  for  a  vova  J 

0  be  made  by  her  to  Hutsons  river  in  An.erica.  betweene  Virg'ia  and  New  EngLd  "    hb 

th    dom.mons  of  the  K.ng  of  England,  to  .rucke  awaye  such  goodes,  as  shee  carryed  wi"     he 

irthVl      [k         "I'  "T  "^'^'  '-■"'"P""^'"  "'■'''•'  «^''^  ^'^'PP"'  "'«  ^"i'J  voyage. 

..1?  u?"^''^'  ''^"'  "•'  ""''^  ^•^'PP^  'h«  ^""o"'-  «"'ved  into  Hutsons  river,  ri.hte 
ga.nste  t  e  Dutch  forte  there,  about  the  latter  end  of  Aprill  or  begininge  of  May  la.  p  tT  t^ 
h.s  nowe  beste  remembrance:)  an.i  after  her  arrivall  there,  the  Dutch'inhabiti^  i .  th  s'a  d 
florte  commannded  all  her  companye  (:  except  one  boye.)  to  leave  the  said  shippe,  and  to  c'"e 
on  shoare  att  the  said  fforte.  And  whilest  they  were  there,  there  were  tl, ree  pee.eVof 
oHnance  s  ott  oH  from  the  forte,  for  the  Prince  of  Orange  and  his  Colours  we  pr'edXod 
upon  the  Cas  le.  And  the  Governor  of  that  fforte  toulde  the  factor  and  the  rest  of  he 
companye  o  t  e  said  shippe.  that  they  should  not  trade  there.  But  the  said  n  rchant.  fac  or 
Z^i^VlTl  ''";"r°""  "-«~of  the  said  fforte,  that  that  land  wa  he 
K.ng  of  hngl««ds  ande.  and  they  (:  meaning  the  companve  of  the  said  shippe)  were  subiect. 
and  therefore  would  trade  there.     And  after  they  had  stayed  three  dayes  brti  e"    d  ff^         y* 

river,  to  trade  and  trucke  awnye  the  godes  abord  the  said  shippe.     Whereunpon  the  Dutch 

.a.d  .h.ppe.     And  alter  the  sa.d  factor  had  landed  a  good  quantitie  of  goodes.  and  had  erected 

ti.!'!*:;. -eI""'  """'*"•  •""  '""'"  '^  ^^  '■•'"""■"^  '"  '•»'•  -  ^"— """/  -  Vicdir^tor  .t  Fort  Or.ng,  « 


f 


76 


NEW-YORK  COLONUL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


m 


a  tente,  and  traded  with  the  Indians  some  fewe  dayes;  the  Governor  of  the  upper  fforte, 
belonginge  to  the  Dutch,  cominge  to  the  said  tent  with  other  Dutchmen  with  him,  and 
perceivinge,  that  the  said  Jacob  Jacobson  Eikins  was  very  well  aquainted  with  the  Indians, 
and  speake  theire  language  very  well,  and  was  much  beloved  of  them;  and  that  they  were  a 
greate  deale  more  willinge  to  trade  with  him  then  with  the  Dutch:  the  said  Governor  envied 
att  the  said  merchants  factor  and  the  rest  of  the  Englishe,  and  tould  them,  that  they  should 
•not  trade  there  any  longer.  But  the  said  factor  replyed,  that  they  were  the  Ivinge  of  Englands 
subiectes,  and  that  that  land  was  within  the  dominions  of  the  Kinge  of  England.  And 
therefore  they  would  trade  there.  Whereuppon  the  Dutch  pulled  downe  the  said  tent, 
and  tooke  all  the  goodes,  wiiich  were  in  the  sai'j  t,  "»,  an-.?  s.^^fr  ihem,  together  with  the  factor 
and  the  rest  of  the    Englishe,  which  were  .     u  abord  the  said  shippe  the  William, 

some   in   their  owne   boate  and  some  in  a  >  ,  ^e,  bebnginga  to  the  said   shippe  the 

William,  And  then  the  said  Dutch,  goinge  aboiu  the  said  shippe,  they  weighed  her  anchorr 
and  commannded  them  to  departe.  And  the  foresaid  carvell  and  twoe  other  small  sloopes  wente 
downe  with  them  to  the  lower  tforte,  to  see  that  they  did  not  trade  by  the  waye;  and  further 
he  cannott  depose. 

To  the  third  he  sayeth,  that  by  reason  the  Dutch  would  not  suffer  the  Companye  of  the  saide 
shippe  to  trade,  as  aforesaid,  her  voyage  was  quite  overthrowne ;  and  that  if  the  said  Dutch 
had  sustened  them  to  trade  freely  (here,  and  that  they  had  trucked  awaye  all  the  goodes, 
which  they  carried  thither,  ntt  the  rate  that  they  trucked  awaye  the  rest  they  mighte  have  had 
in  trucke  for  the  sai  1  goodes,  which  they  were  inforced  to  hringe  away  from  thence  in  beaver 
skinnes,  furrs  and  other  commodities,  to  the  value  of  foure  thousand  poundes  Sterlinge  att  the 
ieaste;  and  this  heo  sayeth  is  true,  of  vertue  of  his  oath. 

Dicto  die. 

4.  Christopher  Langham  of  Wappinge,  in  the  countie  of  Middex,  sayler,  aged  about  26 
yeares,  sworne  as  aforesaid. 

To  the  ffirst  interreye :  he  sayeth,  that  master  Clobery,  master  Morehead  and  master  Delabarr, 
of  London  merchantes,  about  a  fortnighte  or  three  weekes  before  Christmas  laste  paste,  did 
victuall  and  sett  forth  the  shippe  the  Willuim  (whereof  William  Trevore  was  master)  and 
did  lade  diverse  goodes  abord  her,  to  be  transported  to  Hutsons  river,  betweene  Virginia 
and  New  England,  within  the  dominions  of  the  Kinge  of  England,  to  bee  traded  and  trucked 
awaye  there  with  the  natives  of  those  places  for  beaver  s.  innes,  and  other  furrs;  the  premisses 
he  knoweth  to  bee  true,  being  one  of  the  quartermasters    f  the  said  shippe,  the  said  voyage. 

To  the  Second  interroyc :  hee  sayeth,  that  the  said  sliij^pe  arrived  att  Munhaddons  fort  in 
Hutsons  river  uppon  or  about  the  thirtet-nth  day  of  Aprill  last  past,  where  all  the  said  shippes 
Companye  (excepte  one  boye)  were  commannded  to  come  on  shoare  att  the  said  fforte.  And 
after  the  said  shippe  goinge  further  upp  in  the  said  river  to  trade  with  the  natives  of  those 
places,  for  beaver  and  furrs.  This  exadiate  and  his  precontest  William  Fford  and  some  others 
of  the  said  shippes  Companye,  beinge  in  trade  with  the  Indians  neere  fort  Oramia,  another 
fort,  belonging  to  the  Dutch,  They  were  by  the  Dutch  forbidden  to  trade  there;  and 
afterwards  the  Governor  of  the  fort,  named  Master  Huntum  came  accnmpanyed  with  other 
Dutch  into  the  Challopp,  belonginge  to  the  William,  and  rowed  the  said  shallopp  upp  to  the 
place,  where  Jacob  Eikins  and  other  of  the  said  shippes  companye  hat  pitched  theire  tent,  and 
were  in  trade  with  the  Indians  for  beaver  and  furrs.     And  as  they  wente  up  in  the  laide 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    II 

77 

shallopp.  they  sticked  greene  bowes  all  about  her,  and  drancke  strongwaters    and  sonndpH 

the.re  trumpett  in  a  triumphinge  manner  over  the  Englishe.     And  when  tC  ame  In  t    th 

ja.d  tent  they  would  not  suffer  the  said  Jacob  ElkL  (whoe  was  weV  knowne  both   o   h 

Dutch  and  to  the  Indians)  to  trade  there;  but  pulled  dole  a  part  oT    is  tenr  and  in         .' 

the  said  factor  to  send  part  of  the  goodes.  which'  he  had  landed  f^r  trad      nt^d^Ze 

abord  the  said  shippe  the  William,  and  the  rest  of  the  said  goode    t  ^et  e   Tub    h    s'a^S 

factor ;  and  the  rest  of  the  English,  which  were  there  on  shoare      The  Dutch  carded  n  thei  e 

owne  boate  abord  the  said  shippe  (and  as  he  hath  heard)  did  beate  some  o    thTlnd  ans  fo^ 

trad,ngew,^theEngIishe;  and  bee  also  sayeth,  that  the  said  Dutch,  goinge  abord  tesa^i 

sh.ppe  the  W.lham.  weighed  her  anchors,  and  commannded  her  CompaVto  depa    e  f "^ 

thence.     Whereuppon  the  Companye  of  the  said  Shippe.  to  keepe  her  from  drivinge  on  Ir 

pu     her  under  sa.le  and  sailed  downe  the  said  river.    And  the  said  Dutch  hoye  failed  downe 

w,th  her.    And  when  the  sa>d  shippe  came  to  the  lower  forte,  the  said  Jacob  Elkins  did 

demande  a  cerfficate  from  .!..  Governor  to  shewe  to  his  merchants  of  the  behav  o'of  t  e 

Dutch  towards  the  Englishe;  but  whether  that  certificate   were  denyed  or  given  him    he 

knoweth  not;  and  further  he  cannott  depose.  ' 

To  the  third  bee  sayeth.  that  the  voyage  of  the  said  shippe  the  William  was  quite  overthrowne 
by  reason    hat  the  Dutch  would  not  suffer  her  Companye  to  trade  as  aforesaid     And Ihe 

:;::;;::  at  i"r  r  '"?•  °"  ''^^"^  '""p"''*^'^  ^°  '^^  --« °f  ^-^  thousand  pu„e 

ten  nge  att  the  least,  as  bee  verily  beleeveth.  for  (hee  sayeth)  if  they  had  traded  for  and 
trucked  awaye  all  the  goodes.  which  shee  brought  from  [hence  unto^hose  IndLs  wTth 
whome  they  were  .n  trade  they  mighte  have  gayned  in  trucke  for  the  saide  goodes  soe  much 
beaver  and  furrs  as  would  have  bine  worth  foure  thousand  poundes  and  upwards  jandtht 
he  aftrmeth  uppon  his  oath  to  bee  true.  "«»,auuini8 


I 


6  November  1633. 
^  ^""^™  ^««P'"K«  °f  ^he  Parishe  of  S-  Mary  Monthawe.  London  barber.  Chirurgeon 
aged  ahou   27  yeares  sworne  before  the  Wor"  William  Merricke.  doctor  of  lawes.      Z"e' 

Adllntfe  '  ''"''"'  '"''''  ^""'^  °'  ""'''  ''"^"^'^'  "'«''«   ^^'''  «""»'• 

To  the  flirste  interreye :  hee  sayeth.  that  in  the  monethes  arrived  the  shippe  the  William  of 

of  W,  ham  Cloberye,  Dav.d  Morehead  and  John  Delabarr,  of  London  merchantes.     And  the  e 
w  re  d.verse  goodes.  laden  abord  by  them,  to  be  transported  in  the  said  shippe  to  Hut^ons  r^r 

Teetal  T"".H  'T'''' ^T''  ""'  ""'^  ^"«'«"'^'  "''^'"  ''^^  M^JeBtiesTominronMhc  o 
.kt     s  I    r;      ""'^,'^"'^^«'^. -"y^  '«  'he  natives  of  those  countries  for  beaver  and  oth  r 

.t'ppTt^sati^rya::  '^^"""^^   ''   ^""^^^'^  ''  '"  '-''  ''^^^  ^'^^-^  °^ '^^  ^^'^ 
To  the  second  interrey«:  he  ^yeth.  that  the  said  shippe  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  Hutsons 
mer.  uppon  or  about  the  twentieth  day  of  Aprill  laste  paste.     And  when  she  came  riglue 
agams  e  Manhutton.  fort  the  in  said  river,  which  fort  was  commannded  by  the  Du^    .  T 

Z  it  Td't""'"  '"''^^;"  '"'  .ointreate  the  Governor  to  come  abord'  the  said  shipp" 
But  the  sa.d  Governor  would  not  goe  abord,  but  commannded  that  all  the  companye  of  the  said 
.h.ppe  should  come  to  the  said  fforte,  went*  accord  inglye.  and  they  oll(excepte  ou«  boy^) 


78 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  ALA.NUSCRIPTS. 


Hll'f 


lefte  theire  shippe,  and  the  Governor  demannded  theire  merchante,  wherefore  they  came  thither. 
And  he  replyed,  that  they  intended  to  goe  upp  further  into  the  river,  to  trade  with  the  natives 
of  those  places,  as  it  was  iawfull  for  them  to  doe,  beinge  the  King  of  Englantes  subiects. 
But  the  said  Governor  tould  the  saide  factor,  that  hee  could  not  suffer  them  to  passe:  for  (as 
hee  sayde)  it  was  more  then  he  could  answere  to  his  masters  att  home;  and  therefore  he  would 
take  some  time  to  advise  with  his  counsell  about  it.  And  after  the  companye  of  the  said  shippe 
had  stayed  before  the  said  forte  five  or  sixe  dayes,  expectinge  the  Governor  answere,  whether 
he  would  suffer  them  to  passe  upp  the  said  river,  to  trade  there  or  not;  and  noe  answere  beinge 
broughte  they  weighed  theire  anchors,  and  wente  upp  the  river.  And  after  they  had  bine  in 
trade  there  by  the  space  of  tenn  dayes  or  thereabouts,  there  came  upp  an  officer  from  the  said 
fforte  with  twoe  letters  from  the  said  Governor,  and  that  officer  did  commannde  them  in  the 
Governors  name,  to  give  over  tradinge  there,  and  to  departe  from  thence.  And  presently 
thereuppon  parte  of  the  goodes,  which  the  merchant  and  other  of  the  companye  had  landed 
for  to  trade,  were  broughte  abord  the  said  shippe  againe  by  her  owne  shallopp,  and  the  saide 
merchants  factor  and  the  rest  of  the  companye,  which  were  there  on  shoare,  and  the  rest  of  the 
said  goodes  were  broughte  abord  her  by  the  Dutch,  in  theire  owne  boate;  and  then  the  Dutch 
weighed  the  anchors  of  the  said  shippe  the  William,  and  broughte  them  abord  her  by  the 
commannde  of  the  said  officer.  Whereuppon  her  companye  to  keepe  her  from  runninge  on 
shoare,  putt  her  under  saile,  and  beinge  forbidden  to  trade  there,  sailed  downe  the  said  river. 
And  hee  also  sayeth  that  there  was  a  note  sett  upp  againste  the  gate  of  the  cheife  forte  there, 
the  effecte  of  which  note  (:  as  a  fflemminge  that  belonged  to  that  fforte  tould  this  deponent :)  was, 
that  the  Governor  did  thereby  straightlye  chardge  and  commannde  all  his  people,  that  uppon 
paine  of  loosinge  theire  head  and  all  theire  wages,  none  of  them  should  give  any  certificate  to 
the  Englishe,  how  they  were  used  by  the  Dutch,  and  kepte  from  tradinge  there:  and  further 
hee  cannott  depose. 

To  the  third  he  sayeth,  that  the  voijage  of  the  said  shippe  was  overthrowne  by  the  iniuries 
and  wronges,  done  unto  her  Companye,  in  not  sufferinge  them  to  trade  there;  and  the 
merchants  that  freighted  and  sett  her  forth,  have  bine  thereby  greatly  dampnified ;  and  further 
hee  cannott  depose,  savinge  he  sayeth,  that  whilest  the  said  shippe  was  in  trade  in  the  said 
river,  there  came  some  Indians  abord  hir,  which  did  tell  this  deponente  (:as  it  was  interpreted 
by  a  fflemminge,  that  belonged  to  a  dutch  pinnace)  that,  if  the  said  shippe  the  William  did  staye 
there,  but  one  moone  longer  a  nation,  called  the  Maques,  would  come  downe,  and  bringe  with 
them  fower  thousand  beaver  skinnes.  And  another  nation,  called  the  Mahiggins,  would  come 
downe  thither  with  three  hundred  skinnes  more,  every  merchantable  beaver  skinne,  beinge 
worth  twenlye  shillinges  at  the  leaste. 

Dicto  die. 

0.  John  Johscn  of  the  pnrishe  of  8aint  Botolphes  Algnte,  London  cittizen,  and  cordwayner 
of  London,  aged  about  45  yeares,  sworne  before  the  wor""  William  James,  doctor  of  lawes, 
surrogate  to  the  righte  wot""  Sir  Henry  Marten,  Knight  judge  of  his  Majesties  highe  court  of 
the  Admiralltye. 

To  the  ffirstinterreye:  he  sayeth,  that  about  a  moneth  before  Christmas  laste  past,  the  shippe 
the  William  of  London  (whereof  William  Trevore  was  master)  was  victualled  and  sett  forth 
by  master  Cloberye,  master  Delubarr  and  master  Morehead  of  London  merchnntes.  on  a  voyage 
to  Plymouth  in  New  Kngland,  there  to  lande  some  passengers,  and  from  thence  to  Hutsona 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IL 


79 


river,  betweene  New  England  and  Virginia,  there  to  truci^e  awaye  such  goodes  as  shee  carryed 
to  the  nat.vea  of  those  countryes  for  beaver  and  other  furrs;  the  premisses  hee  knoweth  to  be 
true,  beinge  cooke  of  the  said  shippe,  the  said  voyage. 

To  the  second  he  sayeth,  that  after  the  arrivall  of  the  said  shippe  into  Hutsons  river,  neere 
Manhattons  forte  (beinge  inhabited  by  the  Dutch  )  the  Governor  comannded  all  her  companye 
to  leave  their  shippe,  and  to  come  uppe  to  the  forte,  where  they  stayed  about  an  houre,  and  then 
returned  abord  theire  shippe  againe.     And  afterwards  wente  further  upp  into  the  river  to  trade  ' 
and  there  Jacob  Jacobson  Elkins,  the  factor  of  the  said  shippe  (whoe  was  well  knowne  to  the 
Dutch  and  also  to  the  Indians)  wente  on  shoare  together  with  this  deponente  and  some  other 
of  the  said  sh.ppes  companye,  and  landed  diverse  goodes  to  trucke  with  the  Indians,  and 
erected  a  tent  for  themselves  to  lodge  in,  and  putt  their  goodes  in,  and  after  they  had  bine  there 
in  trade  some  fewe  dayes,  the  Dutch  came  and  pitched  a  tent  there,  likewise  to  hinder  the 
trade  of  the  Enghshe.    But  yet  notwithstandinge  the  Indians  did  soe  well  affecte  the  said  Jacob 
Jacobson,  that  they  did  resorte  unto  him,  and  were  more  willinge  to  trade  with  him  then  with 
the  Dutch  ;  which  the  Dutch  perceavinge,  there  came  about  a  dozen  dutch  men,  with  half  pikes, 
swords,  musketts  and  pistolls,  and  forbade  the  factor,  and  the  rest  of  the  companye  of  the 
William,  to  trade  there  any  longer;  but  commannded  them  to  departs  and  pulled  downe  their 
tent.     Whereuppon  the  said  factor  and  the  rest  of  the  Englishe  were  inforced  to  give  over 
their  trad.nge,  and  sente  parte  of  their  gooces  abord  theire  shippe  againe  in  theire  shallopp.  And 
the  Dutch  would  not  stayetill  the  returne  of  the  said  shallopp,  but  took  de  rest  of  the  Englishe 
goodes  out  of  their  tent,  and  carryed  them  together  with  the  said  factor  and  this  deponente 
abord  their  shippe  in  a  boate,  belonging  to  the  Dutch.    And  afterwards  the  Dutch  weighed  the 
said  shippes  anchors,  and  broughte  them  abord  her,  and  commannded  the  companye  of  the  saii 
shippe  to  departe  the  said  river;  and  further  hee  cannott  depose. 

To  the  thirth  hee  sayeth,  that  by  the  injuries  and  wronges,  done  by  (he  Dutch  as  aforesaid, 
the  voyage  of  the  said  shippe  the  William  was  overthrowne ;  and  accordinge  as  the  companye 
of  the  said  shippe,  after  they  were  putt  from  theire  tradinge,  did  cast  upp  the  remainder  of  the 
goodes  abord  her.  There  were  soe  many  goodes,  remayninge  abord  her,  of  her  outwards 
landlnge,  as  would  have  yeelded,  if  they  had  bine  trucked  an!  done  a<vaye  to  the  Indians,  att 
the  rate,  they  had  trucked  awaye  parte  of  her  outwards  ladinge  in  beaver  and  other  skinnes 
and  furrs,  to  the  value  of  fower  thousand  poundes  sterlinge.  And  to  that  some  (as  hee  beleeve.h) 
the  merchants  ihatsett  forth  the  said  shippe,  have  bine  dampnilied  by  reason  of  the  premisses; 
and  that  hee  affirmeth  uppon  his  oath  to  be  true. 

7  November  1633. 

7.  Jacob  Jacobson  Elkins,  of  Amsterdam  merchant,  aged  about  42  yeares,  sworne  before  the 
wor'"  William  Merricke,  doctor  of  lawes,  surrogate  to  the  righte  wot'"  Sir  Henry  Marten, 
Knight  judge  of  his  Majesties  highe  court  off  the  Admiralltye. 

To  the  first  interreye.  hee  sayeth,  that  within  the  time  interrogate  W  illiam  Clobery,  David 
Morehead  and  John  de  la  Barr,  of  London  merchants,  att  their  owne  proper  costs  and  chardges 
did  freighte,  victuall  and  sett  forth  the  interrogate  shippe,  the  William  of  London  (whereof 
William  Trevore  was  master)  and  did  lade  diverse  goodes  abord  her.  with  intent,  that  she 
sould  goe  to  Hutsons  river  in  New  England,  within  the  dominions  of  the  Kingh  of  England, 
to  trade  and  trucke  away  such  goodes,  as  she  carryed  to  the  natives  of  those  countries,  for 
beaver  skinnes  and  other  skinnes  and  furrs;  the  premisses  hee  knoweth  to  bee  true,  for  that  hee 
was  factor  for  the  said  merchnMts  in  that  voyage. 


[ 


m 


go 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


To  the  second  hee  aayeth,  that  the  said  shippe,  the  William  arrived  att  the  forte,  called 
Manhatton,  als  Amsterdam,  in  the  said  Hutsons  river,  uppon  the  twelvth  daye  of  Aprill, 
last  pHSt ;  and  sayeth,  that  the  entrance  of  the  said  river  is  in  the  latitude  of  fourtie  degrees 
and  a  halfe  or  thereaboutes,  and  in  longitude  aboud  one  and  fortie  degrees  and  a  halfe.  And 
after  theire  arrivall  neere  that  forte,  this  deponente  sente  the  Chirurgeon  of  the  said  shippe  on 
shoare  to  the  said  forte,  to  intreate  the  Governor  to  come  abord  the  said  fhippe  the  William. 
Where  uppon  the  said  Governor  bad  the  chirurgeon  to  comannde  the  master  of  the  said 
shippe ;  and  this  axiadate  beinge  the  factor  to  come  on  shoare  to  the  fort,  and  to  aske  them,  if 
they  did  knowe  the  Prince  of  Orange.  And  thereuppon  this  deponente  with  the  chirurgeon 
and  gunner  of  the  said  shippe  went  on  shoare  to  the  fort,  where  the  saijd  Governor  and  others 
were  sittinge  in  counsell  together.  And  the  said  Governor  demannded  his  deponente,  wherefore 
hee  was  come  thither,  and  what  his  business  was.  And  this  deponente  replyed:  to  trade  with 
the  nitives  there,  as  hee  had  formerly  done,  for  beaver  and  otter  skinnes,  and  other  skinnes 
and  furrs.  And  then  the  said  Governor  asked  him  for  his  Commission,  whereun'o  this 
deponente  answered,  that  he  '.vas  not  bound  to  shewe  it,  for  that  he  was  then  within  the  King 
of  Englands  dominions,  and  for  that  he  was  a  servante  to  the  subiectes  of  the  said  Kinge;  and 
desired  of  them  to  see  what  Comn.ission  they  had,  to  plante  there,  within  the  King  of 
Englands  dominions.  And  the  said  Governor  replyed,  that  he  had  conferred  with  his 
counsell,  and  that  bee  found  it  not  fittinge,  that  they  should  passe  upp  the  snid  river  for 
that  that  whole  cot>ntrye  did  (as  he  said)  belonge  to  the  Prince  of  Orange,  and  not  to  the 
Kinge  of  England.  And  after  the  said  shippe  had  stayed  there  Qve  dayes  before  the  said 
forte,  this  deponeite  wente  to  the  forte,  to  speake  with  the  Governor,  to  see  if  hee 
would  sulTer  then,  in  a  friendly  manner  to  passe  up  the  said  river ;  and  he  tould  the  said 
Governor,  if  he  would  not  give  him  his  good  will  soe  to  doe,  hee  would  goe  upp  the  said  river 
without  it,  allhci  gh  it  cost  him  his  lilo.  Whereuppon  the  Governor  commannded  all  the 
companye  of  tho  said  shippe  to  come  on  shoa  e.  And  in  the  presence  of  them  all,  the  said 
Governor  commannded,  that  the  Prince  of  Orange  his  flagge  should  bee  putt  upp  in  the  forte, 
and  three  ^eeces  of  ordnance  to  bee  shott  off  for  the  honor  of  the  said  Prince.  And  then 
this  deponente  comannded  the  gunner  of  the  said  shippe  the  William,  to  goe  abord  and  putt 
upp  the  .^nglishe  flagge,  and  to  shooto  of  three  peeces  of  ordnance  for  the  honor  of  the  King  of 
Eiiglanc.  And  then  the  said  Governor  badd  this  deponente,  takd  heede,  that  it  did  not  cost 
him  his  necke,  or  his  (:the  said  Governors).  And  after  the  premisses  this  depone  te  and*  the 
companye  of  the  William  wenf&  upp  the  said  river  »o  trade,  and  comminge  neere  the  fort, 
called  Orange,  the  Governor  of  that  forte  would  not  suffer  theire  shallopp  to  come  to  the 
shoare,  to  trade  there.  Whereuppon  this  deponente  wente  a  mile  L»;lowe  ♦hat  forte,  and  there 
sett  upp  a  tent,  and  carryed  all  theire  goodes  on  shoare,  and  was  in  trade  with  the  Salvages. 
And  the  Dutch  sett  upp  a  tent  by  the  said  englishe  tent,  to  hinder  theire  trade  ;.j  much  as 
they  could.  But  this  deponente  beinge  well  acquainted  with  tne  Salvages  (havinge  heretofore 
lived  foure  yeare  wi  ^  them)  them  all  came  to  trade  with  him;  and  after  he  hath  bine  there 
in  trade  about  four'.t  '(i".  dayes,  there  came  upp  a  pinnace  from  the  lower  fort,  manned  with 
the  souldiers  and  seamen,  to  drive  this  exaidate  and  companye  from  tradinge  there.  And 
before  the  comminge  of  that  pinnace,  there  were  twoe  other  pinnace,  lyinge  neere  the  said 
shippe  the  William,  to  hinder  her  trade.  And  then  there  came  souldiers  from  both  the  saide 
dutch  forts  with  musketts,  halfe  pikes,  swords  and  other  weapons,  and  beate  some  Indians, 
which  came  to  trade  with  this  deponente,  and  commannded  this  exaidate  and  companye  to 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS.    II. 


81 


son.  in  „  sLNoppe.  ifelon^inge  .  th:  V^.L^  a^lt.^     i'  'dr.! 

and  then  the  Dutch  weighed  the  anchors  of  the  Willian,.  and  c     ye      h        f  J^/  e.^^ltj 

c'r;-:  di  o:::;  tr  r^'  '"t^  ''-  ^-'^ '--  "«"'-•  ^'-  «•'«  -.et «: -haft 

ort  th,«  depo  .o„te  be  nge  there  on  shoare.  The  Governor  commannded  him  to  sends  all 
th  beaver  and  other  skinnes  on  shoare  to  the  fort,  which  this  deponente  and  ompanye  had 
gott  ,n  trucke  w,th  the  Salvages;  which  this  deponente  re.usinge'to  doe.  the  Go  ernor  then 
demannded  a  particular  of  ail  the  sl.innes  that  were  abord  the  sahl  shippe      Wllh  "  rt  eu.er 

or'irr ::  ir "" '  t',  '"  '^'^  "^^'''  ^"^  '-^ ''-  ^'-""-"^  ^—^^'^ « -  " 

or  c  tejne  Holla  ders.  >nhab,t.nge  neere  the  said  fort,  of  the  behavio'  of  the  Dutch  towards 
the  Lnghshe  and  howe  they  had  putt  thorn  from  theire  trade,  as  aforesaid.  Which  certificate 
was  denye  h.m  ;  an  t  e  Governor  caused  a  writinge.  to  be  sett  uppon  the  gate  of  that  for 
I  e  eby  (orbu  d.nge  al'  h,s  people  uppon  payne  of  death,  to  give  anj  certifi't.  to  hnn  or  aly 
o  he  Lngl.she.  howe  and  ,r.  what  manner  they  were  used  by  the  Dutch.  And  he  also  snyeth. 
that  the  names  of  some  of  the  Dutch,  which  were  principall  actors  in  doinge  of  the  wronges 
and  .n,ur,es  aforesaid  ;  were  as  followeth.  viz'  Walter  Vertrill,'  Governor  or  Amsterdam  fibrt. 
John  van  Remunt.h.s  feerreta.yr,  Marlyn  Garetson,  Co.rad.  Notemaa'  Ahuddus.»  and  Captaine 
Jacob  Johnson  Hesse.  Counsollors  of  the  said  Governor,  ..nd  Hance  Jorison  Houten.  Governor 
ot  the  ttort  o(  Orange  ;  and  further  hee  cannott  depose. 

To  the  third  interreye:  hee  sayeth.  that  th ,  voyage  of  the  said  shippe  the  William  was 
overlhrowne  by  the  part.es  befcrr  mentioned,  in  not  sufteringe  her  companye  to  trade  there, 
as  aforesaid.     Ana  that  there  were  soe  manye  goodes.  remayninge  abord  the  said  shippe.  of 
her  outwards  ladmge;  when  they  were  p-ut  from  theire  trade,  as  would  have  purchased  ia 
irucke  with  the  said  Salvages  (:att  the  rate  as  the  rest  of  her  goodes.  which  were  trucked 
awaye.  were  alone  awaye  :)  five  thousand  beaver  skinnes.     And  that  hee  is  .^rteyne.  hee  should 
have  had  trucke  for  all  the  reuiainder  of  the  said  goodes.  if  the  Dutch  had  suffered  them  to 
trade  there;  for  that  there  are  in  the  said  river  usnally  fiftecne  or  sixfeene  thousand  beaver 
sk.nnes  yearly  traded  for;  and  for  that  the  Salvages  would  not  trade  with  the  Dutch,  as  longe 
as  thus  deponente  was  there.     But  did  all  resorte  unto  him ;  and  (or  the  reasons  aforesaid,  hee 
sayeth  that  the  said  master  Clobery,  master  Morehead  and  master  Delabarr.  the  merchants  that 
sett  forth  the  said  shippe.  have  bine  dampnified  by  the  wronges  and  injuries,  done  by  the 
Dutch,  as  IS  aforesaid,  to  the  value  of  ffive  thousand  pounds  sterlings  att  the  least.     And  this 
hee  afl[irmeth  uppon  his  oath  to  be  true. 

•  Wonttr  v«n  Twiller.  •  Notelman. 

•  Andrea.  Iludd,      He  came  to  New  Notherl.nd  in  1629.  and  .fUr  .erviug  the  goyerument  in  v.riou.  o.p,citie.  for  thirty- 
four  years,  d.od  4th  >ovemher.  1608.  at  Appoquinimy.  In  the  pre.ent  SUte  of  Delaware,  on  hi.  way  to  Maryland.  -Ed. 


Vol.  r. 


11 


88 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  referrivg  the  preceding  Documents. 

[  From  the  BoglsKr  of  Rcs'iliilloni  of  Iho  Sl:it«s  0.mcrnl,  In  (he  Rnjral  Aruhlvii  il  Ihn  llagiir.  ] 

Tuesday,  13  June,  1G34. 
Follows.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Joachimi,  written  at  fjondon  on  the  S?*'  May  last, 

lleMn.     Joachlmi  i»»r.  -i  /••"ii 

■ndRrauer.  also  a  letter  from  tiie  same  and  Mr.  Brasser,  written  conjomtly,  as  atore.iaid,  the 

S*  instant,  and  besides  the  said  letters,  divers  appendices  containing  matters  for  reflection ; 
which,  being  considered,  it  is  resolve'',  and  concluded,  that  both  the  aforesaid  letters,  with  the 
appendices,  be  placed  in  the  bands  of  the  Mr.  Vosbergen,  to  extract  therefrom  the  points  on 
which  resolution  is  required. 


-^-»« » »->^— 


Resohitioii  of  the  States  General  changing  some  of  the  Members  of  the  Committee 
on  the  differences  between  the  Company  and  the  Patroons. 

i  From  the  Begliter  of  Beiolutloiu  of  the  Slalei  Oeneral,  la  the  Royal  Archlrea  at  the  Uagse.  ] 

Thursday,  IS""  June,  1634. 
Foiio4M.  After   deliberation,   it   is   hereby  resolved   and   concluded   to   substitute    Mr. 

Beaumont  in  place  of  Mr.  de  Knuyt,  and  Mr.  Staackmans  in  place  of  Mr.  Lecklama, 
in  consequence  of  the  absence  of  both  of  them ;  and  tiiat.  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  the 
despatch  of  business,  the  other,  their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies  in  tlie  matter  in  difference 
weatin.iiarorapanj  between  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  on  the  one  part,  and  the 
the    Pi-ntfra    of  Patfoons,  planters  of  New  Netherland,  on  the  other  side. 

New  Netherland.  '^  ■  ' 


Resolution  of  tlie  States  General  on  the  Report  on  Mr.  JoachimUs  last  Despatch. 

[From  the  Beglaler  of  BeaoluUona  of  the  State*  Oeneral,  in  the  Roxal  Arohire*  at  the  Hague.] 


Folio  ste. 
Joachiml. 


Tuesday,  20'"  June,  1634. 
Mr.  Vosbergen  reported  that  he  hath,  in  virtue  of  their  High  Mightinesses' 
resolution  of  the  13"'  instant,  examined  a  certain  letter  from  Mr.  Joachimi, 
written  in  London  on  the  Q?""  May  last,  and  found  that  the  said  letter  sets  forth,  among  other 
injumi Engiiatimro  things,  that  Mess"  William  Clobery,  David  Morehead  and  John  de  la  Barre, 
inN.w.N,:in.rianj.  merchants  at  Loudoo  aforesaid,  having  fitted  out  a  ship  to  trade  in  Hudson's 
river  (as  they  call  it)  were  prevented  trading  there  and  thereabout,  by  the  officers  of  the 
■w.^t  India  Com-  West  India  Company  of  this  country,  whereby  they  maintain  to  have  been 
injured  ;  claiming  damages  for  their  loss.     Which  being  taken  into  consideraliun, 


pany. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:     11. 


88 


it  is  resolved  and  concluded,  ihnt  this  matter  sliall,  by  extract  hereof  h«  r.«,^,    •    .  ^        . 
may  know  how  to  comport  himself  in  the  premises.  accordingly,  that  he 


Hi 


Se^uHon  of  the  State.  Omeral  re>p«,i„,  a,  CommiUee  „„  rt.  iiff,r,,cee  htween 

the  Company  and  the  Fatroom. 

{ From  th.  E,gU.«  of  R«olaUo».  of  the  8Ul«  O.ner.1,  In  lU.  Hoyal  Ar.hlr<»  „  ,h.  H»rx,.  ] 

Wednesday,  21"  June,  1634. 
K.«o«.       After   deliberation,    it    is    hereby   resolved    and    concluded,  to    substitute    Mr 
Huygens,   m   place  of  Mr.  Arnhem,  (absent)  to  assist  the  other,  their  High  M  Jesses' 
Hepufes.   m   .nvest.gating   the   questions   and   difTerences   which  have  aH  en   b  t'w  en   the 
Patroons,  planters,  on  the  one  part,  and  the  West  India  Company  on  the  other;     Id  further 
to  proceed  accordmg  to  the  original  Commission.  ' 


Patroons  of  New  Netlurland  to  the  States  General    June,  1634. 

[From  th.  Original,  In  Ih.  Ro,.!  Archlrw  .1  th.  H,gn.,  In  Ih.  LoMhuol  ,h,  Sl.l«  General  ■  DIvl.lon  r«.  i^<   .    ^ 

U...rI..No.6;par.»offlun,,,..nUU.d..B,u«.nr..ond.d«Vr;:n!r";;pt;n^^^^^  '"*- '^•• 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

Whereas,  in  pursuance  of  the  resolution  dated  27th  March.  1634.  adopted  at  the  Assembly 

of  the  XIX..  and  the  pet.t.on  presented  to  your  High  Mightinesses  and  postiled  {grapnsnllcerl 

he  Patroons  of  New  Netherland  are,  by  their  High   Mightinesses'  letters  datfd  13th  May 

Jo^s  tg^irn^T " '-' ""'''"' ''' '-'-' ''- '--'  '^  -p^^'-'  -  -^-"it  to 

Jr!!t\r'-^lf  *"«'!^'"«««««' by  CImrter  dated  3d  June,  1621.  granted  to  all  inhabitants, 
stockholders  in  the  wUhm  named  Company  exclusively,  the  navigation,  peopling  and  trade  to 
the  West  Indies,  within  the  limits  therein  described,  investing  XIX.  persons  with  the  entire 
management  thereof;  expressly  stipulating,  that  your  High  Mightinesses,  on  being  required  to 
prosecute  the  infraction  and  contravention  of  such  public  resolutions,  shall  cause  the  same 
to  be  repaired  and  maintained. 

But  the  principal  stockholders  having  solicited  your  High  Mightinesses  for  further 
sal.sfact.on.  your  High  Mightinesses,  by  nmplification,  agreed  and  approved  that  the  first  two 
vacancies  m  the  Board  of  Directors  at  Amsterdam  and  Zealand;  item,  the  first  in  the 
Maese  Chamber,  should  successively  be  supplied  by  the  principal  stockholders  of  the  respective 


^^^^^H 

jfe 

^^^^^^^^^|p 

1 

W^^^^m 

i 

^^^^^B- 

i 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^K  i 

lit 

^■^^^^^^^^^^E/- 

If- 

% 

tW, 

t  .* 

J 

'i 

ill 


§4 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Chambers,  leaving  them  to  protect  whatever  regnrded   them  and    their   right,  both    in   the 
Assembly  of  the  XIX.  and  in  the  aforesaid  Chambers. 

Tlie  Company,  reduced  to  this  firm  order  and  government,  took  specially  to  heart  your 
High  Mightinesses'  motives  contained  in  the  last  part  of  the  second  capital  article  of  the 
Charter,  containing  two  subjects;  namely,  contracting  and  forming  alliances  with  princes  and 
natives  of  the  countries  within  their  limits,  or  promoting  the  population  of  productive 
and  uninhabited  regions. 

Experience  has  shown  that  the  prudent  management  of  the  Company  did  not  attend  the 
attempts  to  carry  this  out  in  divers  quarters,  both  on  the  Wild  const  and  in  New  Netherland; 
the  conduct  of  the  people  was  not  regulated;  the  expenses  were  excessively  high,  and  the  want 
of  success  beyond  expectation.  The  accounts  having  been  frequently  reviewed  at  the 
Assembly  of  the  XIX.;  the  supplies  requisite  for  the  planting  having  been  compared  with 
the  returns  received  from  the  Colonies,  it  was  finally  decreed  and  enacted,  at  the  Assembly 
of  the  XIX.,  on  the  10""  March,  1628,  in  the  presence  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  deputies,  the 
Directors  delegated  by  the  respective  Chambers,  the  Directors  and  assessors  from  the  principal 
■tockholders,  for  the  behoof  of  all  the  stockholders  in  the  said  Company,  hy  virtue  of  the 
Charter,  to  draw  up  Freedoms  and  Exemptions,  for  the  benefit  of  the  General  West  India 
Company,  and  advantage  of  the  Putroons,  masters  and  private  persons. 

526  February,  1G29.  Commissioners  reported  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  and  it  was 
resolved  to  make  an  Order,  resuming  the  draft  of  the  planters,  at  the  next  ensuing  meeting; 
to  consider  the  proposals  of  certain  respectable  principal  stockholders,  to  draw  out  the 
differential  points  and  refer  them  to  the  Chambers. 

18  April,  1629.  Points  of  Reference  were  circulated;  in  article  2  of  which,  the  respective 
Chambers  were  requested  to  appear  fully  instructed  to  conclude  whether  the  articles  of 
Freedoms  and  Exemptions  submitted  at  various  preceding  Assemblies,  with  the  annexed  new 
articles,  demanded  by  divers  principal  stockholders,  might  be  amplified  and  amended  according 
to  circumstances. 

29  May,  1629.  Commissioners  are  named,  on  resuming  the  Order  in  regard  to  Planters,  to 
submit  the  draft  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX. 

7  June,  1629.     The  Freedoms  are  enacted  in  terms  as  hereunto  annexed. 

Whereupon  some  Directors  of  the  before  named  Company,  in  addition  to  the  great  interest 
they  possessed  with  their  next  friends  in  the  said  Company,  (who  imported  [to  the  value  of] 
more  than  two  tons  of  gold ;)  animated  with  new  zeal  to  carry  out  their  High  Mightinesses' 
intention,  and  hoping  in  consequence  for  Cod's  blessing,  preceded  all  the  other  stockholders  by 
way  of  a  good  example,  saving  the  aforesaid  Company  from  expenses,  troubles  and  heavy 
charges,  and  further  involved  themselves  by  undertaking  divers  Patroonships,  the  expenses 
whereof,  incurred  and  laid  out  to  this  day,  amount  to  not  far  from  one  ton  of  gold,  cash  down, 
and  are  yearly  taxed,  in  addition,  with  at  least  45  thousand  guilders  for  the  support  of  three  of 
their  Patroonships. 

The  Patroons  proceeding  on  daily,  notwithstanding,  bought  and  paid  for  not  only  the 
grouDds  belonging  to  the  chiefs  and  natives  of  the  lands  in  New  Netherland,  hut  also  iheir 
rights  of  sovereignty  (Jura  MaJKiuitit)  and  such  others  as  they  exercised  within  the  limits  of 
the  Patroons'  purchased  territories. 

So  that  on  the  2S'*  November,  lOiO,  were  read  at  the  Assembly  of  the  Directors,  the  deeds 
of  conveyance  of  the  lands  and  jurisdictions  purchased  from  the  Saccimaes,  the  Lords  of  the 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IL 


8ft 


Country,  executed  for  the  behoof  of  the  Patroons,  their  successors;  and  t^e  new  proprietors 

were  accordingly  thereupon  cr-ngratuiated.  proprietors 

On   the  8-  December,  in  the  year  aforesaid,  the  patents  sent  to  the  Patroons  from  New 

Netherland  were  ,n    ke  manner  also  again  read,  recorded  in  the  Company's  Register,  ordered 

LV^ratl?  d    'h  h    Vrr'^' "''  ''^  "'^^  of  New  Netherland;  the  Patroons  were  aga  n 
congratulated  and  handed  their  patents.  * 

IG'H  ditto      The  Patroons.  on  resolution  of  the  Assembly,  delivered  to  the  Company's  counsel, 
a  perfect  list  of  their  undertaken  patroonships.  ""naei. 

8-  January,  1631      The  Patroons'  Colonies  were  ex  supra  abundanti  confirmed,  on  submitting 
the  question  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX..  holden  in  Zealand.  * 

Confiding  fully  in  the  before  related  acts  and  solemnities,  the  Patroons  would  never  have 
incurred  any  expense,  had  they  ever  imagined  that  the  Freedoms  and  Exemptions,  which  were 
a  mutual  contract  of  profit  and  loss,  agreed  to  by  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies,  the 
Directors  of  the  respective  Chambers,  the  Directors  and  Assessors  of  the  principal  Stockholders, 
and  accepted  and  entered  on  by  the  respective  Patroons  in  all  sincerity,  would  have  been  at 
any  time  queHtioned  and  pulled  to  pieces;  but.  on  the  contrary,  they  supposed  and  felt  assured, 
t.iat  their  High  Mightinesses  would,  in  course  of  time,  maintain  the  Patroons.  and.  if  necessary, 
when  requested,  provide  them  with  greater  privileges,  as  a  reward  for  their  exceeding  zeal,  in 
enlarging  the  boundaries  of  these  countries  and  in  consideration  of  the  heavy  outlays  and 
perilous  dangers  which  their  people  and  property  must  experience,  and  have  already  sustained, 
both  on  land  and  water. 

But,  alas!  your  High  Mightinesses  will  remark  what  damage  the  change  of  persons  and  the 
unsteadiness  of  humors  have  brought  on  this  praiseworthy  Company  and  the  good  Patroons. 

fhe  manifold  occupations  relating  to  the  planting  of  Colonies,  the  articles  of  Exemptions 
and  Freedoms,  drawn  up  A-  1628;  revised,  enlarged  and  accepted  by  the  Patroons  in  1629- 
who.  A- 1630,  were  congratulated  thereupon;  A»  1631,  ex  superabundanti  confirmed,  are 
secretly  undermined  on  the  30."  October.  1631.  when  new  articles  were  proposed,  thereby  the 
previous  Freedoms  and  Exemptions  were  no  longer  obtainable;  the  Patroons  particularly 
commanded  to  perform  things  which  experience  taught  them  were  impracticable:  Yea,  all  the 
Exemptions  were  drawn  into  dispute. 

2S  May.  1632.  Some  of  the  principal  stockholders  suggested  to  them  to  bring  in  gravamina 
Bjainst  the  amended  freedoms.  ° 

1  June   1632,  is  drawn  up  an.l  enacted  a  certain  placard,  purporting,  as  it  appears,  to  be  in 

rr      N  fh    rr"'"^''?"  '•"''"'•'  ""J'^'dual.  carrying  on  the  prohibited  trade  in  peltries 
in  Now  Netherland  ;  according  to  the  copy  hereunto  annexed. 

But.  converted,  through  evil  council,  by  resolution  of  the  18'"  November.  1038.  to  the  injury 
and  prejudice  of  the  Patroons.  whereby  the  Exemptions  and  Freedoms,  so  solemnly  enacted 
on  the  7  June.  1629.  on  which  the  patroonships  were  registered,  are.  it  is  particularly  to  be 
remarked,  disavowed.  /       "<> 

And  in  order  to  deprive  the  Patroons  altogether  of  the  trade,  the  Director  in  New 
Netherland  was  ordered  to  appoint  commissaries  and  assistants  in  all  the  patroonships.  to 
afhx  the  placard  and  in  no  wise  to  suffer  any  of  the  Patroons  to  interfere  in  the  fur  trade! 

I  he  Director  had  no  sooner  arrived  in  New  Netherland,  than  he  proceeded  nRninst  the 
Patroons  pursuant  to  the  orders  given  him. 


s 


m 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Whereupon  the  Patroons  were  under  the  necessity  of  submitting  their  grievances  to 
the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  and  it  was  mutually  agreed  to  refer  all  differences  arising  therefroiUi 
to  their  High  Mightinesses'  decision. 

The  Patroons  have  accordingly  handed  in,  ai  the  request  of  the  committee  of  the  Directors, 
the  following  points  of  their  pretensions  and  well  founded  claim. 

Pretension  and  Claim  of  the  Patroons  of  New  Netherland,  delivered  to  their 
High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  on  the  IG""  June,  IGSl,  against  the  Directors 
the  Incorporated  West  India  Company. 


That  the  Freedoms  and  Exemptions  promised  and  granted  to  the  Patroons  and  their  people 
within  the  limits  of  New  Netherland  and  the  dependencies  thereof,  must  be  truly  maintained 
and  observed  by  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  according  to  their  tenor  and 
contents;  and  are  to  he  holden  ns  a  mutual  contract,  binding  on  both  sides,  whereby  the 
Patroons  were  invited  to  send  their  people  and  goods  thither;  in  consequence  whereof,  they 
claim  to  enjoy  inviolate,  the  privileges  contained  therein. 


That  the  Company  having  up  to  the  19'*  December,  1G33,  repeatedly  called  in  question  the 
conceded  Freedoms,  are  bound  to  make  good  the  manifest  damages  caused  thereby  to 
the  Patroons. 

3. 

That  in  the  Exemptions  and  Freedoms,  mention  only  was  made  of  the  property  of  those  lands 
of  which  the  Company  could,  by  virtue  of  its  charter,  dispose  ;  and  such  extension  is  considered 
as  referring  alone  to  the  fertile  and  uninhabited  lands,  or  lands  on  which  settlements  were 
found  of  particular  Indians,  having  no  chief,  whom  the  Patroons  were  bound  to  satisfy  for  the 
soil:  In  addition  to  these,  within  the  limits  and  extensions  of  the  purchased  pntroonships, 
exist  Lordships  having  their  own  rights  and  jurisdictions,  which  the  chiefs  of  said  nations  have 
ceded  to  the  Palroons,  exclusive  of  the  proprietorship  of  the  soil,  as  can  be  seen  by  their  deeds 
of  concession  and  conveyance.  The  Patroons  maintain  that  such  prerogatives  and  advantages 
in  that  country,  belong  absolutely  to  then, ;  and  that  the  Company  hath  no  more  power  over  the 
Patroons,  as  purchasers  of  such  lands,  than  it  bad  over  the  lords  Sachems,  the  sellers,  inasmuch 
as  their  Hi«h  Mightinesses'  intention  by  the  charter  notoriously  was,  not  to  abridge  any  person 
in  what  is  his,  and  consequently  cannot  be  burdened  with  the  Venia  testandi,  justice  and  police 
which  are  repugnant  to  the  right  already  acquired  by  the  Patroons. 

4. 

That  under  the  term  goods,  mentioned  in  Articles  X.,  XIII.,  XXVI.,  must  necessarily  be 
understood  such  nierchandistj,  without  wliicli  the  permitteii  trade  along  the  coast  of  Florida  and 
Newfoundland,  cannot  be  carried  on,  nor  the  soil  of  the  Patroonsliips  paid  for.  //,»«,  Nhoes 
and  stockings  and  other  necessaries  of  the  people,  not  in  use  among  the  natives  of  the  country, 
ought  to  be  among  the  indispcnsiilile  articles  for  !i>;i'i(--ulture,  of  use  only  to  the  tenants  of  the 
Patroons;  every  description  of  which  the  Company  has  promised  to  convey  over  for  nothing. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS .-    II. 


8? 


c. 

aJ!,?  f  1"Tu  '",^««^.N'''f''"-'»"'''  tl.e  island  of  Manhattan  excepted,  are.  by  th»  XII* 
Article,  tree  for  the  plantation  of  Colonies.  .     y  ir     aii 

7. 

That  the  Patroons  may  sail  from  the  coast  of  Florida  to  Newfoundland,  paying  6  per  centum 

recogn.  ,on;  therefore  the  FatroouB  cannot  be  prevented  sending  shipsor  yaci  tswith  a  rsorU 

of  goods  to  New  Netherland.  without  which  the  aforesaid  coasts  cannol  b   iTuen    d  no 

prizes  taken  from  the  enemy.     Art.  XIIL.  XIV.,  XVI..  XXIH.  'requented,  nor 


\yherea8  the  Company,  Art.  XV..  first  absolutely,  and  afterwards  by  restriction,  reserved  the 
fur  trade  every  where  on  the  coast  of  New  Netherland  and  the  places  circ  mLent  U.^^^^^^^^^^ 

not  ncluded  therein;  and,  therefore,  that  the  Patroons  are  not  obligated  to  p  y,  wZ^^^ 
l.m.s,one  gu  der  on  each  merchantable  Bkin.  /,c..  that  the  Patroons.  ou'pa;m  n  of  one 
g..  er  (or  each  rnerchan.able  beaver  or  otter  skin,  n,ay  procure  in  tradL  for'good  ob  Led 
th  re.  all  sorts  o  furs,  outside  their  Colonies,  and  every  where  about  the  coas.s  of  New 
Netherland  and  the  places  circumjacent  thereto,  where  the  Company  had  no  commit  iesaT 
t  e  .me  of  granting  the  Freedoms.  M...  W..„p,„„  „ei..g,  ,,  !  J,,,,,^  the  cu'^  cy  tlL 
country  wUh  which  the  produce  of  the  interior  i,  paid  for.  must  be  considered  as  obtain  d 
goods,  being  the  representative  thereof.  ouiainea 

9. 

That  the  Company,  pursuant  to  the  tenor  of  Art.  X.  and  XVL,  is  obliged  here,  and  by  it. 
servants  ,n  New  Netherland.  to  give  seasonable  notice  to  the  Patroons  and  their  comn  issari 
when  requested  of  the  places  which  remain  vacant  in  its  ships,  in  order  that  tl  y  may 
egula.e  themselves  ,n  regard  to  their  people,  goods,  cat.le  and  implements;  and  havZ 
accommodation  in  their  ships,  it  is  not  at  liberty  to  refuse  the  Patroons  the  freiduing  ther  of 
nor  charge  moro  than  the  allowed  freight.  'c'gi'ung  mereot, 

10, 
That  the  appeals  to  the  Director  and   Council,  reserved  in  civil  actions  of  fifly  guilder, 
tliepltrnl?         ""'  ''"'•'  '"  ''"  ■'"'  ""  '"«'^- J"-'i---  -.«i  other  prW ifeges  " 

11. 
Wheren.  the  Company.  Art.  XXV..  hath  promised  to  take  all  Colonists  of  New  Netherland 
m.o  i.s  sale  keeping,  to  assist  in  .lefending  them,  as  well  as  possible,  against  all  internal  and 
foreign  v-ar.  and  violence,  with  the  power  it  may  have  there;  the  Companv.  or  it.  servants. 


89 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


V 


failing  so  to  do,  are  bound  to  make  good  the  damage  wiiich  tl)e  Patroons'  people,  cattle  and 
goods  there,  have  thereby  suffered  and  still  suffer. 

12. 

That  the  Freedoms  and  Exemptions,  are  permanent  for  all  partners,  without  the  Company 
having  the  power  to  infringe  or  restrict  them,  to  the  prejudice  of  the  Patroons. 

13. 
That  the  expenses  of  traveling,  consultations,  fees  &c.,  incurred  or  to  be  incurred  by  the 
Patroons,  for  the  maintenance  and  justificaticr.  of  the  Freedoms  and  Exemptions,  for  the  service 
of  tlie  Company  and  advantage  of  all  partners,  ought  to  be  defrayed  by  the  Incorporated  West 
India  Company. 

14. 

That  the  Company  cannot  affix,  in  the  Patroons'  Colonies,  without  their  knowledge,  and 
against  their  will,  placards  excluding  every  one  from  the  entire  fur  trade,  nor  introduce 
Commissaries  there  trade;  nor  constrain  the  Patroons'  inhabitants,  by  an  oath  drawn  up  for 
that  purpose,  not  to  trade  in  peltries,  wampum  or  maize. 

15. 
That  the  Patroons'  Officers  and  Magistrates  in  New  Netherland  may  oppose  themselves 
thereto;  and  should  the  Company,  at  any  time,  enter  by  force  of  arms,  and  affix  such  placards, 
the  Patroons'  courts  are  at  liberty  to  tear  down  the  affixed  placards,  as  being  contrary  to  their 
freedoms.  And  on  the  Patroons'  Superior  Officers  being  arrested  tliereljr,  which  we  protest 
against,  should  it  ever  be  adjudged  that  their  Patroons  have  lost  the  granted  Freedoms,  such 
proceedings  shall  be  declared  null  and  void ;  the  Company  charged  in  future  to  abstain  from 
such  practices,  and  to  make  good  the  damage  caused  thereby. 

16. 
Finally,  in  case  the  Company  seek,  by  direct  or  indirect  means,  to  induce  the  Patroons  to 
abandon   their  Colonies,   it  shall   be  declared  bound  to  make  good  all  incurred    costs   and 
damL^es  which  the  Patroons,  for  causes  aforementioned,   should    happen   to   experience   or 
have  experienced. 

(Signed),         M.  Paauw. 

S.  Blommabrt. 

KiLiAEN  Van  Rensselaek. 

He.nouick  Hambl. 


HOLLAND  DOCTTMENTS:    IL  ^ 

Anewer  of  the   West  Irutia  Company  to  the  Patroom. 

Answer  of  the  West  Ind'a  Company  to,  and  against  ti.e  Pretension  and  Claim  of 
M>chael  Paauw    Kiliaen  Van  Renselaar  and  Samuel  Blommaert.  Pat  oons 

DeX  '"''''  '"  '"'  ''"'*'*'  "^  *"«'^  "'«•>  ^»'«'''ine'«-' 

m  INew  IVetherland,  hath  given  .n  his  separate  remonstrance  to  the  Assembly  of  the  Nineteen 
w.th  request  that  the  aforesaid  Assembly  dispose  thereof;  it  can  therefrom  be    eenZ  2 
pre  ens,o„s  of  the  aforesaid  Patroons  differ,  and  are  even  Erected  on'^rTnt  foundaut^l^ 
t  in  ir"°'  rV,t\r  '''''''  '•*°'-  ^««"'"'y  «-"««<».  --h  less    re    ed  of      le 
he  said  pToI   H  n  iT"":    ''''  '''"'''"'"  "''''«"'*™«^'  ^''•"■«^-«'  maintain  t  at  eLh 

set  forth  la     e  h  th     L:    °"      '"•"""''  ""  "^  "'""'''"  ""'  ""'"'*  ""'  ''""" 

P.tltl'^u'^Z'^^^  '  termination  be  put  at  once  to  said  differences,  that  the  above  mentioned 
Patroons  be  obhged  to  mention,  in  their  respective  demands  all,  as  well  general  as  paruZr 
questions  of  wh.ch  they  have  any  knowledge,  and  on  which  th.y  may  inlnd  to  .^3"; 
ncfon  against  the  aforesaid  Company,  on  pain,  in  default  thereoff  of  their  being  and  reii„^ 
Zr:  "of^Ih    7  ""'t'o''  ''  '"  ^'^•"'^°"  """  °^'^'-''  «  mandamus  on  the  ZZs 

£  :";{.°'jltr '^  '^"'™°"" '° '--  -*'  '-''^^^''  p----  ^^  '^-^  text  m  l  ../«... 

afo^'eVaid  ctll' ''"  f '"n"'*^  ''**''°'""  ^^"""^^  ^''''*  ''^''y  ''"^«  "°  ?"»'«"•"  «•«*"»  ^gain-t  the 
on  y  a  decision  on  the  general  points  which  concern  the  aforesaid  Patroons  conjointly -The 
?.  Ta  di:    aUoi::  :  7°'"'"''°"  ^"^^^  ^''"'"'"'"«  '»"''  ^-"''"«'''«  daiiegldng 

(Signed),  Albert  Kounraut  Buroh. 

Exhibited,  32.  June,  1634.  ^^''""'^  "'^^  "°"''' 


■f  " 


Ji<y>l!/  of  the  PatrooM  to  the  We^t  hulia  Ompany. 

Ho.  »,|.«ft8of  UioDimdlfcJ  •'"vir^  <  ^-^k  n..,  imui  u. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

beh'«i?onrD;rectols''of''u  °"w    '"i  ''r/"*""''"'  ""^'"^  "«""  '"^^  -"''"«  ''«"-"d  <"> 
DehaM  of  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  in  opposition  to  the  demand  and  claim  of 

Vol,.  I.  jg 


# 


■I  'II  ( 


90 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


the  said  Patroons,  communicated  in  Writing  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  they  say  in  reply  to  it : 

As  the  foundation  of  the  suit  which  they  may  institute,  in  proper  time,  against  the  above  named 

Directors,  for  indemnification  of  such  damages  and  losses  as  they  respectively  shall  happen 

to  have  suffered,  because  the  aforesaid  Directors  have   not   allovi^ed,  nor   suffered,  them  to 

realize  the  full  effect  of  the  granted  Exemptions  and  Freedoms,  mainly  depends  upon  the 

force   and   tenor  of  said  Exemptions  and  Freedoms;  and  your  High   Mightinesses  would 

be  uselessly  detained  by  the  deduction  of  the  damages  and  losses  suffered  by  the  Patroons 

in  the  planting  and  continuance  of  their  respective  Colonies,  and  the  consequences  thereof, 

in  case  the  above  named  Directors  are  not  bound  to  make  good  the  aforesaid  losses  and 

damages,  for  having  failed  to  carry  out  the  aforesaid  granted  and  accepted  Exemptions  and 

Freedoms ;  therefore,  in  order  that  they  may  not  rashly  enetr  into  a  dispute  with  the  above 

named  Directors,  about  the  aforesaid  indemnity,  they  have  deemed  it  necessary  and  essential 

to  the  despatch  of  business,  first  and  foremost,  to  request  your  High  Mightinesses  (to  whom,  by 

resolution  of  the  27""  March  last,  adopted  in  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  the  differences  of  parties 

on  both  sides  are  referred)  to  determine  the  force  and  tenor  of  the  aforesaid  Exemptions  ;  as 

the  Pretension  and  Claim  of  the  Patroons  is  directed  to  that  and  to  no  other  end ;  in  order  that 

such  judgment  being  delivered,  the  act  beinf^  one  of  wrong  and  affecting  all  the  Patroons  in 

common,  then  the  Patroons  will  ha.e  to  state  their  respective  losses  and  damages,  and  adopt 

pertinent  conclusion  thereon ;  the  rather  as,  after  the  rendition  of  the  aforesaid  judgment, 

they  shall  have  conjointly  to  determine  upon  the  continuation  or  abandonment  of  their  Colonies, 

and  as  there  is  no  reason  for  postponing  the  said  judgment  until  the  decision  on  the  Patroons' 

respective  losses,  which  by  reason  of  instruction  and  the  distance  of  place,  will  experience 

some  delay;  meanwhile  the  Patroons,  in  their  view  of  the  aforesaid  Exemptions  and  Freedr  ns, 

remain  injured  and  would  be  further  damaged  in  their  means.     The  aforesaid  Patroons  are 

content,  on  the  rendition  of  the  above  mentioned  judgment,  respectively  to  deliver  in  their 

declaration  of  damages  and   losses,   and  to   proceed   further  in   the  matter,   by  a  certain 

reasonable    time,   to    be   afterwards  fixed    by  your  High    Mightinesses,   according  to  the 

circumstances  of   affairs   and    the    distance  of   places.     And    for    these    reasons,    rejecting 

the  dilatory  notice  of  the  aforesaid  Directors,  the  abovenamed  Patroons  respectfully  request 

your  High  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  order  the  aforesaid  Directors  to  answer,  peremptorily, 

their  aforesaid  declaration;   and    in  default  thereof,  that  your  High  Mightinesses  would  be 

pleased  to  render  your  judgment  on  the  articles  contained  in  the  aforesaid  petition,  in'  such 

wise  as  shall  appertain  to  just  equity  and  right,  and  to  the  public  service. 

Which  doing,  etc. 

(Signed) 


Exhibited  22d  June,  1634,  and  furnished 
to  opposite  party  for  replication. 


M.  Paauw, 

8.  Blommaert, 

Henrick  Hamel, 

KiLIABN  VAN  RbNRSELAER. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IL 


H 


Hesoluiion  of  the  Statee  General  postponinff  a  Decision  on  the  preceding  Pleadings. 

[  From  lb.  Regtetw  of  BmoIuIIou  of  the  Bute.  0«n«id.  In  Ih*  Eoyid  AroU w  .1  the  R.ga«  ] 

Saturday,  24th  June,  1634. 
F.,„«^  Beinc  heard,  the  report  of  Mess"  Huygens  and  others,  their  High  Mightinesses' 

nirr  """T  V ''  v'  u  .  P;°"«'^«'^'  P"""«°'  to  resolution,  in  the  case  of  the  Patroons. 
planters  of  New  Netherland  against  the  West  India  Company.  It  is  after  previous 
dehberatmn.  resolved  and  concluded,  to  postpone  this  mattter  for  twelve  days;  and  parties 
shall  .n  the  meanwhUe  endeavor  to  settle  their  differences  by  agree.nent  and  mutual  accord; 
and  .f  not    the.r  H.gh  Mightinesses  will,  at  the  end  of  the  aforesaid  time,  have  the  said 

t^r:Z  gr^all     '        "   ''^''"'"  ^^'^^^^'^  '°   '''  "^"'^^"''^   ^-'"^^   ^^  -^^-'^^ 


Suhjects  fin-  the  Consideration  of  tU  Assembly  of  tU  XIX. 

[  From  the  Orlgloal  la  t'.e  Royal  ArohirH  at  the  nagne ;  File,  WiK  IwiU.  ] 


1(534. 


loinU  of  Reference,  whereupon  all  the  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company 
are  summoned  to  Amsterdam  on  the  31  July,  1634;  extracted  as  far  as 
relates  to  the  matters  of  New  Netherland.    Exhibited  18  July,  1634. 
8*  Point. 

As  Ambassador  Joachimi  hath  advised  the  Cmpany  of  the  claims  of  Jacob  Eelkens,  who 
H    '^^r.f  "»'""''•  ""'"""ting  to  40  (ax  60  thousand  guilders,  which  he  pretends  to  have  lost 
.n  New  Netherland    the  members  will  be  pleased  to  come  prepared  to  resolve  thereupon, 
according  as  it  shall  be  most  advantageous  to  the  Company. 


The  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  to  the  States  Gemral 

1  From  the  OrlflBal  la  the  Bojral  AroUrea  at  the  Hacue  i  FUe,  HM  Inii4.\ 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 
High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

The  year  1634  approaches  now  to  a  close,  and  the  West  India  Company  hath  not,  up  to  the 
present  time,  received  the  vote  of  the  subsidy  demanded  by  the  Council  of  State,  many  mon";s 
since,  for  its  support  for  that  year. 

Notwithstnnding  the  Deputies  from  the  XIX.  have,  with  such  great  persistence,  applied  to 
your  High  Mightinesses  therefor,  from  time  to  time. 


m  NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

And  now  clearly  made  manifest  both  to  your  High  Mightinesses  and  to  the  respective 
provinces,  that  it  is  impossible  for  the  Company  to  prosecute  any  longer  the  expensive  war  in 
Brazil,  much  less  to  accomplish  any  thing  of  advantage  to  this  State. 

Unless  your  High  Mightinesses  continue  to  afford  it  liberal  assistance,  and  not  only  promise 
the  Company  that,  but  also  make  them  sensible  of  it. 

Meanwhile  the  Company  abates  nothing  in  the  advancement  of  its  affairs,  but  has  done 
more  than  was  expected  from  it. 

With  what  difficulty  that  was  effected,  your  High  Mightinesses  can  sufficiently  understand, 

by  comparing  the  heavy  expenaes  of  the  war  which  it  has  now  waged  for  so  many  years,  with 

the  subsidies  voted  us,  and  the  trifling  profits  it  has  derived,  up  to  this  time,  from  the  conquests. 

What  the  end  of  this  is  to    be,  we  leave  your  High   Mightinesses'  prudent  wisdom 

to  consider. 

Of  this  we  must,  with  all  submission,  warn  your  High  Mightinesses;  unless  your  High 
Mightinesses  procure  a  vote  of  the  required  subsidies,  and  move  the  respective  provinces,  so 
that  they  will  be  received  more  promptly  than  heretofore,  we  see  no  prospect  of  meeting  any 
longer  the  heavy  expenses  of  the  war.  The  great  work  in  Brazil,  which  is  now  so  far 
advanced,  that  an  end  to  it  is,  in  a  manner,  perceptible,  will  be  interrupted  and  perhaps 
entirely  fail,  to  the  serious  disgrace  and  injury  of  this  State. 

Much  more  ought  to  have  been  done  than  the  Company  ever  wished  to  solicit  from  your 
High  Mightinesses,  in  order  to  accomplish  an  undertaking  of  such  vast  importance  to  the  country, 
and  not  only  to  render  that  work  secure,  but  to  give  the  King  of  Spain  employment  elsewhere 
by  way  of  diversion,  so  as  advantageously  to  execute,  meanwhile,  the  affair  in  Brazil  and  to 
allow  thif>  State  to  taste  the  fruits  thereof. 

We  have  submitted  to  your  High  Mightinesses  heretofore,  many  reasons  which  ought  to 
move  you  hereunto,  and  could  add  others,  were  we  not  convinced  that  your  High  Miglitinesses 
understand  them  better,  and  give  them  as  deliberate  consideration  as  they  deserve. 

We  shall,  therefore,  not  detain  your  High  Mightinesses  with  a  longer  deduction,  but  conclude 
this,  our  remonstrance,  with  an  humble  request: 

That  your  High  Mightinesses,  in  consideration  of  the  duties  lately  and  still  daily  performed 
by  the  Company  beyond  its  ability,  and  of  the  benefit  this  State  derived  therefrom. 

May  be  pleased  so  to  influence  the  respective  Provinces  that,  finally,  the  required  vote  of 
subsidies  may  be  obtained,  if  not  more,  at  least  in  the  same  form  as  was  demanded  by  the 
Council,  aud  the  effect  thereof  be  realized  as  promptly  as  necessity  requires. 

So  that  we  may  prosecute  with  renewed  courage,  and  complete,  with  God's  blessing, 
successfully  our  begun  work,  for  the  benefit  of  this  State,  and  the  humiliation  of  the 
common  enemy. 

The  Deputies  of  the  XIX.  are  also  instructed  to  explain  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  certain 
difficulties  they  experience  in  New  Netherland,  from  the  English  ;  whereof  Mr.  Joachimi,  your 
High  Mightinesses'  Ambassador,  hath  advised  us. 

As  the  matter  consists  of  a  long  narrative,  and  many  circumstances,  wMch  would  detain 
your  High  Mightinesses'  Assembly  too  long,  they  respectfully  request  your  High  Mightinessea 
to   be  pleased  to  appoint  a  committee  from  your  midst,  to  whom  we  may  communicate  the 
said  representation,  and  submit  the  means  whereby  further  inconveniences  may  be  avoided. 
Which  doing,  &c. 

Exhibited  24  October  lfi34. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    II  «. 

W 

Sesolution  of  ths  States  General  on  the  preceding  Menumai. 

[  Jrom  a.e  lUgUfr  of  E-olmion.  Of  U..  8U.«  6.o«.J,  in  .h.  KoyiU  AnAlm  u  U«  H.r...  ] 

Tuesday,  24'"  October,  1634. 
^«.'troo„.     r?r'w  '  remonstrance  of  the  attending  Deputies  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX 

Secondly,  the  above  named   remonstrants  are  also  instructed  to  exnlain  t«  ti.  •     «•  u 

included,  o„"tfi:::pt''i„rrsLtx°;.i'.rfor'.'' "  """t  r 

High  Migh.l„e..e.'  crrf,„,ial.,  .Ml  .!,„  be  i.M,„cKd  .  Z  °!  hll!  ^    Z"'  "'"'  """' 

to  the  .mount  expre..ed  la  the  geneml  petition  „r,he  Council  of  State  but  .!.„  .h.    T-    . 
of  ,h.  urre.,.  „bieb  the  .for...ld  Company,  by  prevlou.  vote    !"d  't  1      I^ZZTZ 
respective  provmces,  and  to  withdraw.    For  that  puroose  cxtrLt«  «f  ..a  T  f 

handed  to  the  Deputies.  And  as  regard  the  rorp^^t  hrcl^rsT I  !„'' 
Herberts.  SwarUen  urch.  Marienburch  and  Schaffer.  are  requested  and  ap^o  „  ed  io  tar  t^e' 
explanation  of  the  above  named  remonstrants,  and  to  report  thereupon. 


The  AssemUy  of  the  XIX.  to  the  States  General. 

t  From  U..  0,W,»1  ,n  lb.  Eoj,.l  Archl.e.  „  u..  n.g«. ;  «!.,  ,„ua«l  W^  IndU.  ] 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 
High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

The  Deputies  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  are  instructed  to  complain  to  your  Hi^h 
Klob  rv'Th  '  °"  J-o»' J-obsen  Elkens.  having  entered  the  service  o  Mr.  Wiul 
Klobery  and  h,s  assistants,  with  the  ship,  the  William,  whereof  William  Trevor  wis  ma  teT 
did  m  the  past  year  1633.  Trevor  was  master, 

«»roma:o";t.;?;::;n?oCB:ua:''"'''  ""-^  ■*»"-"»"'  -«— ^»^. 


94 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Without,  however,  holding,  as  far  as  is  known  to  us,  or  being  willing  to  exhibit,  when 
demanded,  by  our  agents,  his  Majesty's  Instruction  or  Cammission,  which  he  might  have  for 
that  purpose. 

Nevertheless,  it  is  sufficiently  notorious  to  all  the  world,  and  he,  Jt'r-ob  Elkens  himself 
knows  best  of  all,  having  been  employed,  even  before  the  year  1614,  in  the  service  of  those 
who  then  had  your  High  Mightinesses'  grant  to  trade,  exclusively,  to  that  r'ver  and  the 
surrounding  places. 

That  said  river  and  adjacent  countries  had  been  discovered  in  the  year  1609,  at  the  cost  of 
the  East  India  Company,  before  any  Christians  had  ever  been  up  said  river,  as  Hudson  testified, 
who  was  then  in  the  service  of  said  Company,  for  the  purpose  of  discovering  the  northwest 
passage  to  China. 

And  that  your  High  Mightinesses'  grant  hath  conferred,  from  that  time  down,  on  divers 
merchants,  the  exclusive  trade  in  peltries  there. 

Likewise,  that  one  or  more  little  forts  were  built,  also  under  your  High  Mightinesses'  chief 
jurisdiction,  even  before  the  year  1614,  and  supplied  with  people  for  the  security  of  the 
said  trade ; 

Further,  that  after  these  countries  had  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  incorporated  West  India 
Company,  not  only  were  the  above  named  forts  renewed  and  enlarged,  but  said  Company 
purchased  from  the  Indiars  who  were  the  indubitable  owners  thereof,  the  Island  of  the 
Manhattes,  situate  at  the  entrance  of  the  said  river,  and  there  laid  the  foundation  of  a  city. 

As  also,  not  only  on  that  river,  but  likewise  on  the  South  river,  and  others  lying  to  the  east 
of  the  aforesaid  North  river,  divers  natives  and  inhabitants  of  these  countries,  by  the 
assistance  of  said  Company,  planted  sundry  Colonies,  for  which  purpose  were  also  purchased 
from  the  chiefs  of  the  Indians,  the  lands  and  soil,  with  their  respective  attributes  and 
jurisdictions. 

As  is  to  be  seen  by  divers  deeds  o\  conveyance  and  cession,  executed  in  favor  of  the 
Patroons  of  the  Colonies  by  the  Sachems  and  Chief  Lorils  of  the  Indians,  and  those  who  had 
any  thing  to  say  therein. 

So  that  said  Company  had  occupied,  settled  and  cultivated  those  countries,  and  carried 
on  trade  there  from  the  commencement  of  their  charter,  without  any  one  having  justly 
[complained]  of  them  for  so  doing,  or  endeavored  b_  to  destroy  their  trade,  except 

some  [transported  ]  landers,  and  namely:  Jacob  Elkens,  who  least  of  all  [should  do 

80 :  who]  lately  by  false  [representations]  sought  to  perauade  his  Mfijesty  of  Great  Britain,  that 
those  rountries  of  New  Neth  'Hand  were  a  part  of  his  domains  in  that  quarter  of  North  America. 

And  although  iiur  Governor  anH  officers  there  advised  the  aforesaid  Jacob  Elkens,  in  a 
fsiv^ndly  manner,  to  refrain  from  trading  within  their  jurisdiction,  yet  he  went,  notwithstanding, 
higher  up  the  river,  and  having  pitched  his  tent  on  the  shore,  begun  to  trade  with  the  Indians, 
the  Company's  allies. 

So  that  our  officers  were  obliged,  after  various  negotiations  and  protests,  as  more  fully  may 
be  seen  by  the  writings  and  authentic  copies  thereof  existing,  to  weigh  said  Elkens'  anchor, 
and  to  expel  him  from  said  river. 

And  although  the  Company  hath  by  buch  arrival,  suffered  serious  damage,  and  their  trade 
has  been  thereby  particularly  spoiled. 

And  injurious  seeds  of  division  sown  between  the  Indians  and  our  people,  who  had  previously 
lived  together  in  good  union. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IL 


H^ 


And  other  serious  mischiefs  hnve  proceeded  therefrom,  such  as  killing  of  men  and  cattle 
Whereof  we  expect  fuller  information  by  the  next  ship,  which  is  now  soon  expecte 
from     h     ''"  '"''  ««-e«t  cause  of  complaint  against,  and  serious  losses  and  damages  to  claim 
from,  the  employers  of  th.s  Jacob  Elkens.  of  which,  on  the  contrary,  they  complain  again    T 
and  pretend  their  losses  are  very  great.  F  «■"  "gainsi  us. 

To  escape  from,  and  to  avoid  these  difficulties  "-e  better  in  future,  the  Deputies  of  the  XIX 
submit  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  wise  considera   .n. 

KZ''Tcr'7n-t"T  ^'  **""  '°  communicate  this  matter  to  the  Mr.  William  Boswel,  the 
Kmg  of  Great  Bntam's  agent. 

inti"rvl^r  '"  ftT'  ""'^"'J^'^'^y'  fi"t.  'his  question,  which  is  reasonable,  may.  by  the 
nterv  nt,on  of  h.s  Honor  on  the  one  side,  and  Ambassador  Joachimi  on  the  other,  be  settled  in  a 
fnendly  manner;  inasmuch  as  no  suit  has.  so  far  as  we  know,  been  entered,  up  to  the  present 
time,  against  the  Company,  or  complaint  been  made  to  his  Majesty  on  the  subject.         ^ 

And.  secondly,  future  mischiefs  maybe  avoided  by  a  proper  boundary  I  ne  between  his 
Majesty's,  and  your  High  Mightinesses',  subjects. 

Inasmuch  as  the  welfare  of  both  depends  on  mutual  good  understanding. 

And  a  contrary  course  will  afford  an  opportunity,  whereby  not  only  the  Indians  will  be 
emooldened  anew  to  kill  the  Christians,  as  the  English  heretofore  sorely  e  er  enc  d  in 
Virginia,  and  to  [slaughter]  our  people  for  a  much  slighter  [cause],  but  also  tL  K  n'of  Spa  n 

brdegre:s"rr  "  '''"^^^  "^  ""*  ^'^  ^^^^'"^  f*'"  "^^^        ■  which'othe^:;: 

Exhibited  S-S'"  October.  1«34. 


Jiesolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  difficulties  with  the  English  in  New  Netherla^ul. 

[  From  U»  B.gUI«r  of  Rowlallon.  of  th.  8c..«  0,„„.|,  ,„  u,.  BorU  ArohlT«  .t  tb.  H.gu..  ] 

Wednesday,  25"-  October.  1634. 
rou.a».  Mess"  Arnhem  and  the  other,  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  have  reported 

that,  pursuant  to  yesterday's  resolution,  they  have  heard  and  considered  the   state   of  the 
SlKn./"  •""  ;J"""°°  ""/l  difference  which  arose  in  New  Netherland    between  the   English 

h  V        K    •..  iT  ;  °^  '*""  ^""  '"•^''^  ^'"'"P^ny  "f  these  United  Netherlands,  and 

have  submitted  herewith  to  their  High  Mightinesses  certain  Representation  on  said  que  t.on 
communicated  by  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  aforesaid.  Whereupon,  dehberation 
being  bad.  It  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  this  State  cannot  by  any  means  interfere  therein, 
but  leave  the  aforesaid  matter  to  take  its  course;  but  their  High  Mightinesses  permit  the 
il?M  R  'TV°r1  ""'^  "°"^"  hereupon,  on  behalf  of  the  Company  in  particular, 
with  Mr.  Boswell,  the  Resident  of  his  Majesty  the  King  of  Great  Britain.    "^     ^        ^ 


96  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


New  Project  of  Freedoms  and  Exemptima. 

[  From  tha  US.,  wlihout  date,  In  tha  Boral  ArchWaa  »t  tha  Htgua ;  Flla,  anIIUad  Wmt  Indtt,  leaO-lOM.  ] 

Freedoms,  PRiviLEaEs  and  Exemptions,  granted  by  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords 
States  General,  ex  plenitudine  potatatu,  to  all  persons  of  condition,  inhabitants 
of  these  countries,  to  be  qualified  thereunto  by  their  High  Mightinesses,  as 
Lords  and  Patroons  of  New  Netherland,  for  the  purpose  of  planting  Colonies 
and  introducing  cattle  there,  all  for  the  advancement  of  the  Incorporated 
West  India  Company,  and  for  the  benefit  of  the  inhabitants  of  these  countries. 

Persons  admissible  thereunto  by  their  High  Mightinesses,  being  inclined  to  plant  Colonies  in 
New  Netherland,  shall  be  permitted  to  send  thither,  by  all  of  the  West  India  Company's  ships 
and  yachts  going  thither,  three  or  four  persons,  to  examine  the  state  of  things  there,  on  condition 
of  paying  for  board  and  passage  out  and  home,  six  stuyvers  a  day,  and  those  wishing  to  eat  in 
the  cabin,  twelve  stuyvers. 

9. 

And  in  case  of  offensive  or  defensive  operations,  they  must  lend  assistance  the  same  as  others ; 
and  if  any  of  the  enemy's  ships  be  captured,  they  shall  also  receive  their  share,  pro  rata, 
according  to  each  person's  quality;  to  wit,  those  not  eating  in  the  cabin  the  same  as  seamen, 
and  those  who  board  in  the  cabin,  a  share  equal  to  that  ot  the  superior  officers,  calculated  one 
with  another. 


list 


Herein  shall  be  preferred  such  persons  as  shall  be  admitted  first  on  their  High  Mightinesses' 


4. 


And  for  Lords  and  Patroons  of  New  Netherland  shall  be  acknowledged  those  who  will, 
within  six  years  from  this  time,  (exclusive  of  the  year  of  admission)  undertake  to  plant  in 
New  Netherland  a  Colonic  of  forty-eight  souls,  on  pain,  in  case  of  palpable  neglect,  of  being 
deprived,  at  their  High  Mightinesses'  discretion,  of  their  acquired  Freedoms,  Privileges 
and  Exemptions. 


I'u^T'm'L  ^  ^"'  «^'«'"y  ""«  '8  notified  that  the  Company  reserves  unto  itself  the  Island  of 
^•^^j'V^  Manhattes,  Fort.  Orange,  with  the  lands  and  islands  appertaining  thereunto, 
oJLi."*"  ""  Slaten  Island,  the  land  of  Achauemet,  Arasick  and  Hobokina,  together  with  the  Cokmie 
of  Swanendale. 

6. 

And  from  the  very  moment  that  the  Lords  and  Patroons  of  New  Netherland  have 
designated  the  places  where  they  wish  to  plant  their  Colonies,  and  have  obtained  admission 
thereto  from  their  High  Mightinesses,  they  shall  be  preferred  before  all  others,  for  such  lands 
as  they  have  selected. 

7. 
But  if  they  are  not  afterwards  pleased  with  the  places,  or  be  deceived  in  the  selection  of 
the  land,  they  shall  have  another  opportunity  to  make  a  selection. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    11. 


9: 


8. 


9. 


.rrrrrrc':::\-^tr^^ 


10. 


11. 


or  to  etw  ;     I  rXr^^  '''-  ^"•«-«.  -  rar  as  to  be  able  to  found  one 

enact  laws  and  pol       and  rkele^^^^^^^^  ""^^  ""S'^'^^'-  therein; 

will  and  pleasure  ^         '  °''''  ""^*  '""^  """^  of  their  Colonies,  according  to  thei; 


12. 


-"•:r=.:r.x  it.r^:;r  ;t'o.t' tir  """■  -"  •^--'  '-• 


13. 


«.v«.,„a„,  obKrved  here!  "^  ""'  J"'""'   '"■'"•"''"f   '»   "I" 


iie   mode  of 


14. 


bound  t  tier  onT:;:;:  o^^d  J  s  r-^r;"^' ''''"  ^" '''-''  p-p'«  -^  p-p«-y 

merchandise.  5  per'  oTcash  on  wha    thl  '"!'"     ft  ''''•^'  "  ^^''='"  ^°'-  ^°^  '"-'«'•'  "'  the 
herein.  hovvever^attL  a.     aX^^^^  T        "f  '"'  '"  ""^  •=°""^^y'  "°^  --'"^-g 

nothing;  whereLe  tht;   h    f    es  "ve     etr^^^^^^^^^  ^""""'^  ^"""  ^'""^y  ^^  'o' 

thither  J  but  the  Patroons  shall  annrlnrt         u    ^  '"  ''"P'  ""**  y^'^''  ^'"'^h  will  sail 

ever,  thing  necessar;°rttl:EZrorertr  ^         '''  ''''  '^''-'  ^'^^  P-'<^'"« 

"c"::;^:"^;^:^""'^^  '-  '-  Netherl„„d..a/„e;o;  be  obsUucteJ  int 
Vo..  L  ,3 


98 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


16. 


f:# 


The  Patroona  shall,  at  all  times,  be  privileged  to  send  their  own  ships  to  New  Netherland; 
and  in  going  and  returning,  to  attack  and  conquer,  oiTensively  and  defensively,  the  enemies  of 
this  state,  and  to  secure  thereby  the  same  right  aa  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company  enjoys. 

17. 
The  Patroons  of  New  N"*'^«?rland  shall  have  the  privilege  of  sailing  and  trading  along  the 
whole  coast,  from  Florida  uii.i0  Newfoundland,  and  to  all  the  Wild  islands  of  the  West  Indies. 

18. 

The  Patroons  shall  likewise  be  at  liberty,  every  where  around  the  coasts  of  New  Netherland 
and  the  places  adjacent  thereunto,  to  trade  their  acquired  goods  for  all  sorts  of  wares  and 
merchandises  to  be  had  there,  without  any  exception. 

19. 
On  the  arrival  of  such  wares  here  in  the  ships  of  the  West  India  Company,  there  shall  be 
paid  for  the  freight  of  each  merchantable  skin,  whether  otter  or  beaver,  one  guilder;  and  on 
all  bulky  articles,  such  as  pitch,  tar,  ashes,  timber,  grain,  fish,  salt,  rosin  or  such  like,  ten 
guilders  per  last  (estimated  at  4000  lbs.),  on  condition  that  the  Company's  seamen  shall  be 
obliged  to  wheel  and  bring  the  salt  on  ship  board;  with  this  understanding,  that  the  Patroons' 
own  ships  shall  be  always  preferred,  and  on  coming  to  this  tountry,  shall  enjoy  all  such 
benefits  and  Freedoms,  as  are  granted  to  the  Company. 

•20. 
All  wares  not  enumerated  in  the  preceding  article,  and  not  being  bulky  articles  f/mt  waeren) 
shall  pay  for  freight  1  guilder  per  hundred  weight,  and  wines,  brandies,  vinegars,  verjuice,  10 
guilders  per  barrel. 

91. 

Their  High  Mightinesses  promise  the  Patroons  not  to  impose  on  their  Colonies,  any  Custom, 
Toll,  Excise,  Impost  or  other  tax,  but  allow  them  to  enjoy  such  Freedoms  and  Exemptions  as 
are  granted,  or  shall  hereafter  be  granted  by  Charter  to  the  Company. 

99. 

No  person  shall  be  at  liberty  to  take  from  the  nervice  of  the  Patroons  any  of  their  Colonists, 
whether  man,  woman,  son,  daughter,  maid-serviint,  or  man-servant,  even  though  solicited  by 
the  ColonisU  themselves  to  receive  them  (except  by  written  consent  of  their  i'atroons),  during 
the  term  of  years  for  which  they  are  bound  to  their  Patroons;  ader  the  expiration  of  which 
time,  the  Patroons  shall  be  at  liberty  to  send  back  to  this  country  the  Colonists  who  leave 
their  service,  and  then  first  discharge  them  ;  and  11  any  Colonist  run  away  to  another  Patroon, 
or  resume  his  freedom  contrary  to  his  contract,  other  I'utroons  of  New  Netherland  shall  be 
bound,  and  do  promise  their  High  Mightinesses,  to  cause  him,  as  far  •\s  lies  in  his  power,  to 
bo  surrendered  into  the  hands  of  his  Patroon  or  his  Comminsary,  in  order  that  proceedings 
Uiay  b«  iusliluted  against  auuli  Culunist,  according  to  circumstances. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    II. 


99 


23. 


of  all  othera      '  "*  ""'  """''  *''*'"  ''°''"«'  '»  ?«'''«'='  Property,  to  the  exclusion 


34. 


They  shall  be  privileged,  also,  to  send  their  ships  every  whera  to  fi-h    .n^       . 
what  has  bean  caught,  to  ail  neutrals  and  friends  of'this  sfate  '      '  '°  '"  ^''  ^'^'^ 


25. 


^r^^"^Z:^^f:^:j:^z^:::  't%  ""^^"'" '-'--  •-- 

l>e  allow  such  discoverer,  as  a  premium  th' If  T  '  ^"'™°"''  P'°P'''y'  P'^''^^'^ 

for  ihat  purpose.  ^        ^  "''''^''''  '°  '"""^^  ««  "'^  P«'^°°n  «hall  have  stipulated 


2G. 


fore,  .h.,  h.,.  i„,  .„d  Zi,  b:i,,;r,:Lt7err„r"'''  "»'""^-'"».»''^  "^.-er 


«7. 


2S. 

29 

deliberations,  in  order  thereVtoJe  able   !'„"      ?'!,'"'  ""'^  ''''  """'  ^'^•'  '""""K"  and 
mereby  to  be  able  to  promote  the  necessary  protection  of  the  Colonies. 

30. 

f.r^^'llt      Their  High  Mightinesses  shall  exert  themselves  to  provide  the  P«fr„,„      ..u 


leo 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


88. 


The  Incorporated  West  India  Company  undertakes  to  maintain  the  fort  and  stronghold  on 
the  Island  of  Manhatten,  in  good  defence  and  garrison,  and  to  allow  the  Patroons  to  enjoy 
peaceably  and  quietly  these  Exemptions,  Privileges  and  Freedoms. 

33. 

All  private  and  poor  people  fonvermogen  yersonen)  are  excluded  from  these  Exemptions 
Privileges  and  Freedoms,  and  are  not  allowed  to  purchase  any  lands  or  grounds  from  the 
Sachems  or  Indians  in  New  Netherland,  but  must  repair  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  respective 
Lonta  Patroons. 

Thus  done  and  enacted. 


Svhject  foi  the  Comklemtion  of  the  Asmnbly  of  the  XIX.     1636. 

[  Prom  the  Orifiiul  In  Um  B071I  ArehlrM  it  th«  lUgn* :  Filr,  HM  tftii*.  ] 

Points  of  Reference  whereupon  all  the  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company 
are  summoned  to  Amsterdam  on  the  1"  of  June,  1636,  extracted  so  far  as 
relate  to  the  affairs  of  New  Netherland.     Exhibited  24*  May,  1636. 
7*  Point. 

They  shall  also  come  prepared  to  resume  and,  if  necessary,  amend  the  order  for  the  Director 
of  New  Netherland,  Curasao,  Cape  de  Verde,  Senegal,  Gambia,  Sierra  Leone,  the  Wild  Coast, 
Fernando  Noroncho  and  the  Colonies  planted  here  and  there,  and  for  this  purpose  each  in  hit 
place  shall  bring  with  him  all  books  and  papers  for  information  thereon. 


Readution  of  the  States  General  on  the  J'etittoit  uf  Lul>lmt  Van  Dindagen, 

\  rroB  tiM  IUcMm  of  RMolatloiu  or  Ui*  BIctM  Otnonl,  In  lb*  Rojtl  ArehlTM  U  Ui«  HnrM.  ] 

Saturday,  SO"-  August,  1636. 


>.«  RMMfiud.  Read  the  petition  of  Lubbert  van  Dinclagen,  fiscal  and  sheriff  of  the  General 
Ijbb.rtT.BU,o.i,.  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  in  New  Netherland,  complaining  of  the  wrong 
which,  he  maintains,  has  been  done  him  in  the  service  of  the  nforesaid  Company,  under  th» 
manager.ient  of  the  Chamber  residing  at  Amsterdam.  Whereupon  deliberation  being  had,  il 
it  resolved  and  concluded,  that  the  aforesaid  petition,  with  the  papers  annexed,  be  sent  to 
the  Directors  in  the  aforesaid  Chamber,  in  order  to  afford  the  petitioner  satisfaction;  or,  in 
default  the;  jof,  to  inform  their  High  Mightinesses  oi  Ihe  true  circumstances  and  correct  stafa 
of  the  petitionar'i  obm,  in  order,  on  seeing  it,  that  further  proceedings  be  had  thereon,  u  to 
the  same  shall  Appertain. 


ill  ^ 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS!     IL 


101 


S^tea  Gem>-al  to  tJi^  Anwterdam  ClutinJber  of  tJie  West  India  Company. 

I  From  the  Minata  In  Uia  Royal  ArobWaa  at  tha  llagua;  Flla,  Wtt  IndU  ] 

To  the  Directors  of  the  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company,  at  Amsterdam. 

The  States. 

li^^" ""'""''•  ^""  *'"  ***  ^^'^  Lubbert  van  Dincklagen,  fiscal  and  sheriff  in  New 
*«•"•  Netherland,    has  represented    to,   and  requested   of  us,  by   the   accompanying 

petition  and  annexed  papers,  the  original  of  which  we  have  resolved  to  send  you  herewith- 
requesting  that  you  will  cause  satisfaction  to  be  given  therein  to  the  petitioner;  or,  in  default 
thereof,  inform  us  of  the  correct  circumstances  and  true  state  of  the  petitioner's  case;  in  order, 
on  seemg  it,  that  further  proceedings  be  had  thereon,  as  to  the  same  shall  appertain. 

Done  30th  August,  1G3G. 


Hesdution  of  the  States  General  on  another  Petition  of  Mr.  Van  Dinclagen. 

[From  tba  BagMar  of  KaaoluUoaa  of  tba  BUtat  Oanaral,  la  tha  Eoyal  Archlraa  al  tka  Hagua.  ] 

Monday,  6th  October,  1636. 
On  the  further  petition   of  Lubbertus   van   Dinclagen, 


roiio  ;t4. 

Na«  NrUiarlaad. 
DIaclagan. 


„_-.,    late   advocate-fiscal 

and  sheriff  in  New  Netherland,  It  is,  after  previous  deliberation,  resolved  and 
concluded  that  this  petition  shall  be  sent  to  the  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company,  at 
Amsterdam,  in  order  that  they  may  reply  to  the  petitioner's  foregoing  request,  within  fourteen 
days  after  the  receipt  of  the  letter. 


^atea  General  to  t/it  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  t/ie    West  India  Company. 

[  rrom  Ika  MInM  In  Ika  Bojal  Arablraa  al  Iba  Ba|«a  g  File,  rail  InMt,  ] 

Thk  States. 

DiMkiar*.  You  can  see  from  the  accompanying  petition,  which  we  have  resolved  to  tend 

you  herewith,  what  Luh?rtu«  van  Dincklagen,  late  advocate-fiscal  and  sheriff,  hath  further 
represenii-d  to  and  requested  of  us;  desiring  that  you  reply  within  fourteen  dcys  after  the 
receipt  hereof,  to  the  petitioner's  foregoing  petition.     Wherein  fail  not. 

Done,  6'»  October,  1638. 


102 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS 


Hemlution  of  fh^  States  General  on  the  An-nver  of  the  Armterdam  Chamber. 

[  From  the  Bi«l.t,r  of  E«K.lotlOM  of*.  State  0.n,nil.  In  Ih.  Ror.1  Arohi«.  lU  th.  H^u..] 

Monday,  20"'  October,  X636. 

w^.'iirL..      Received  a  letter  from  th^  Directors  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West 

7r  „hb.rfn/°v'  ^TT'  '"  T'^'l '"  ?"'"  ^'^'^  Mightinesses'  letter,  written  in  the  case 
of  Lubbertus  Van  D.nclagen.  late  fiscal  and  sheriff  in  New  Netherland.  Whereupon 
del.berat.on  being  had,  .t  .s  resolved  and  concluded  that  the  aforesaid  letter  shall  be  handed  to 
party,  m  order  to  say  what  he  thinks  proper  thereupon. 


<■■»■■» 


iti»^ 


Subject  for  the  Consideration  of  the  Assemhly  of  the  XIX.     1636. 

I  Vtota  ths  Original  In  tha  Eojt.  ArchIrM  il  the  Hague.    Pile,  Wtt  'm/w.  ] 

Points  of  Reference  whereupon  all  the  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company 
are  summoned  to  Amsterdam  for  the  8'"  December,  1636.  extracted  so  far 
as  relates  to  the  affairs  of  New  Netherland.    Received  26  Nov.  1636. 
10"-  Point. 

They  shall  also  come  prepared  to  resume  and  amend  if  necessary,  the  order  on  the 
management  of  New  Netherland,  Curasao,  Cape  de  Verd,  Senegal,  Sierre  Leone,  the  Wild 
Coast,  Fernando,  Noronho,  and  the  Colonies  planted  here  and  there.  And  for  this  purpose 
each,  .n  his  place,  shall  bring  all  books  and  papers  for  information  thereon. 


Mr.   Van  Beveren  to  tJie  SUttes  General. 

I  From  tba  Original  In  tha  Royal  Archlraa  at  Uie  Hagiia ;  File,  KM  M<U».  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

My  last  to  your  High  Mightinesses  is  of  the  27'"  March.     The  letters  &c. 

I  fear  the  delay  in  terminating  the  Treaty  with  France  has  caused  the  granting  of  a  certain 
patent  to  Captain  Kercke  and  his  associates:  to  wit,  that  his  Majesty  has  given  to  the  aforesaid 
Captain  and  Company  a  patent  or  charter  for  the  term  of  twenty-one  years,  to  equip  eight  fully 
armed  ships,  to  erect  some  small  forts  in  New  England  or  Newfoundland,  and  to  become  master 
of  the  fishery  of  Newfoundland.  New  France  and  Virginia,  and  not  to  suffer  any  nation  to 
come  and  fish  there,  except  under  his  license  and  tribute,  where  notwithstanding  the  French 
from  all  remote  time  have  fished  and  carried  on  a  good  trade.  Your  High  Mightinesses  can 
enquire  if  any  of  your  subjects  are  in  the  habit  of  going  thither  with  the  same  design.    I  have, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    II. 

A  certain  Italian  nobleman,  etc. 
London,  a-"  April,  1637.  (Signed)        C.  Van  Beveren. 


Heedntion  of  the  State,  General  on  a  furlh^  Petition  of  Mr.    Van  DiacMagen. 

[  F«m  ,h.  EcgUte,  of  Be«,l„Uo,..  of  th,  8UI«  Oe.er.1. 1„  ,b.  Bo,.l  A«hlr«i  at  Ih.  Hi*...  ] 

Thursday,  the  SO"-  April  1637. 
DincCn"'  ,'^''«  '■"^'her  petition  of  Lubbert  Van  Dinckiagen.  late  fiscal  of  New  Netherland 

rndu7e7ThatrA"^"'"M      /"u"'/'''''"'''^'  ^''''  "'"'«'  Previous  deliberation  resolved  and 


^  '■  »  ■■  > 


/S'tofc*  6^tf««-o^  to  the  Aamnhly  of  the  XIX. 

i  From  th*  Mlaula  to  tha  Bojil  Archi™  tt  Ita*  Htgu*  |  FU»,  ir«(  ImlU.] 

To  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  West  India  Company  ;  the  30""  April,  1637. 

The  States. 
jU|.b^r„D.«^.  We  wrote  you  at  three  different  times  last  year.  1630,  to  pav  to  Lubbert  Van 
th«r»n„  •  ^"'<''''"8«»  *"«/*''««  y^»"  ""'"^y'  «»  Fi-cal  of  New  Netherland,  with  the  costs 
hereon,  or  m  case  of  refusal  to  show  cause  to  the  contrary.  We  have  sinc^  received  you 
let  er.  wr.t.en  there  the  lO'^  October,  in  the  aforesaid  year.  1636.  which,  after  pre  oTsr  ad  ng 
and  exammation.  we  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  above  named  Dincklngen.  to  make  hiJ 
o  servafons  thereupon,  and  he.  Dinckiagen.  ha.h  represented  to  us  this  day'  by  petiU^n  thl^ 
he.  having  examined  your  letter,  finds  that  it  states :  "^ 

.Wdir  Jhlt'"  rH"°"T'  '""'T'^  ''°'"  New  Netherland  uncalled  for  and  without  orders. 
Ne^ellj'  T  .  ''•^""""'*'"8  »"»  «"^"«'l  '"""thly  wages,  the  Commissioners  of  New 
Netherland.  who  had  previously  thoroughly  informe.l  themselves  of,  and  examined  all  the 
documents,  allowed  him  all  such  sums  of  money  as  were  afterwards  tendered  to  him,  wi .Uut 
making  any  computation  of  the  amount.  without 

Thirdly,  at  he  the  petitioner,  complaining  to  you,  .ev.r.l  persons  w.re  appointed  from 
your  body  with  the  ordinary  Commissioners,  to  review  the  whole  matter,  v.hich  ^  done  ^ 
the  presence  of  Mr.  Uerrard  Van  Arnhem.  Lord  of  Zeventer,  and  t...  tl.;  .aid  Mr!  Ar": '" 


104 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


had  infovmed  the  ordinary  Commissioners,  that  in  his  opinion,  he,  the  petitioner,  had  been 
more  than  satisGed  by  the  allowance  of  the  aforesaid  small  sum  of  money. 

To  which  three  points,  he,  the  petitiDner,  makes  answer,  by  the  aforesaid  petition. 
First,  that  he  did  not  return  home  without  orders,  or  unrecalled ;  but  that  he  considers 
the  forcible  opposition  in  his  office  in  New  Netherland,  his  illegal  removal  from  his  said  office, 
and  other  unbecoming  proceedings  of  Wouter  Van  Tweyler,  Director  in  New  Netherland. 
together  with  his  command  and  order  to  betake  himself  to  Fatherland,  as  the  aforesaid 
Dincklagen  can  prove,  to  be  a  recall  and  order  to  return  home,  as  indeed  it  is. 

Secondly,  that  the  sum  tendered  to  him  is  no  more  than  nine  months  of  what  is  due  him. 
Thirdly,  that  neither  examination,  nor  revision,  much  less  reconsideration  of  the  matter  has 
been  made  by  the  Commissioners,  but  on  the  contrary,  that  the  petitioner's  vouchers  and 
papers  were  rejected,  and  not  considered  worthy  either  of  perusal  or  examination  by  them. 

Wherefore,  we  having  further  examined  the  petitioner's  case,  find  the  same  to  be  just,  and 
therefore  cannot  and  ought  not  omit  hereby  officially  and  earnestly  to  request,  desire,  and  to 
exhort  you  once  more  for  the  third  time,  to  cause,  and  let  satisfaction  be  made  him,  after  such 
long  unfounded  delays  and  postponements;  and  shall  confidently  rely  on  you  no  longer 
remaining  ir  t'efault  herein,  so  that  we  may  hereafter  be  freed  and  relieved  from  the  petitioner's 
troublesome,  but  well  founded,  solicitations.  And  with  this  view,  we  have  requested  Messrs., 
our  deputies,  who  are  to  go  and  preside  over  your  present  Assembly,  in  our  behalf,  earnestly 
to  recommend  and  iirge  this  matter  on  you,  so  that  the  Petitioner  be  deprived  of  cause 
of  complaint.    Don^.  XXX'"  April,  1637. 


Resolution  of  the  States  Ceneral  to  commission    Wilkm  Kieft,  Director  of  New 

Netherland, 

[  Prom  tk*  B«tMw  of  PeMluUani  of  the  BlalM  Oratril,  In  Ihs  Hoy.l  ArchlTH  al  the  Hague.  ] 

Wednesday,  2'»  September,  1637. 
Polio 4M.  Director  Elias  de  Raet  appeared  in  the  Assembly,  with  credentials  from  the 

Directors  of  the  West  India  [Company]  Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  of  the  first  instant,  and 
rnrrJ,;,*"-  P'"''y«^  ''^^'^  ^'^^  Mightinesses  that  CommlRsion  do  issue,  and  the  oath  be 
He-  N.th.rta«d.  entered  of  Willkm  Kieft,  to  go  in  the  stead  of  Wouter  Van  Twyler,  as  Director 
of  New  Netherland.  Which  being  granted  by  their  High  Mightinesses,  the  aforesaid 
Commission  is  ordered  to  be  issued,  and  the  aforesaid  Willem  Kieft  was  thereupon  sworn. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IL 


105 


Subject  for  Comideratwn  by  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.     1638. 

[  From  the  Original  In  the  Eny,l  ArchWee  m  the  Hague ;  Flip,  Walt  IntHa.  1 

Points  of  Reference  on  which  ail  the  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company  are 
summoned  to  Middelburg  for  the  2,V  January,  1638;  extracted  so  far  as 
relates  to  the  affairs  of  New  Netherhind.     Received  19  January,  1638. 
17">  Point. 

They  shall  come  also  prepared  to  consider,  and,  if  necessary,  to  improve  the  management  of 
New  Netherland,  Curasao,  Cape  de  v'erd,  Senegal,  Sierre  Leone,  the  Wild  Coast.  Fernando. 
Noronha.  and  the  Colonies  planted  here  and  there ;  and  with  this  view,  each  in  his  place  will 
bring  all  books  and  papers  for  information  thereon. 


J2esoIvthn  of  the  States  General  directing  a  Register  of  West  India  Affairs  to  be  kept. 

I  From  the  BegUter  or  the  Wert  India  Affair.,  1688-lfl»l,  la  th.  Boyal  Arehlre.  .t  the  Kagne.  ] 

Friday,  16  April,  1638. 
FoHo  1.  After  deliberation,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded,  that  henceforth  all  re^^olutions, 

letters  or  other  writings,  relating  to  the  East  India  Company  and  also  to  the  West  India 
Company,  shall  be  entered  and  arranged  in  a  book  apart  from  the  others. 


liesolution  of  the  Stales  General  on  a  Project  for  Colonizing  New  Netherland. 

[  From  the  BegWIar  of  the  Weal  rn.lla  AKklra,  IdM-lMl,  In  tk<  Ror*l  Archlre.  .1  the  Hague.] 

Saturday,  i;">  April,  1638. 
PafnmMrtiiock-       ^*""'   '"   ^^^^   Assembly   a  certain    remonstrance,    presented   to   their   High 

o!i?nl  In  New  '^''«''''"^*'^'' '"'''*' """"^  ""'^  «"  ^''e ''^half  of  divers  partiicrs  and  stockholdefs  of 
wXrllnd"  "*  the  West  India  Company ;  also  was  exhibited,  in  addition,  a  certain  Project 
regarding  the  planting  of  Colonies  in  New  Netherland.  Whereupon  deliberation  being  had, 
It  is  resolved  and  concluded,  that  the  aforesaid  Remonstrance  and  Project  be  placed  in 
the  hands  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  De.-uties  to  the  present  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  here  at  the 
Hague,  to  be  by  them  communicated  to  that  Assembly,  and  further  to  manage  and  direct 
the  affair  there,  so  that  proper  resolution  tyay  be  taken  thereupon,  one  way  or  the  other,  before  the 
Assembly  of  the  XIX.  adjourn. 


Vol.  I. 


U 


^It 


im 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  urging  the  Colonization  of  JVew  Mtherland. 

[  from  Ihe  Reglater  of  the  We»t  Indls  AOkln,  168S-t661,  In  the  Bo7>l  ArchlTet  at  tht  Hague  ] 

Monday,  26  April,  1638. 
Whereas  their  High  Mightinesses  learn  that  a  sufficient  number  of  good  and 


Polio  1. 
Divine  Worship  in       ,  tj  o —  «■■•--    »•  Mv.M«mv,(^yt.i«,    ijumi^ci     ui    guuu    uiiu 

«  order  .ed  ^'""^  clergymen  have  not  been  sent  to  labor  at  Brazil  in  the  harvest  of  the  Lord  ; 
di«=ipHn..  also  that  church  discipline  has  not  been  duly  introduced,  much  less  practiced 


youth.  there,  nor  even  order  taken  for  the  establishment  of  schools  for  the  education  of 

the  rising  youth,  that  they  may  be  brought  up  in  religion  and  piety. 

^cSnd"  *""  Secondly,  their  High  Mightinesses  receive  additional  information  that  the 
Popuiauon.  population  in  New  Netherland  does  not  only  not  increase  as  it  ought,  but  even 

that  the  population  which  had  been  commenced  is  decreasing,  and  appears  to  be  neglened  by 
the  West  India  Company,  so  that  the  inhabitants  of  foreign  princes  and  potentates,  are 
endeavoring  to  incorporate  New  Netherland,  and  if  not  seasonably  attended  to,  will  at  once 
entirely  overrun  it. 

Therefore  their  High  Mightinesses,  atter  previous  deliberation,  have  resolved  and  concluded 
on  the  first  point,  hereby  to  instruct  and  authorize  their  deputies  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX 
that  in  conjunction  with  the  present  delegates  from  the  respective  Chambers  to  said  Assembly! 
they  assist  in  making  and  enacting  such  order,  that  Divine  Worship  in  Brazil  be  duly  attended 
to,  church  ordinance  and  discipline  introduced  and  practiced,  and  the  rising  youth  educated 
and  brought  up  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  and  in  the  Christian  Reformed  religion. 

On  the  second  point,  their  High  Mightinesses  have  resolved  and  concluded,  that  before 
the  present  delegates  from  the  respective  Chambers  to  the  aforesaid  present  Assembly  of  the 
AIX.  adjourn,  their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies  shall  assist  in  making  and  enacting  such 
efJectual  order  regarding  the  population  of  New  Netherland,  and  thereunto  invite  all  good 
inhabitants  of  these  Netherlands  by  such  inducements  and  pre-eminences  as,  with  the 
approbation  of  their  High  Mightinesses,  they  shall  resolve  to  offer  to  all  colonists,  bo  that  this 
State  may  not  be  deprived  of  the  aforesaid  New  Netherland,  by  any  indirect  underhand  dealing 
or  some  inhabitants  of  this  country,  and  the  intrusion  and  invasion  of  those  of  foreiRn  princes 
and  potentates.  *^ 


w 


lieport  on  the  Condition  of  tlis  Colony  of  Xew  Netherland,  in  ir,38. 

[From  the  Orlgmelln  the  Bo,.!  Archlroa.tth.  Hague:  /./-,«•«„,  ,h.  sutM  General;  DWIalon.  r«« /m/^.M«  Cbmpo^i,,  No.  «.  ] 

iKirrSj  J^''^?"J  '^^  ^°'^^  ^'"•'"'  ^«"""'  °^'''''"  ""reliable  information  on  the 
pS'^7r;:;'T.!J  ,  !"  "^  ^'^  Netherland;  that  it  is  retrogra.iing  more  and  more,  to  the  injury 
j52:r"'NJU.V,t  °'  ""«  ''*"^«  «"'!  'ts  inbabitantj,  it  is  demanded : 

najBl    Tnn     Voor- 

and  8w.r«nberg.         1.  HOW  lar  do  tile  limits  of  New  Netherland  extend  a.'ong  the  sea  coast? 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    II. 


107 


Ci,apoa  .  along  the  «ercoast  to  Zfoundland^'        "  """"""^  '"^  "^'^^'"'^  *°  "'''  ''-«» 

2.  Are  these  limits  still  i„  the  possession,  at  the  present  time,  of  the  West  India 
Company,  and  the  inhabitants  of  this  country?  ine  west  India 

Th.  E»gli.h  extend  from  ,he  aonhemt  of  New  EDgl..d  „.to  the  F,.,h  River. 
irthere*be^r„l'le  ''°"''"°'"','"°  ""1  """""'°«  "'"'"'y  ""i  '^  "ha,  mean.? 

Th     r^'iT"  ';''""''»  °"i™'  "'«  neighbors,  above  and  below! 
ha™  be^:.'""  '°"°"  "'  "°'°  ''"''°'"  ""»  "'-  ^"8""1i  »"  '•  ".«»!.  f-her  ..  our'. 

Lo...    If  U  ^I'^aZrp'rot^l-^l/r^r  '^'  ^'■°'-  »"'-  --"-' 
7.  And  in  ea,e  of  lo...  and  their  High  Migl„i„e,„,  coa.ider  it  advanl„~oo.  lo 

;  rer;,:d"atTe'i;i,'!rrL?:  s::i:t  •»  ■>'-  -  -"-  -  - 

They  have  no  intention  .o  to  do,  unle.s  they  derived  profit  by  it. 
Of  X't'T'  °°"  ""'  ""  '""  "'"  ■°""  ""'"  »'»"'  B'-^'.  "••■  i'  "ill  P-.  .  .cure. 

:52r  r  ~  -"- -= ~s.i.  r :.- 

the  A«e„.L„  „f  the  X.X.  of  the  VoU  I  J.  Co.np'i^tt  the  H^'r  '  ""  ""  '''  °''*''""'^'  ""^  '»  P-'<^-' 

Che..p.»ko.  .  Meaning,  p.„i„My.  the  Ha«..of  Good  Uapo.  on  the  C,nne.Ucut  River;  now.  Hartford.- Eo. 


;   'i 
»  *1 


«:0aQi 


106 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Mr.  Joachimi  to  the  States  Oeneral. 


I  From  tbo  Original  Is  Ih*  Rojral  Archlrct  at  th«  Hagut ;  nie,  SngOaHd.  ] 

High  and  Miglty  I,o>.h:' 

My  Lords ! 

Your  High  Mightinesses  will  see,  by  the  accompanying  papers,  the  resolution  of  the  Lords 
of  the  Kings  Council  on  my  application  to  his  Majesty  respecting  letters  of  reprisal  granted  to 
George  Henley  and  his  associates,  also  to  Polhil,  and  regarding  that  of  the  intercourse.  I  have 
added  thereunto  copy  of  the  answer  of  the  Coinniitteeof  the  council  of  the  ix  March  1C35.  (that 
is,  of  the  xix  March  1G36,  new  style)  quoted  I'v  their  Lordships  in  this  resolution  of  the  xxv 
April  1638,  English  style.  I  ohjiM dt  lo  :iie  u(v<n!said  answer  before  I  went  in  the  year  1G36  to 
Netherland.  On  the  xviii""  instant,  I  was  told  that  vessels  lay  in  the  river  ready  to  proceed 
to  sea  with  letters  of  reprisal.  On  which  advifie  I,  the  next  day,  requested  audience  of  the 
King,  and  this  being  granted  me  on  Thursday  the  xx'^  I  reminded  his  Majesty  that  last  April 
I  had  spoken  to  him,  and  submitted  divers  reasons  in  opposition  to  the  abovementioned 
reprisals,  and  that  I  had  received  a  favorable  answer.  I  further  stated  that  the  matter  was 
afterwards  brought  before  the  Lords  of  the  Council,  and  that  it  has  come  to  my  knowledge 
that  ships  are  ready  to  proceed  to  sea,  to  put  the  aforesaid  letters  into  execution,  without 
further  answer  having  been  communicated  to  me.  For  I  had  not  seen  the  aforesaid  resolution, 
though  I  knew  its  contents.  And  whereas  your  High  Mightinesses'  affairs  would  be  incommoded 
by  the  execution  there,  f;  friends  scandalized,  and  the  enemy  be  furnished  with  cause  to  rejoice. 
I  prayed  his  majesty  to  order  the  letters  to  be  annulled,  and  to  consider  whether  the  execution 
thereof  would  not  be  prejudicial  to  the  affairs  of  the  Elector  Count  I'alatine.  His  Majesty 
immediately  said,  that  he  should  have  their  execution  stopped  ;  arul  as  I  urged  him  thereto,  he 
added,  that  he  would  not  allow  the  letters  to  be  put  in  force  without  my  being  informed  of  the 
fact.  As  soon  as  I  had  taken  my  departure,  the  King  spoke  to  Secretary  Coke  who  was  in  the 
closet,  and  on  next  day,  it  being  Whitsuntide,  proceeded  to  the  country,  where  I  have  waited 
on  him  and  understood  that  he  hath  given  orders  to  have  the  ships  detained.  1  respectfully 
pray  your  High  .Mightinesses  not  to  delay  any  loUi^er  your  deli'  .rations  on  the  aforesaid  matter, 
and  to  be  pleased  to  communicate  to  me  your  resolutions  thereupon.  It  is  now  reported  here, 
that  Polhil  hath  long  since  had  two  ships  at  sea  to  execute  his  letters  of  reprisal.  It  is  to  be 
observed  on  this  point,  as  well  as  on  tiie  reasons  on  which  the  Lords  of  the  Council  seem  to 
found  their  resolution  : — 

That  in  the  year  1633,  William  Clobery,  David  Moreliead  and  John  de  la  Barre  complained, 
that  they  were  injured  by  some  Dutchmen  resident  in  New  Netherland,  who  had  obstructed 
them  in  their  trade  in  those  parts,  as  they  represented.  The  aforesaid  persons  have  demeaned 
themselves  to  this  time  very  discreetly,  and  would  not  have  voluntarily  brought  their  complaints 
into  court.  In  the  following  year,  1634,  I  wrote,  and  sent  the  depositions  on  this  subject,  to 
your  High  Mightinesses,  as  your  HiRh  Mightinesses  will  please  to  observe  by  the  copy  of  my 
letter  accompanying  this.  For  a  good  while  I  have  not  heard  of  this  matter,  and  thought  that 
it  was  abandoned  or  had  died.  On  the  xiii""  ipstant,  two  of  the  aforesaid  persons  came  to  me, 
and  inquired  what  had  they  to  expect  in  their  case.  From  their  language,  I  could  infer  that 
they  had  spoken  with  some  Lords  of  Council.  More  than  one  suit  will  arise  out  of  this,  if  the 
matter  be  not  arranged. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IL 


109 


The  Irish  Officer,  whose  house  has  been  hired  by  Captain  Jan  Reierssen.  has  not  come  near 
me  any  more  since  I  wrote  to  your  High  Mightinesses.  If  he  be  in  Holland  and  receive  no 
satisfaction  there,  it  will  be  very  requisite  to  send  over  well  veriaed  excuses,  or  he  will  be 
able  to  obtam  letters  of  reprisal  with  very  little  trouble. 

In  my  last  of  the  xii  instant,  I  wrote  that  a  certain  Judge  had  distinctly  advised  that,  under 
present  circumstances,  the  ship  money  may  not  be  levied  off"  the   inhabitants  of  England 
without  consent  of  Parliament.     It  is  since  rumored,  tlut  a  Divine,  who  hath  a  good  prebend 
and  visits  the  house  of  one  of  the  aristocracy,  had  intruded  into  a  chamber  at  Westminster 
where  the  Judges  sat;  among  the  rest  into  his  whose  advice  is  mentioned  above.     And  the 
aforesaid  Divine  there  told  the  said  Judge  openly,  that  he  had  committed  high  treason.     I 
have  not  since  heard  whether  he  hath  made  public  in  what  the  Judge's  guilt  consisted.     The 
aforesaid  Divine  was  thereupcn  arrested.     A  lord  of  the  Council  told  me  on  the  xx-  of  this 
month,  that  the  Scotch  Lords,  mentioned  in  a  previous  letter,  have  gone  to  Scotland  with  some 
bishops,  except  the  Marquess  of  Hamilton.'  who  has  remained  here  on  account  of  the  sickness  of 
his  wife,  who  died  on  the  above  mentioned  day.     The  duchess  of  Chevreuse  is  still  at  Court 
whither  she  was  brought  at  the  King's  expense.     The  Landgrave  John  of  Darmstadt,  as  I 
have  It  from  source  ceitain,  has  had  no  business  here;  he  came  hither,  fearing  that  an  effort 
would  be  made  to  use  him  against  the  Duke  of  Wymar,  his  father  (vetter),  whom  he  respects. 
Ihe  Heer  Uoo^  proceede.l  hence  to  Gravesend  on  Friday,  on  his  way  to  Hamburgh,  and  Sir 
Kichard  Keeff-  to  Holland,  with  money,  cannon,  and  munition  of  war  for  the  Elector  Count 
Palatine.     Said  Uoo  told  me  that  he  is  well  assurnd  of  the  good  intention  of  the  King,  his 
master,  and  that  he  hopes  to  make  quick  business  if  the  other  ambassadors  are  as  willing  and  as 
fully  authorized  as  he.     There  is  not  so  much  opposition  here  to  the  double  toll  or  custom 
which  the  King  of  Denmark  exacts  in  the  Sound  from  those  who  frequent  the  Baliic,  as  to  the 
toll  on  the  Elbe  at  (M.ikstad.     Of  the  first  it  is  said,  the  King  hath  incurred  expense,  and  that 
It  IS  levied  only  once  ;  and  of  the  toll  on  the  Elbe,  that  it  is  not  reasonable  that  (he  aforesaid 
King,  because  he  hath  built  ;i  town  or  city,  should  shut  up  a  free  river,  contrary  to   the 
constitutions  o(  :;he  Kingdom.     From  intercepted  letters  here,  it  is  understood  thatGallas  hath 
instructions  to  occupy  the  forts  he  can  take  between  the  Weser  and  the  Uhine,  with  a  view 
to  cut  your  High  Mightinesses  oft'  from  (Jermany.     The  Spanish  ambassador  took  his  leave  of 
the  King  to  day.     The  Envoy  from  Morocco  left  London  on  Thursday  last.     The  Lord  High 
Admiral  of  England  is  very  sick  ;  the  virtuous  wish  he  may  recover. 

H.ewith  will  this  end  and,  after  my  humble  salutations  to  your  High  Mightinesses    I 
pray  'Jod  ' 

High  and  Mighty  Lords,  that  He  may  bless  your   High  Mightinesses'  deliberations  and 
government. 

Your  Migh  Mightinesses' 

Most  obedient  servaiit 
London,  the  xxii'"  May,  1638.  (Signed)  Alb.  Joachimi 

Ueceived,  IV  June,  1G38.  jggg 

'  Jam»,  3J  Mnniue*,  a.ul  Ut  Duke,  of  lI«miIton,  a,u\  S,h  Earl  of  Arran,  K  O..  w».  l.o.n  in  1606  ,nd  succeeded  to  the 
!,    V"  ,'f' ,  ^'""*"'^"'  •  '^"''«  "'  '«■'•'■  »"J  '"  ""S.  '">'"  tl,eco„„„„„d  of  „„  army  that  wa,  raised  and  ..mrohed  into 

tngUnd   or  the  reli.f  of  Charle,  I.,  but  wa.  d.fe.h.l  at  IWon,  whe:     ..  Cin.ce  wa,  taken  prisoner.     He  w«  beheaded  on 

:  „""'■'•  '''^'^'  ■  '""  '"'"  •'*"  ''"  ^"^"^  *•■"'*■•  '"^^  •""''■■'"1  "x'  •«'"<  f«t».  «'>J  JieJ  with  nndannted  courage  -  En 
Sir  ThoDiat  Koe.  *■ 


'14  ini  I 

1] 

! 

I 


Mi 


VW' 


^®  NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Sui^ect  of  /Reference  for  the  Asmnbly  of  tU  XIX.     1638. 

[  From  the  Origlnil  In  Mxi  Eoyal  Archiret  at  the  Iligm ;  ru«,  RM  /,««*  ] 

Points  of  Reference  on  which  all  the  Chambers  of  the  West  InJia  Company  are 
summoned  to  Middelburg  for  the  6-  July  163S ;  extracted  so  far  as  they 
IS''  Point  "''  ^""^  ^«'»'«'-'«"d.     Exhibited  12'-  June.  1638. 


*  ■■  »  11  » 


Proposed  Articles  for  the  Colonizatior,  and  Tmde  of  New  Netherland. 

I  From  th.  Origln.1  to  th.  Royal  Archlre.,  at  the  Hagu.  j  File,  r.rt  /Mto.  ] 


Articles  and  Conditions  drawn  up  and 
published  by  theChamber  of  Amsterdam,  with 
the  approbation  of  their  High  Mightinesses, 
the  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands, 
in  conformity  to  the  authority  of  the  XIX  ;  on 
which  the  respective  Lands  and  Places  in  and 


Exhibited  SO"-  August  1638. 
Report  2  Septemb'  1G3S. 

Referred  to  Mess"  Arnliem  Noortuyn, 
Noortwyck,  Vosbergen,  Weede,  Priussen, 
Donkel  and  Coenders,  to  view,  examine  and 

^^e^Tn  bJ'"^  «'«\^''«^Hnesses'  aro.d' New ^^;;;;:;;7;h::;,:'Z""r 

t^h'^h.  '  D  ne    or;:;:r  J    '''''-'     •^-forward    be  traded  to.  frequented  and 

Signed.  Corn-  M  "sch  1C3S  Bettled  according  to  such  form  of  government, 

S         ooRN   MLscH  1638.  a„d  poi.ce  „,  n,,y  ^t  present,  or  shall  hereafter. 

be  established  there  by  the  Company  or  its 
agents. 

execution  thereof,  all  high  and  low  jiirisdiction,  together  with  the  exercise  of  this  and  oth^r 
appendages  of  public  affairs ;  in  order  that  its  Governors,  officers  and  all  otIs  employed  by  it 
may  administer,  regulate,  manage  and  execute  the  same,  under    their  High  Zght  „.  sses 
ccor  ing  to  the  instructions  to  be  given  thereon  from  time  to  time,  without  it'  ei   ^^     ^^^^^^^^^^ 

tl.e  respective  churches,  with  which  every  one  shall  be  satisfied  and  content'  without.  Eve;. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    11. 

provided  he  avoid  frequentL  any  forbid!iP„„.       n     ^  "  '''^"  '"  P'"'^  and  decorum; 

up  any  such  ;  and  further  absl Xn  „  l.bTeTc  'f ,"  "Tf'^'^"  ""^"^  '^"  ^""^^  ^  ««' 
charged  to  prevent  by  all  (ittin.reDrol. Jh  T  •  "  "^'"''''  ^'"'='^  "'«  '""g'^trate  is 
Company.  ,Vom  time'to  time  'of  ^  a  ^ry  rcJlr":"'- "■'' ""^"^^^'  '°  "'^'^  ^••« 
misunderstandings  may  be  timely  obviatedZ  prevented!"  '  "   '''''  ""''"^'°"''   ""'^ 

and-  p''b;c';r::t-  htvVTe^^^  ''-':  ««-'«•  ^^^  -"  ^--^  -on«Ho.ds. 

maintained,  preserved  and  improv  d  to  the  b"  '^''^"'"^^"'  ''-"  'f^^-.  «'-!!  be  pfoperly 
general  assessment  to  be  P  idZ  he  er  t  on  and  c""?''  °'  '"  commonalty,  and  that  the 
collected  with  the  least  inconvenience  o  ,6--  ""  TT  '''"'''''  ^^""  ''^  '^'^^  and 
power  of  the  Director  or  his  CounXl  le  r;  tre't^^^^^^^^  ^''T  '1  '''"'  '"  ''' 
and   us  consent    be   obtained.     Which   assessment   In  ^""^  ^'  advised  thereof, 

works  and  charges,  for  the  maintenlLe ^  !  el  th^;  w^":;  I?"^  "'-'''  *°  «-- 
and  granted.  '      ^  ^^'^^  "'  '"«  commencement  voted 

cou^nt^.  a':;:'::  ^oifbteiMr ';?pT  t "  ^'^  •^"'"^^''""  -^  -">--'  °^  ^-^o- 

the  public  waters,  creeks,  bajs  and  ri  tr  7„  "IT"""  "'  ''""''^"■°"'  ''^""^  ^'^  "««  "^ 
dry  marshes  therein  situate,  all  thesTsh:!!  if  .         ^PP'^^P^'-'^""?  «ny  inlands,  sandspits  and 

make  such  arrangements,  thi-^h  the  D  t  a^d  5  nd.  rh''""!'"^'-"''^''  "^""^'^^^  ^° 
that  all  the  inhabitants  of  those  o.rts  «hnll  ,  •  u  ^  ^''^'  '""""'"^  the  use  thereof, 
advantage,  unless  the  Compan!  C  v  t' 7'  ^'^"'^°™/'-  g-atest  possible  profit  and 
disposition  therein,  which  Lsolul^'  and  H "T  'v  """'''  ''''"  '''  "'^'^^'^'^  ''  "^'^^  °'her 
withoutanytroubl  oroppos^on  Ldt  how"  ""'  °"'  ''^"  '^  '"""^^  '««»>-"«. 
he  3b.l.  be  corrected  andXourhrto  t'd':^t;;;;:;ii:7„Z:^''-  "  ''"'-'-  '-  -"'^' 

an^r  Jrt:rtr:;:ra;J::^^^^^^       -r '°  ^"  ^-^-'-^^ 

customs   already   made,   or  to  be    hLXr  I  '^  P'""""'^"'"' ""'^  the  laws  and 

contribute  actively  and  firm  yhereunoTnssn"'        r^'"""'^   ^''"«'"«  ^^^^^^^  "^-^  to 
any  regard  of  perLn  or  pl    .  t  o  ^Z  heir^^be"  '"T"''''  '''  ""' ^''"'  ^""-^ 

itself  particularly;  i„  which  case  the  judgefshal    be  sp  c  a  lv"h    "d  !  TT"  '''  ''"'"P""^ 

aci^:g  t:r  ^ni;;:.  ^^^o- g'^i;;:.  :::^i  -.  °-  p'-  ^-  --  ^«  ^'«po«ed 

inhabitant  shall  be   bound  willingly  to  ace  p     and  h„  "",  "^'^"'"f '  "^  ""'""  *''^^«'  ^«'='' 
place  of  residence,  according  to  ^  s  oath  an.tro  h  and  ,T  '  "  '  ""'  '"  ''"'"^^^  ^^  '''« 

Bame.  all  public  burthens  and  duties    sm.1    as  the  nffi        r'  '"^'^"'^"""^  S'^^"  ^•«"<^«rning  the 


ii 


lis 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


of  the  Director  and  his  Council,  on  condition  of  giving  the  Company  notification  thereof,  and 
obtaining  its  approbation  therefor. 

7.  No  public  servants,  whether  Director,  councillors,  military  commanders,  commissaries, 
skippers,  nor  any  others  in  the  receipt  of  orJinary  wages  from  tlie  Company,  shall,  unless 
permitted  so  to  do,  be  at  liberty  to  carry  on  any  trade  either  for  themselves,  or  as  factors,  or  on 
commission  for  others,  much  less  undertake  any  farms  or  bouweries ;  but  be  content  with 
their  ordinary  wages.  And  if  they  happen  to  transgress  herein,  they  shall  immediately  be 
deprived  of  such  offices  and  qualities  us  they  may  be  invested  with,  and  forfeit,  moreover,  their 
earned  monthly  wages  and  any  purchased  lands  and  goods  which  may  be  discovered  contrary 
to  this  article  in  their  possession,  or  the  value  thereof,  should  they  have  traded  or  conveyed 
those  away;  and  the  respective  officers  and  justices  are  commanded  to  enforce  the  execution 
hereof,  without  any  connivance. 

8.  Each  householder  and  inhabitant  shall  bear  such  tax  and  public  charge  as  shall  hereaft-^r 
be  considered  proper  for  the  maintenance  of  Clergymen,  comforters  of  the  rick,  schoolmasters 
and  such  like  necessary  officers;  and  the  Director  and  Council  there  shall  be  written  to 
touching  the  form  hereof,  in  order,  on  receiving  further  information  hereupon,  it  be  rendered 
the  least  onerous  and  vexatious. 

9.  The  inhabitants  shall  be  at  liberty  to  build  there  for  themselves,  or  for  such  others  as 
shall  instruct  or  commission  them  thereunto,  all  descriptions  of  craft,  either  large  or  small, 
and  with  such  vessels  and  no  others,  ascend  and  descend  all  rivers,  and  prosecute  thfir 
their  lawful  trade  and  barter,  as  well  as  trade  therewith  along  the  entire  coast,  from  Florida  to 
Newfoundland.  And  in  case  they  happen,  in  the  course  of  such  voyage,  to  take  any  of  the 
enemy's  ships,  they  shall  bring  such  to  the  place  of  residence  of  the  Director  there,  to  be  by  him 
either  distributed,  or  sent  hither ;  one-third  part  for  the  benefit  of  the  Company,  and  two-thirdi 
for  the  captor,  provided,  if  the  prize  come  over  here,  the  proper  share  for  the  Company  shall 
be  first  deducted. 

10.  And  should  any  wares  or  merchandises  from  any  neighboring  place  there,  or  from  any 
other  kingdom  or  country,  he  landed  from  any  foreign  ships  on  the  coast  of  New  Netherland 
and  places  circumjacent  thereto,  within  the  limits  of  our  Charter  and  the  Company's 
possessions,  the  said  goods  shall  not  be  opened  nor  unloaded  until  they  are  duly  entered,  and 
the  duties  thereon  paid;  which,  in  con»e(iuence  of  the  heavy  expenses  and  charges  the 
Company  has  to  meet,  and  the  gr^-at  burdens  lying  on  the  inha'oitantg  of  this'slate,  shall  be 
reckoned  at  fifteen  per  cent  on  the  estimated  value  of  the  said  goods  there;  and  thirty  per  cent 
on  whatever  shall  he  exported  in  said  foreign  vessels. 

11.  The  Company  will  take  under  its  protection  and  safeguard,  all  those  who  report  to,  or 
inhabit,  said  countries  under  the  obedience  of  their  High  MightinesscH,  the  Lords  Slafei 
General;  defend  them  against  all  assaulls  or  attacks,  coming  either  from  within  or  without, 
with  such  force  as  it  may  at  present  have,  or  hereafter  send,  there:  provided  that  every  one,  be 
he  trader  or  inhabitant,  who  happens  to  be  there,  freely  consent  to  be  employed  with  others 
on  such  occasion  for  self  defence,  under  command  of  the  respective  officers;  and  to  this  end, 
shall  every  male  emigrant  take  with  him,  nt  his  own  cost,  a  musket  and  side  arms,  and  he 
enrolled,  in  case  of  apparent  danger,  into  eompaniei  or  sijuads. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:     11.  ,,„ 

113 

without  d.J„eth,g  «n/„f7h?o"„         3  .1    t    ,7  '""'■;'•'■<"«''"'  "  »"  P---).. 

JM;:.:^:;r,::,^zr:r,r:i:r;:i:r;,,:;^ 


West  Lndia  Co.vh-axy. 
New  \c.he,l«„d    IhT  !      r  C  u  '"°'"°"'  "'"'  ""l""™  """  ""•I"  »"'!  Populalion  of 

iiiiiliiiHii 

they  or  their  agents  ,„-.v  JtlT         V     '      u  »d^'«'''l>le;  and  receive  the  returns 

bent  .nannJr    o    '   y  :.    t  ,^  ZTV  '  T  ""  '"  'f  ""'  ""  *""'  """^''  ^'"  "'  «"-•  '"  ^'^« 

ca.  t...  the,  ..,:r::  ::.:h;r';:;*;::Lr  ::.::::.r^^'  -^  ^"^  ^'--^  -■  -« 

On  n  i  merclmndises  g„i„g  thither,  there  Hhall   be  ,,aLi  to  the  Company  here    „  duty  of  ten 

owner*  ,.er.onally  «p«ken  to.  according  to  the  choice  o»  the  D.rector.  or  their  agent,. 
V«r,.  T. 


I '. 


m 


114 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


And  where?8  it  is  the  Company's  intention  to  cause  those  countries  to  be  peopled  and 
brought  into  cultivation  more  and  more,  the  Director  and  Council  there  shall  be  instructed  to 
accommodate  every  one,  according  to  his  condition  and  means,  with  as  much  land  as  he  can 
properly  cultivate,  either  by  himself  or  with  his  family.  Which  land,  thus  conceded  to  any 
person  in  the  name  of  the  Company,  shall  remain  the  property  of  him,  his  heirs  or  assigns, 
provided  he  shall  pay  to  the  Company,  after  it  has  been  pastured  or  cultivated  four  years,  the 
lawful  tenths  of  all  fruits,  grain,  seed,  tobacco,  cotton  and  such  like,  as  well  as  of  the  increase 
of  all  sorts  of  cattle;  of  which  property  a  proper  deed  shall  be  given,  on  condition  that  he 
truly  undertake  the  cultivation  or  pasture  thereof.  Failing  therein,  he  shall  incur,  in  addition 
to  the  los.  of  such  land,  such  penalties  and  fines  as  shall  be  mutually  agreed  on  at  the  time 
of  the  grai  t.  To  which  penalties  and  fines  his  successors  and  assigns  shall  be  also  bound. 
And  in  ore^er  to  obviate  all  confusion  and  losses,  which  have  formerly  arisen  therefrom  and  are 
hereafter  .o  be  expected  in  a  still  graver  degree,  no  one  shall  henceforward  be  allowed  to 
possess  or  hold  any  lands  or  houses  in  those  parts,  that  have  not  previously  come  through 
the  hands  of  the  Company. 

The  Company,  subject  to  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General,  shall  take  care  that 
the  places  and  countries  there  shall  be  maintained  in  peace  and  quietness,  in  proper  police  and 
justice,  under  its  ministers  or  their  deputies,  conformably  to  the  regulations  and  instructions 
thereupon  already  established  and  issued,  or  to  be  hereafter  enacted  and  given,  upon  a  knowledge 
and  experience  of  affairs. 

All  those  who  will  be  inclined  to  go  thither,  to  inhabit  the  country  or  to  trade,  shall  severally 
declare  under  their  signatures,  that  they  will  voluntarily  submit  to  these  regulations,  and  to 
the  orders  of  the  Company,  and  shall  allow  all  questions  an<l  differences  there  arising  to  be 
decided  by  the  ordinary  courts  of  justice,  which  shall  be  established  in  that  country,  and  freely 
suffer  there  the  execution  of  the  sentences  and  verdicts,  without  any  further  opposition.  And 
shall  pay,  for  passage  and  board  in  the  state  room,  one  guilder,  in  the  cabin  (hutlc),  twelve 
stivers,  and  between  decks  eight  stivers,  per  diem. 


Reidutiou  of  thi  6'Uit^  General^  referring  the  prtcedmg  Articles  to  a  Cumtnittee. 

I  from  lb*  BaiMwof  WmI  lo.tit  AffWri,  1«»«-1«51,  fn  th<  Rami  AithltM  >l  Ih*  Ht,(iM.  J 

Monday,  30"'  August,  1«>3S. 
iinrdtu.^  Sieur  Johan  de  Laet  having  presented  and  exhibited  to  the  Assembly  of  their 
High  Mightinesses  the  Articles  and  Conditions  drawn  up  lor  their  High  Mightinesses' 
H..  N«h.,i«d.  approbation,  whereupon  the  respective  places  and  countries  in  and  around  New 
Netherland  are,  from  now  hencelbrlh,  to  bo  traded  to,  frequented  and  settled.  It  is,  after 
previous  deliberation,  resolved  and  concluded  that  the  aforesaid  Articles  and  Conditions  be 
placed  in  the  hands  of  Mess"  Arnhem,  Noortwyck,  Vosbergen,  Weede,  Pruyssen,  Donckel  and 
Conders,  to  view  and  examine  them  and  to  report.  The  ..aid  Deputies  of  their  High 
Mighticeuet  may  proceed  forthwith  thereupon. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:     IL 


115 


nesolution  of  the  State.  G.ural,  on  tie  preceding  ArticUs  and  (MUion,. 

[ftom  th,  Reg....r  of  W«.  I„d,.  .^„,  ,e8S-I6».,  la  ,h.  Eor.l  Archive  ..  *,  H.,.^] 

Thursday,  2  September,  1638. 
the  aforesaid  Hubje         W  be    ^^^ 

s:::b-:;:;:b~^^^ 

Chamberof  the  West,, diar  "^^      T      '^•'^^  P^«J«'=»' t"  be  communicated  to  the 


Subject  for  the  CoMidtrntUm  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX,  1038, 

[  From  ih.  Ori,tlM.I  ID  Ih.  R„„|  Amhlm  .1  ih.  iu,ut.    ni.  Wmt  Indi,. ) 

Point.  Of  Reference   vvheroon  nil  the  Chan.ber  of  the  Weat  India  Company  are 
.um„,on..d  ,„    liddleburg  for  the  27-  September.  103S  ;  extracted  so  far  Z 
17".  Point.  '  '  '  "^  ^''"  '^'♦"'"•'•"'"J      H-.^»'ibited,  9.-.  September,  1038. 

NVrN'ttlm/"  (''"''''"!*"  "":":'  "•  """'-  ""''  '''"'^-""^^  "'"-•'•  ♦»-  "'"nngement  of 
Noronhr  ;'"•'?"'''""'"  ^'""''  •''*•""«"'■  •'^'•■"''  '-'""«.»•-•  Wild  Const.  Fernando 


'  f»««  «iipra,  p  gn.  _  Ku, 


116 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Resolution  of  tlie  Suites  General,  to  pay  Kiliaen  Van  Rensselaer  his  Account. 

I  From  the  Beglittr  of  Rewlutioni  of  the  Slates  General,  remaining  In  the  Eojral  Archlrei  at  >be  Hague.  ] 

Friday,  28"'  January,  1639. 
K™iai.«'".fl  Presented  and  read  to  the  Assembly  the  account  of  Kiliaen  Van  Renselaer  and 

deack.  George  Everard  Klencii,  ordered  by  their  High  Mightinesses  in  February,  1637, 

to  come  hither,  amounting  to  forty-three  guilders  and  four  stivers.  After  previous  deliberation, 
it  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  an  order  .''or  the  aforesaid  sum  shall  be  issued  on  the 
above  account. 


Directors  of  tfie  Enchlmyzen  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  States  General 

[  From  the  Original  In  the  Koyal  Arclilrej  at  the  Hagno  ;  File,  Wat  Indtt.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  letter,  dated  31"  December,  163S,  with  the  annexed  memorial  of 
the  Hon""  M'  Spieringh,  KesUent  of  the  Crown  of  Sweden,  was  handed  to  us  on  the  13* 
instant,  but  the  previous  one,  dated  SS""  October,  has  not  been  received.  As  soon  as  we  had 
Been  the  tenor  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  said  letter,  we  were  prepared  to  obey  your  High 
Mightinesses'  order  and  command,  ariJ  with  tlwit  view,  sent  an  express  immediately  to 
Wedenblick,  wliich  brines  us  the  roilowini;  iiilorniation  : 

That  on  the  nr.ival  of  the  ship  there,  our  brother  Director,  wishing  to  attend  to,  and  take 
care  of,  the  import  duty,  granted  and  conveyed  by  your  High  Mightinesses  to  the  Company, 
sent  for  the  skipper  of  that  ship;  in  whose  absence  the  pilot  appeared,  and  being  asked.  Where 
he  came  from  'ind  what  his  freight  was  /  answeretl.  From  the  West  Indies,  and  the  cargo, 
tobacco.  Being  .^^urther  asked,  respecting  the  quantity  thereof,  said  thereunfi,  Jiat  he  was  not 
obliged  to  give  that  information,  as  he  did  not  know  who  made  the  inquiry.  The  quality  of 
our  confrtre  being  made  known  to  hini:  he  p.-rsisted  in  his  previous  answer,  adding,  1  am  no 
skipper,  and  tiie  ship  is  going  home  to  Sweden,  and  had  her  Majesty's  letters;  whitli  being 
demanded,  were  refused  to  be  siiown.  Whereupon,  fiie  pilot  having  departed,  he  returned 
shortly  after,  saying.  Our  nkipper  has  just  arrived.  Which  i-kipper  being  sent  for,  lie  answered, 
Whoever  wants  to  speak  \  th,  or  Una  ary  thing  to  say  to  me,  may  come  to  me;  so  that  the 
Director  had  the  said  skipper  summoned  by  the  city  marshal  to  produce  his  commission  ;  this, 
Imwever,  he  would  not  do,  but  again  answerui  as  above.  Such  being  the  case,  the  shij)  wag 
placed  under  arre.U.  Notice  having  be^n  given  us  thereof,  we  immediately  sent  one  of  our 
Chamber  thither,  who,  with  the  Direc»  r  at  Med^mblik,  spoken  to  the  skipj.er.  He  then 
exhibited  his  commission  from  the  Crown  of  Sweden.  This  done,  the  arrest  was  at  once 
reinoved  and  he  was  allowed  to  depirl  with  the  ship,  as  soon  as  he  pleds*  ' ;  whereupon,  he 
took  his  departure  without  any  discontent  or  verlial  protest.  This,  High  and  Mightj  Lords,  is 
tlie  true  slate  and  circiimsfnnces  of  the  case  regarding  the  above  mentioned  whip;  whereby  your 
High  Mightinesses  can  perceive  liow  honestly  every  thing  was  transacted,  doubling  not  but. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS  •    II 

Herewith.  High  ancf  Migl.ty  Lords  we  p^av  Go'^  r""'°''  '°  '''  ^"^  °^  ^'^^  P"^^^- 

be  pleased  to  grant  your  High  M^'r-rsses    a  11  """'"''"^  '"  "^  ''"'"''•'  «"PP'ication.  to 
dear  Fatherland.  ^'M't.nesses,  a  prosperous  government,  for  the  welfare  of  our 

Your  High  Mightinesses-  Humble  Servants, 
The  D.rectors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at  Enchuyzen. 

Enchuyzen,  17'-  January,  Anno  1639  '         ?°"''^  ^'"'^  '""'  ^™°«- 

Received,  31.  January,  1639.  '^^^  Volckaerts  z  Sailmp.ker. 


Pi  '"'I 


I^^solnUon  of  tUe  States  General  on  a..t,er  Petition  of  LuLLert    Van  Mnclayen 

t  Proa. U.. «.,...„„,  w«U.a,....,„, ,„,-,«,,  ,n  ...e  «„,.,  .„Mve..uU.  „a,uM 

'.Vednesdny,  the  IS"  May,  1639. 

L.-.b.«  v.n'D,„.  .    J\^.   J''/''f  ^  remonstrance  presented  to  thoir  High  Mightinesses  hv  n,.A  „„  .k 
cii«e...  behaK  o(  Lubhert  Van  Dincl  i^rpn     .,  ^   r      .   •     ^    '"'gii'iiesses  by  and  on  the 

obtain  satisfaction  from  the  West  I  dia  (  omf      '  '      '"  ^'"^  ^'«'''erland,  in  order  to 

previous  deliberation,  resolvedld  I^  Xl^         '"'  ^'•^""'  '^'"«^^"""  '  ''  '«' °^'- 

of  their  High  Mightinesses-  Denuti  s    w    '  t    /  !  remonstrance  be  placed  in  the  hands 

XIX.  of  the  above  named  ComC      J      in      '""v  "' ''''  approaching  Assembly  of  the 
by  their  means  and  interces  iT  nv  L     f        ''.'"  "''  '"  '''  "''  '"''  ''"  f''''''""^^' 

above  named  Con.pany.  in  r;;:;,';;;Ls:r::i:c,:ir '"^  '''''''''''  '^'-'^  '^^  ^'^ 


Folio  3ii. 


Ii..ol-^io.  ,/  M.  ,SV.,^.,  Gene,'al,  imtructin.j  their  D^utie.. 

Tuesday,  13"'  March,  1640. 
and  Aldringa.  iM^^S^r^rllt  r"":':.^"^^ 

«^..™ . ,.  Mi„ain..ses-  reso.u.io„\.f  ^^^^^  ,;;;:':;  •,:;::''";'  i ''-' ''''' 

West    imlia  Company,  sent  over  bv  >ll  .  '  ''''"'■'''"■•'  '"^  "'" 

Mightinesses,  to  the  end  that   lie  XIV    JT     •       .     ''"'"^"""  "'  Amnterdam  to  their  High 
•"id   city.     It   is.   after    pr n i     ,    dHil    n  TT'  ^''"'"''  """^^  •'"•'•-'P°"  -'"'<" 

Mightinesses.  ,>ep..tieMo';;;:r..t'rv.r'M """  ,-"i";'r'  '""^  "•'•'^  "'«•• 

concluding  on   the  aforenaid    points,  as  th  v  IdMl"  T      ."  '''■'"'^^'»""*^- "dvi.ing  and 

general,  and  the  West  India'com  a  v      ^       ,  ;;V"!*,  t'""'^^"  "'  ""■  """'"^^   '" 

iioined  to  attend  to  the  (iff,  n„,„    ,    ,1       '!'"""."•     '""  •"'"'  I>q>ut.t.s  are  most  especially 

be  practiced  under  co        TLZ1:X:J^''''';   "'""""'  "'"'  "•  '"'«  '^"^^  "-"'  "''"'-- 

•'b-  the  „(.i.ir«  of  New  Ne  i  er  ^d    V  ,  ""      '  "''  '"^"^  ""'•"""  P— ''  Tom  it ;  also. 

Ne.nerland  may,  by  L  „  orri     ,       ""  .n---rvcd.  but  likewise  promoted.and  that.New 

y,  by  the  most  favorable  conditions,  be  rendere.i  agreeable  to  the  inhabitants  of 


118 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


these  countries.  But  as  regards  the  trade  of  Guinea,  no  alteration  shall  be  made  therein, 
without  their  High  Mightinesses'  previous  sppciai  cons.-nt.  Further,  their  High  Migiitinesses 
have  decided,  in  pursuance  of  their  resolution  of  the  20""  September  1639,  and  the  renewal 
thereof,  which  followed  on  the  T"-  November  last,  that  the  provinces  of  Guilderland,  Zealand, 
Ftrecht,  Vriesland,  and  Overyssel,  shall  be  again  requested  to  consent  to  the  augmentation  of 
the  capital  ^vhich  the  States  General  invested  in  the  Aforesaid  Company,  and  to  introduce 
their  resolution  to  that  effect  within  the  space  of  two  months,  or  that  their  High  Migiitinesses 
shall  then,  after  the  aforesaid  iterated  request  and  prayer,  be  necessitated  to  allow  the  aforesaid 
capital  to  be  increased  by  others,  in  order  that  the  Company  may  be  assisted  hy  one  or  the 
other;  and  the  Deputies  of  the  said  Provinces  have  again  undertaken  to  second,  by  their 
respective  individual  letters,  their  High  Mightinesses'  meaning  and  intention. 


Bewlution  of  tU  Stat",s-  General  relative  to  an  offer  to  send  People  to  New  JSTetherland. 

t  From  the  BaglHer  of  WeH  India  affai™,  lOSS-lMl,  Id  Ihe  Eoyal  ArohWM  at  the  Hague.  ] 

Thursday,  31  May  1640. 
Folio «.  M..  Van  Reinswoude  hath  by  express  orders  from  the  States  of  Utrecht  dated 

Sv*.'^™«„rtinR  12"  April  last,  represented  to  their  High  Mightinesses  that  the  Count  of  Solms 

ftnine  of  his  tlistret.))-    •  •     !•  l    ^  i    ^       x'  %t       i         »  i 

ed  »««»ai«  lo  New  18  ueu  (jisposcd  to  Send  to  Aew  iNetherland  some  o(  his  vassals,  who  have  been 

Nethcfliin.l  10  plant     j    •  #■      ,_  . 

. colony ibir^.  clriveH  out  oJ  the  county  of  Solms  by  the  war,  for  the  purpose  of  planting 
colonies  there,  relating  besides  the  offers  his  I^ordship  had  made  to  the  West  India  Company  and 
the  result;  that  the  aforesaid  company  had  refused  him  what  it  had  already  granted  to  diver»^ 
private  individuals,  as  well  traders  as  others.  Whereupon,  after  deliberation,  it  is  resolved 
and  concluded  that  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies,  who  are  to  attend  the  present  Assembly 
of  the  XIX,  shah  there  propose  and  urge  free  access  to  New  Netherland  for  the  said  Count  of 
Solms  and  other  inhabitants  of  these  count-ies,  and  for  that  purpose,  that  they  brvig  over 
the  Conditions  which  they  were  heretofore  ordered  to  enact,  that  they  be  approved  and  ratified 
by  their  High  Mightinesses,  or  in  default  thereof,  their  High  Mightinesses  will  themstjlves 
give  appropriate  orders  thereupon. 


Remlution  of  the  States  General  on  a  Neto  Draft  of  Freedoms  and  Exemptions. 

i  From  the  bfglater  of  Weal  India  alTalrt,  IHS'i-lilBl,  In  ibe  Bojral  Arclilraa  at  Iha  nigua. ; 

Thursdf-y,  the  19  July,  1640. 
F.,iio44.  Elias  de  Ilaedt,  Director  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber,  appeared  in  their  Hitfh 

I>lr»cl.ir  De  KaedL    »«.i..  .  ii,-.,,..  ,  ^ 

Fr««..i,.n,i  and  Ki-  .Miglitiiiesses  Assemiily  furr.ished  with  a  letter  of  credence  dated  l?""  instant. 

•mpllimt     for     nil  ,     I        ,        .  ,  i  «-  , .  , 

»'»"""«fi I"  "»d   hath,    in   virtue    thereof,  (ielivercd   to   their   Hii/h    .Miuhtinesses  a  draft   of 

New  .Vrtheriand.  I' leedoiiis  and  fcxemplions  for  all  I'atrooiis,  masters  or  jirivate  persons  who  will 
introduce  any  colonies  or  cattle  i,to  New  Netherland.  Whereupon  deliberation  being  had, 
the  provinces  requested  copy  thereof,  which  is  granted. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    II. 


U9 


Proposed  Fveedmis  and  Exemptions  for  New  Netli^-land.     1640. 

[  From  the  Orlgln.l,  1„  ,he  Ro,„  A„fc,,„  „  ,^,  ^^^,  p,,^^  ^^^  ^^^  ^ 

Fkkedom.  and  Exemptions  granted  and  accorded  by  the  Directors  of  the  General 
Incorporated  West  India  Conipany  at  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  with  t  ,e 

N    her,,„a3,  to  all  Patroons,  Masters,  or  Private  persons  who  will  plant  any 
Colon.es  or  introduce  cattle  in  New  Netherland.     Exhibited  l-.  J^i^,   i^J 

to  wit.  those  who  eat  in  the  master's  cabin  m         r  ^^        ,         '""^  P'''''^"  °"'  ""^  '"""«• 

year,  and  .oL...J„™';;r;'L;j,';°„r'  f "'  ■'»:■"■«■;  »—'""'  P"'  wHhin  .he 
no„ri.„.  „.g,,,,  .h..  c'^a  /";;:''  ^tlBrr'  ?"']'"""""'■  """■''" 
Company  ,c..e,v„  ,i„  ,„.„d  Manl.aue.  >=  i,.*  ^'  '"""  '"  """''  ""'  "" 


S 


»' 


120 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


1600  Rhineland  perches)  along  the  coast,  bay,  or  a  navigable  river,  and  two  contiguous  miles 
landward  in;  it  being  well  understood,  that  no  two  Patroonships  shall  be  selected  on  both 
sides  of  a  river  or  bay,  right  opposite  to  each  other;  and  that  the  Company  retains  to  itself  the 
property  of  the  lands  lying  between  the  limits  of  the  Colonies,  to  dispose  thereof  hereafter 
according  to  its  pleasure;  and  that  the  Patroons  and  Colonists  shall  be  obliged  to  give  each 
other  an  outlet  and  issue,  (nytlewceghen  cnde  uyttewaleren)  at  the  nearest  place  and  at  the 
smallest  expense;  and  in  case  of  disagreement,  it  shall  be  settled  in  the  presence  and  by 
the  decision  of  Uie  Governor  for  the  time  being. 

The  Patroons  shall  forever  possess  all  the  lands  situate  within  their  limits,  together  with 
the  produce,  superficies,  minerals,  rivers  and  fountains  thereof,  with  high,  low  and  middle 
jurisdiction,  hunting,  fishing,  fowling  and  milling,  the  lands  remaining  allodial,  but  the  jurisdiction 
as  of  a  perpetual  hereditary  fief,  devolvable  by  death  as  well  to  females  as  to  males,  and 
fealty  and  homage  for  which  is  to  be  rendered  to  the  Company,  on  each  of  such  occasions, 
with  a  pair  of  iron  gauntlets,  redeemable  by  twenty  guilders  within  a  year  and  six  weeks,  at 
the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  here,  or  before  the  Governor  there;  with  this  understanding,  that 
in  case  of  division  of  said  fief  or  jurisdiction,  be  it  high,  middle  or  low,  the  parts  shall  be  and 
remain  of  the  same  nature  as  was  originally  conferred  on  the  whole,  and  fealty  and  homage 
must  be  rendered  for  each  part  thereof  by  a  pair  of  iron  gauntlets,  redeemable  by  twenty 
guilders,  as  aforesaid. 

And  should  any  Patroon,  in  course  uf  time,  happen  to  prosper  in  his  Colonic  to  such  a 
degree  as  to  be  able  to  found  one  or  more  towns,  he  shall  have  authority  to  appoint  officers 
and  magistrates  there,  and  make  use  of  the  title  of  his  Colonie,  according  to  the  pleasure  and 
the  quality  oi  the  persons,  all  saving  the  Company's  regalia. 

And  should  it  happen  that  the  dwelling  places  of  private  Colonists  become  so  numerous  as 
to  be  accounted  towns,  villages  or  cities,  the  Company  shall  give  orders  respecting  the 
subaltern  government,  magistrates  and  ministers  of  justice,  who  shall  be  nominated  by  the  said 
towns  and  villages  in  a  triple  number  of  the  best  iiualified,  from  wl.  Ji  a  choice  and  selection 
IS  to  be  made  by  the  Governor  and  Council;  and  those  shall  determine  all  questions  and  suits 
within  their  district. 

The  Patroons  who  will  send  Colonies  thither,  shall  furnish  them  with  due  instruction 
agreeably  to  the  mode  of  government  both  in  police  and  justice  e8tablished,or  to  be  established, 
by  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  which  they  shall  first  exhibit  to  the  Directors  of  the  respective 
Chambers,  and  have  approved  by  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX. 

The  Patroons  and  Colonists  shall  have  the  privilege  of  sending  their  people  and  property 
there  in  the  Company's  ships,  on  condition  of  swearing  allegiance,  and  paying  \u  the  Company 
for  the  conveyance  of  the  people,  as  in  the  first  article,  and  for  freight  of  the  goods 
requisite  for  their  bouwery,  five  per  cent  on  the  cost  of  the  goods  here,  without,  however, 
including  herein  the  cratle,  on  the  freight  of  which  the  Company  shall  be  liberal. 

But  in  case  it  should  come  to  pass  that  the  Company  have  no  ships  to  dispatch,  or  that  there 
be  no  room  in  the  sailing  vessels,  in  such  a  cm-,  the  Patroons  and  Colonists  can,  upon 
previously  communicating  their  determination  to,  and  obtaining  the  consent  of  the  Company 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IL  * 

pain,  in  case  of  contravention   of  fnrf^iiin,,  »i,  •     .  •   **^^/"""  "^  P^'°  "X  the  Company;  on 
Company,  it  ..ainin,  o^i::  wUriH"?  t^:  tj/r  t'e^  oTtH^  ^^^"'^  "^'  ^"« 

country  thereabout,  before    hej      n   be    ent  fu  ttr"""  Tu"'  '"^  ''"  ^°^'''  "^'^^  ^^^  ^^« 
useless  there,  or  cannot  be  broV/ht  there  exi    '^  ""^  "^'""  '^^^'^  "« 

the  latter  shal.  be  bound  to  give  t  melv  noti  7  P        ►^  "  '"  '^'  "^°^"'  '"  ^'"'=h  case 

or  to  the  Governor  and  clur!^  It     re   th^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^  '°  "•«  ComP-ny  here. 

shall  be  found  to  require.  '''"'"''^'^  '^°'"'  '»'^^°'-*^'"«  ««  'he  circu^nstances 

he:i!'::Hr;;:;ss^Lt:ia:::^:;r'  r  ^"'  -;'--^^°'^e"  intheco.pa„y 

the  following  conditions:  ""'  '"'"■'  '=*^''«''  ^^°-'"  ^^'""'^^  ^^  Newfoundland,  on 

for  iLpection  a'nd  pay^n^^f^    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^  '"-  ^^'^  Co.pan.'s  storL  f^; 

article  here,  besides  convoy-freight  and  ^veral  .1  """i  ''"'  "°  ^'^  '^^^'^  '^''^^  "^  '^^ 

what  may  be  sent  in  the  Co„,nanlsll7    ,'*,,.  '""""""''""^  '""'^'^ '°'  '"^^  f'-^'ghts  of 
whereexceptattheManhat  «u      Til  '.     r"      ""'  ^"  ""''"^*^  ^°  ^'  ^''^'^  -7 

liberty,  after  proper  i„spe     on  of    h       ^T  ""     .  ^""'^'"^  '""'^  "^^^  °^^*'^'  «°  "«  'o  be  at 
place  they  thiSk  p^^pe"!'  ''"'  '"'"'^  ''"'  *'«  ^"'^^  ^''^-f'  ^o  depart  to  whatever 

abr  th":  ctv:;'it7;:n::rbyihei.::",  tv'''-"  -'-' '-  ^^'^  •--  °-  -^ 

the  valuation  to  be  made  I  ere  1  sue  '  ■'  ^"'"^'''"y'  "^^  P"  ^«"''  "'^'"•"^'ling   '« 

with  the  Governor  Td  C     ncil  th  re    or'th    f  "  ^     T"' '  '"'  ""  ^^^•'^"^•'"'  --'  '^   '^^'^ 
from  there  in  the  Company's  sior''    f  ""    .  °'  "'^  "''  ''"  ^'^"'^^  ""»'  "^  »>-"«  ««nt 

which  will  be  sent  fro    Zret  e  ll   T     •  ^  ""  ,"'  "''  ''"^'*^"'  '^""^  ''"'  ^''^^  P ''"•  «• 
cent,  all  in  kind,  and  due  re^ipt  fi,    M  '"V".         ^"'"""^  '''"'^  ^"""'^^  '''"^-  "^«  Per 

confirmation  of  all  the  furs  w      f,  J     ^' y»y"e"t  thereof,  shall  be  brought  along,  on  pain'of 

Company,  and  with  th^rbltrp^;!:!::;",:;-  ''''  ""^  '^'"^  ^"^  ^^^  ^^''-'"^  '^« 

Fi"i:z^::.,:ri:pr;o:^^:r-"^' :  '-^--^'-^  -'-^  ^^«  --  '^- 

to  bring  the  same,  or  to  c.sl'  ^  am^:  beL'ur'tl  ^I  T  "  '''  T"""  '^  °'"««'^ 
Netherlnnd.  or  to  the  Chamber  w  .J.T.u  '^    '  ^^  Governor  and  Council  in  New- 

the  third  partthereo  2  ;;etIi„X  17'"""  rf  ^  '"  ''  ''''''''''"'  ^^  "^-'  ^^^ 
State's  portion,  the  two  other  hirnluf.rUrrT''  'l'"'' '^'^^'^'^  •- Highness' and  the 
and  risk,  all  in  pursuance  of  the  Co    '^ay'   or  e"'  '"  "'""  '"  '''''  '''''"''  "P^""" 


Vot.  r. 


IG 


<i 


Il» 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


;«i  ^ 


In  like  manner  they  shall  not  be  at  liberty  to  depart  theuce  with  their  goods  obtained  in 
barter,  without  first  returning  to  the  said  place,  to  enter  their  goods  there  and  to  obtain  proper 
clearance,  signed  by  the  Governor  and  Council,  and  they  shall  be  ^  >und  to  eturn  to  this  country, 
with  their  ships  and  yachts,  to  the  place  they  sailed  from,  in  order  to  discharge  all  their  freight 
into  the  Company's  stores,  according  to  the  register  and  clearance  to  be  1  ought  from  thence, 
on  pain  of  forfeiting  their  ship  and  goods  for  the  Company's  behoof,  should  they  go  and  break 
bulk  elsewhere,  or  have  any  unregistered  goods  on  board. 

The  Company  promises,  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  charter  and  no  longer,  not  to 
burden  the  Patroons  and  Colonists  in  that  country,  either  with  customs,  toll,  excise,  imposts 
or  any  other  contributions,  and  after  the  expiration  hereof,  at  farthest,  with  no  greater  duty 
than  is  imposed  on  goods  in  this  country. 

The  Company  shall  not  take  from  the  service  of  the  Patroons  or  Colonists,  their  man 
servants  or  maid  servants,  even  though  some  person  should  solicit  it;  nor  rtueive  them,  much 
less  suffer  them  to  go  from  their  master's  service  to  that  of  another,  during  the  term  of  such 
years  as  they  are  bound  for ;  and  if  any  man  servant  or  maid  servant  run  away,  or  take  his 
freedom  contrary  to  contract,  the  Company  shall,  according  to  its  means,  cadse  such  to  be 
delivered  into  the  hands  of  their  masters,  to  be  proceeded  against  according  to  the  rcumstances 
of  the  case. 

From  all  definitive  judgments  pronounced  by  the  Courts  of  the  Patroons  or  Colonists,  for 
an  amount  exceeding  one  hundred  guilders,  or  from  such  as  entail  infamy,  also  from  all 
sentences  pronounced  in  matters  criminal,  on  ordinary  prosecution,  conformable  to  the  custom 
of  this  country,  an  appeal  shall  lie  to  the  Governor  and  Council  of  the  Company  in 
New  Netherland. 

All  Patroons,  Colonists  and  inhabitants  are  allowed  free  hunting  and  fishing,  both  by  land 
and  by  water,  generally  in  public  woods  and  rivers  in  the  extent  of  their  lands,  according  to  the 
order  to  be  made  thereupon  by  the  Governor  and  Council ;  and  the  Patroons  exclusiveiv  within 
the  limits  of  their  Colonies,  with  the  clear  understanding  that  the  Governor  and  Council  shall 
not  be  excluded  therefrom. 

All  Patroons,  inhabitants  or  Colonists,  are  also  allowed  to  send  ships  along  the  coast  of  New 
Netherland  and  the  countries  circumjacent  thereunto,  to  fish  for  Cod,  &c.,  and  to  proceed  with 
the  catch  straight  to  Italy  or  other  neutral  countries,  on  condition  of  paying  to  the  Company 
for  duty,  in  such  case,  six  guilders  per  last,  and  on  coming  here  with  their  freight,  it  shall  be 
allowable  and  sufficient  to  pay  the  Company  the  custom  dues  alone,  without  conveying,  under 
pretence  of  this  consent,  any  other  goods  elsewhere,  on  pain  of  arbitrary  punishment,  it 
remaining  ul  the  pleasure  of  the  Company  to  put  a  supercargo  on  board  each  ship,  on  such 
conditions  and  terms  as  hereinbefore  set  forth. 

If  any  Patroons,  inhabitants  or  Colonists  happen  by  their  industry,  diligence  or  otherwise  to 
discover  any  minerals,  precious  stones,  crystals,  marbles,  pearlfisheries  or  such  like  within  the 
limits  of  their  lands,  all  such  Patroons  and  Colonists  shall  give  one-fifth  part  of  the  nett  proceeds 
to  the  Company,  which  for  this  purpose  shall  have  the  power  to  appoint  one  or  more  inspectors, 
at  the  charge  of  said  mines  and  pearlfisheries;  but  any  one  finding  such  without  their  limitt, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :     U. 

.»ir™.  .hal/be  obliged  rprovi  .hi,  ,f7hi.l"  '"  "t'""  ''""'°"  '"*  "»" 

ADd  DO  Oilier  Religion  >hall  be  publicly  admilted  in  New  Netberland  e<™nt  ib.  B  r        j 
..  ....  a.  p,e.„,  p„ached  and  pracleed  b,  public  .u,hor  t"  b  ,be  U„1,erNe,  e  l.^d^'Tad 

::b.:iz™d'::irz.r:cr"=  -^  -"""'"  --  -^  .i"'";t;b:^! 
«p.«, « iea„  .e,  .e,™  ^jiro" ■  tdt:  rorritSTisrsr "" 

The  Company  reserves  unto  itselfall  large  and  small  tyti.es  all  waifs  thp  ri<,hf    r     •  » 
laying  out  highways,  erecting  forts,  making  war  and  pea  e    tolrer  w   h  »M      °[,"""'«8^' 

.upremacj,  domain,  6nance.  and  righie  of  ibe  Genera  We,. Tdf,  rl       '     r  ,  °'"' 

d":ir:t  reTor  prxiiiit:.  trt^''  ™'r"-"*'" '"-  -  ■"*"- 

unchallenged    a'ralT  persons  S"  "  '""'""  "'^"•'"  ""'^  *^<=«"-  ?--"'>«''  -^ 

complained  oritraltake  '""  r^'"""  '''''^"'"""'^^  ^'""^   -""«"  '^>-e 

appe^tainining  t:t^;7::^Cr  :hf  Co:;::;;  ^-^  "'"''"'"•^^  '^^  -^  ^-"-  - «» — 


^. 


«Ai 
^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


A 


»^ 


1.0 


I.I 


W    BSA     llllli— 


12.5 


12.2 


(.25 

1.4      1.6 

^ 

6"     

► 

4 
0 


o 


^ 


'm 


/a 


Mi 


Ji: 


'^J> 


Hiotographic 
Sciences 
orporation 


G 


39  WIST  MAIN  STRIIT 

WItSTBir,  N.V.  M580 

(7U)  173-4503 


^.''<^'' 
^ 


t 


1S4 


3  ■    ill  I 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


rollo  48. 

Klllwn  VtD  B«n- 
■eUtr. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  empowering  KUiaen  Van  Rensselaer  to  dispose  of 

>m  Cdonie  hy  Will. 

[  From  th«  E«glrt»r  0/ Weit  Inai«  afliii™,  1088  —  U61,  In  the  Eoyil  AtcWtm  It  the  Digne.] 

Tuesday,  6""  February  1641. 
Read  in  the  Assembly  the  petition  presented  to  their  High  Mightinesses  in  the 
name,  and  on  the  behalf  of,  Kiiiaen  Van  Renselaer,  Patroon  of  his  Colonie  called 
Rensselaerswyck,  situate  on  the  north  river  of  New  Netherland  ;  praying  approval  of  a  certain 
order  entered  by  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  Wast  India  Company  on  14""  November  1689 
on  the  margin  of  the  Petitioner's  request,  to  be  allowed  according  to  article  7,  to  dispose  of  his,  the 
Petitioner's,  manor  or  feudal  estate  referred  to  in  the  sixth  article  of  the  Freedoms  granted  to 
the  Colonists  in  New  Netherland.  Whereupon  after  deliberation  and  consideration  of  the  fifth 
article  of  the  abovementioned  Freedoms,  their  High  Mightinesses  instead  of  the  aforesaid 
approbation  by  him  prayed  for,  have  granted  and  allowed  tue  Petitioner  Veniam  testandi,  in 
order  to  enable  him  to  dispose  by  last  Will,  accotding  to  his  pleasure,  of  the  aforesaid  manor 
or  feudal  estate,  whereof  acte  shall  issue  to  the  Petitioner  in  due  form. 


■♦  »•♦  ti » 


i|*; 


Power  to  Kiiiaen  Van  Rensselaer  to  devise  his  estate  in  New  Netherland. 

I  From  the  Aott  botJi  of  the  Blatee  General  In  the  Royel  Archlree  at  the  Hagae.  ] 

Grant  empowering  Kiiiaen  Rensselaer  to  bequeath  and  dispose,  by  last  will  and 
testament,  of  his  property  situate  in  New  Netherland. 

Folio  14a  The  Str.tes  General  of  the  United  Netherlands.     To  all  who  shall  see  these  or 

hear  them  read.  Health.  Bb  it  Known,  that  on  the  humble  petition  of  Kiiiaen  van 
Rensselaer,  Patroon  of  his  Colonie  named  Rensselaers-wyck,  situate  on  the  North  river  of 
N«ivi  Netherland,  within  the  limits  of  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company  of  this 
country,  and  having  referred  to  the  6'''  Article  of  ihe  Freedoms,  granted  by  the  Assembly  of 
the  XIX.,  of  said  Company,  to  all  those  who  shall  plant  any  Colonies  in  New  Netherland 
aforesaid,  We  have  given,  granted,  allowed  and  conceded,  and  do  of  Our  Sovereign  power,  by 
this  Our  letter,  give,  grant,  allow  and  concede  unto  him,  the  petitioner,  authority  to  dispose  of, 
bequeath,  and  give  directions  concerning  the  aforesaid  his  fief,  named  Rensselaers-wyck,  either 
by  form  of  testament  and  last  will  and  codicil,  before  a  notary  and  witnesses,  superintendents 
and  vassals  of  the  manor  where  the  said  properly  is  situate,  or  otherwise  nt  his  pleasure,  for 
the  behoof  of  his  children,  if  any  he  hath,  friends  and  relatives  or  others,  strangers,  as  he  shall 
please  and  think  proper;  the  aforesaid,  his  manorial  estate  to  his  children  or  other  persons  to 
give,  transport,  or  leave  in  whole  or  in  part;  thereupon  to  assign  rents  hereditary,  or  for  life, 
or  even  to  give 'any  one  the  usufruct  thereof,  at  his  discretion  and  good  pleasara.  We  have, 
moreover,  given,  and  do  hereby  giv^,  the  petitioner  permission,  power,  and  leave  hir  aforesaid  ■ 
testament   and  last  will,  which   he  will   thus   make,  or  hatl<    previously   made,  to  alter, 


HOLLAND  DOCTJMENTS:    IL  ,-- 

18a 

law.,  .MM,  mi  cuMo™.  of  the  place  wherein  .»,  1        1  """"  '"°"""8  '"  «" 

and  way.,  ..  if  ,he  .aid  gi„.  „  X2:tTZT:2':cTj'Zr:Za  ""  iV"  """' 
or  other.,  their  agent.,  whom  it  niav  concern      p,wj  j  .?  .  ,  "'"'  <^°'"P>"y. 

p.lition.r  .hall  gT,e.  order,  "r  mZover  the'  JZ  t,  °  T'"""'"'"  'l"  "bavenamed 
be  boand,  wUhin  a  ^ar  a  d  .'rweerafter  he  d  aTh  o  The".  '  '7'°"  "°""'°'  "'  ■''"" 
entrance  into  po,.e..ion  of  the  above  de"rbldf!nd.T.,,    ,  J?"     '*""°""'  »"•"  °"'" 

«..amen.,  oLr  a'ad  la.,  „i„  ofT  at™  ,  ^'0,    onTa  Te'  tiirr  I'd"'  '''""  "n 


Minute,  of  the  A.semUy  of  XIX.  respecting  New  Netherhnd. 

Extract  of  a  Report  made  to  the  States  Genernl.  of  the  business  transacted  at 

;ithe;rr';'L«:''^  '^'"-  -' ''-  ^^^  ^-^'^  ^-^^-^  -  — ^-! 

Monday,  S"  March,  1642. 

..  on:'irt  cfati^'vircir'^n '°'"  '^""^■""'  "'^°"«'  ^•'^  •^-'--^-  -•>-- 

.ome  enclosure.  "  '^""''''"'  '""'='°'  "^^  ^"^"^■"«'  -''^out  date  or  plac,  with 

And  auother  from  John  van  der  Hil,-  from  New  Netherland,  dated  C*  Janu^y!  ,648. 

'  C«pt  John  Uodtrhill.  — Ki\ 


126 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPT& 


i 


And  they  are  referred  to  the  Mess"  Looten,  de  Raet,  Loyssen,  Halewyn,  Loose  and  van 
Royen,  to  examine  said  letters  and  papers,  as  well  as  the  wLole  state  and  conditicn  of  New 
Netherland,  and  to  report  thereon  to  tho  Assembly. 

Admonition  being  given,  &c. 

Thursday,  e"-  March,  1642. 
Read  a  despatch  from  Ambassador  Joachimi,  dated  Canterbury,  26th  February,  16i2,  with 
certain  appendices  containing   some   declarations  and  complaints  of  the  English  in   fisw 
England  against  our  people  in  New  Netherland;  and  placed  tiie  same  in  the  hands  of  the 
Commissioners  on  the  aSaits  of  New  Netherland. 

Friday,  the  7'*  March,  1642. 
Read  a  petition  of  Cornells  van  Hoykens,  fiscal  in  New  Netherland,  soliciting  increase  of 
salary,  with  good  accommodation  in  his  quarters.    And  resolved  to  place  the  same  in  the 
hands  of  the  Commissioners  on  the  affairs  of  New  Netherland. 

Wednesday,  12*  March,  1642. 

The  Commissioners  on  the  affairs  of  New  Netherland,  having  reported  on  the  despatch  of 
the  ambassador  Joachimi,  and  the  complaints  of  the  English,  therein  contained.  It  is  resolved, 
to  place  the  said  despatch,  with  all  papers  and  maps  touching  New  Netherland,  in  the  hands 
of  the  Advocate,  to  form  a  rescript  for  Mr.  Joachimi. 

The  Committee  nominated  on  the  S"*  instant  to  examine  the  papers  from  New;  Netherland 
and  Cura9ao,  report  that  they  are  of  opinion  still  to  preserve  the  said  places  at  the  smallest 
expense  possible,  conforming  to  the  letter  of  the  Director  there,  dated  4"'  July,  the  resolution 
of  the  XIX.,  ar.d  letter  of  the  20"'  September,  1641,  sent  to  the  aforesaid  Director  by  the  ship 
the  Brandaru,  which  the  Assembly  approves;  and  resolves,  moreover,  to  postpone  the  sending 
of  a  Clergyman  or  Vicar. 


Readution  of  the  States  General  on  a  Petition  of  Fiscal   Van  Dinclagen. 

[  From  lb*  lUfUtor  of  W«u  IndU  kfftin,  1«S.S-1U1,  in  lb*  Bojral  ArelilTe*  at  tb«  Htftt*.  ] 

Wednesday,  2l8t  May,  1642. 
Folio  10.  The  further  petition  of  Lubbert  van  Dincklagen,  lats  fiseal  of  New  Netherland, 

'•€"•  With  the  appendix  thereunto  annexed,  is,  alter  previous  deliberation,  referred  to 

their  High  Migtinesses'  deputies,  actually  presiding  at  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  West 
India  Company,  at  Amsterdam,  in  order  that  the  petitioner  may,  by  their  direction  and 
interposition,  obtain  his  just  arrear?,  which  the  said  Company  may  owe  him  on  his  claims. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    II. 


127 


Mr.  Joachimi  to  the  States  General 

I  Frwn  tbs  OrlglnH  It  Ui«  Rofal  ArahiTn  H  tin  HigiM  ;  File,  Unfkmd.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  LorHs. 

My  Lords, 

No  notice  has  been  taken  in  the  House  of  Commons  of  what  I  communicated  to  some  Lords 
on  the  xxii.  and  xxlii.,  from  your  High  Mightinesses'  letter  of  the  twelfth  instant,  as  I  have 
understood  from  a  Knight,  a  member  of  the  same  house,  who  is  also  of  opinion  that  the  alliance 
with  Spain  and  the  trade  are  wholly  opposed  to  our  proposal. 

Since  my  last  of  the  xxv.,  some  more  cavalry  have  made  their  appearance  here;  and  infantry 
are  continued  to  be  enlisted  by  beat  of  drum.  Some  of  these  have  been  sent  to  Hull.  It  was 
here  considered  certain  that  the  King  hath  some  force  in  the  vicinity  of  this  city,  with  a  view 
to  seize  it;  that  they  are  not  three  thousand  strong,  and  that  they  had  burnt  some  mills  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  city;  but  that  those  inside  have  received  three  or  four  pieces  of  artillery 
and  taken  twelve  or  thirteen  persons  prisoners.    The  particulars  are  diversely  related. 

On  the  xxvi.,  the  votes  and  resolutions  appeared  in  print,  whereby  it  was  determined  to  raise 
an  army  of  which  the  Earl  of  Essex  '  is  to  be  General,  the  Earl  of  Bedford'  to  be  General  of 
the  Cavalry,  as  your  High  Mightinesses  will  see  in  the  printed  paper  sent  herewith.  I  find 
that  the  little  service  I  can  perform  here  has  been  much  curtailed  by  the  publication  of  the 
aforesaid  resolution. 

Letters  are  received  from  the  Commissioners,  who  went  on  the  part  of  both  houses  of 
Parliamer;  ,  the  King,  that  they  had  presented,  on  Saturday  evening,  the  petition  with  which 
they  had  been  dispatched,  to  his  Majesty,  who  had  taken  it  for  examination.  I  have  not  yet 
learned  th-^  answer. 

If  the  Parliamentarians  will  be  reconciled  to  the  King,  private  complaints  of  the  people 
against  the  Dutch,  lud  petitions  for  the  improvement  of  trade  will  undoubtedly  be  brought 
forward  and  flxnminad  in  Parliament.  It  should  therefore  (under  gracious  correction)  be 
seasonably  considered,  how  the  issue  of  letters  of  reprisal,  or  the  passage  of  resolutions  affecting 
thetrade,  is  to  be  prevented ;  from  which  serious  inconveniences  must  arise. 

Among  the  English  complainants,  are  the  inhabitants  of  New  England,  as  your  High 
Mightinesses  will  be  able  »o  perceive  from  a  Memorial  hereunto  annexed,  handed  me  by  my 
Lord  Seie.'    The  Earl  of  Warwick  had  already  handed  me  a  similar  one  in  English.     Some  of 

'  RoBHT  DiTBUtux,  8J  E»rl  of  Gmx,  wh  ippoinUd  to  the  conini*nd  of  the  «rmy.  ig.inst  th«  Scotch  CoT«n«nt«r»,  in 
J68»;  -ifUrwird.  Urd  Ch«mb«rUiii,  and  in  1441,  Lieutenant  of  the  Kingdom  south  of  the  Trent  In  the  following  ye»r  he 
VM  di.tni«»ed  from  bit  office  of  Lord  Chemberliin,  whereupon  the  I'.rliament  nppointed  him  to  the  commend  of  their  tonm. 
He  WM  then  deeUi-ed  •  traitor  by  tho  King,  againut  whom  he  fought  with  varloue  iuoeeet,  until  the  year  1846,  when  h« 
reeigned  hie  oomroiiaion.     He  died  in  September,  lt4A. 

•  Wiiuui  Roaatu,  Sth  E»rl.  and  lit  Duke  of  n«.Iford,  K  0.,  waa  bom  in  1814  ;  created  Marqueaa  of  Tariitock  and  Dnk« 
of  Bedford,  Ilth  May,  1849.  aud  died  7  September,  170a  He  waa  father  of  the  celebrated  Lord  William  Roaael  who  waa 
beheaded  in  1888.  i>«6rt((.  ' 

•  WiLUAM  FimxB,  4th  Baron,  vraa  created  in  1814  Viaconnt,  Say  and  Sele.  Ha  waa  one  of  the  original  palenUea  of 
Connecticut  After  pawng  harmleaa  through  the  troublea  whioh  at  thia  period  conrulaed  England,  he  became  Lord  Priry 
Seal  after  the  R«t<.ratlon,  which  he  had  been  initrumenUl  in  bringing  about,  and  died  in  1883.  Saybrook.  in  Connecticut, 
derirea  thj  firet  part  of  iu  name  from  thii  nobleman.  The  latter  part  .'com  Lord  Brook,  aflerwarda  a  ParliamenUrT  BeneraL 
and  killad  at  Litehflald  in  1741—  Eo.  /  «         h 


% 


1S8 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


-  the  said  complainants  have  spoken  very  menacingly  and  said  :— If  the  matter  be  not  arranged, 
our  people  will  be,  within  the  year,  expelled  from  the  quarter  whence  the  complaints 
proceeded.  The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  have  cognizance  of  the  aforesaid 
complaints.  On  the  xxiii.  instant,  I  communicated  to  my  Lord  Seie  above  mentioned,  information 
relative  to  the  aforesaid  memorial,  copy  whereof  goes  herewith.  He  requested  tiiat  letters  be 
written  to  the  Dutch  who  are  in  New  Netherland,  to  the  end  that  our  people,  who  have  been 
complained  of,  may  comport  themselves  in  a  peaceable  and  friendly  manner  with  the  English. 
I  doubt  if  he  hath  correctly  seized  the  meaning  of  the  English. 

The  Mayor  of  London  is  still  in  the  Tower.  He  cannot  be  prevailed  on  to  name  a  Deputy 
to  fill  his  place  in  the  City.  It  is  said  there  is  no  precedent  for  the  appointment  of  a  Deputy  to 
a  Mayor,  except  he  be  sick,  or  not  in  his  proper  mind. 

Herewith  commending  myself  humbly  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  I  pray  God. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords,  that  He  may  bless  your  High  Migr.tinesses'  government  more 
and  more. 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  most  humble  servant, 
At  London,  the  last  of  July,  1642.  (signed).         Alb.  Joachimi. 

Received,  9'"  August,  1642. 

Appendix  received  from  My  Lord  Saye.     Read  9th  August,  1642. 

[  From  the  Orlglul  In  the  Bojral  Arohlree  >t  the  lligue ;  File,  Wtt  Indi*.] 

Many  of  the  English  (his  Majesty's  Subjects)  having  '  een  incorporated  by  his  Majesty's 
letters  patent  and  having,  in  order  to  obviate  all  difficulties,  purchased  the  land  from  the 
natives,  the  acknowledged  and  right  owners  thereof,  established  divers  factories  on  the  river 
Coaectccot,  m  New  Englmd,  where  they  have  experienced  manifold  molestations  and  insolence! 
from  the  Dutch  nation,  who,  having  previously  erected  a  small  factory  on  the  aforesaid  river, 
claim,  in  virtue  thereof,  tiie  right  to  the  whole,  and  not  only  that,  but  to  all  the  extent  of 
country  from  Naragamet  Bay  to  Hadsoas  river,  which  they  call  by  the  name  of  New  Net/ierland, 
although  it  had  been  granted  by  his  Majesty  to  divers  of  his  subjects,  and  is  exclusively 
inhabited  by  the  English,  entered  many  protests  against  the  peaceable  proceedings  of  the 
English,  towards  whom  they  have  transgressed  in  various  manners  and  ways,  adding  thereunto 
sundry  threats  and  haughty  afgumeuts.  All  which  the  English  bore,  and  though  no  more 
than  Jive  or  six  Dutch,  at  most,  reside  on  the  aforesaid  river  Co:iecticot,  where  there  are 
exceeding  two  thousand  E^glUh,  ya  the  latter  have  not  used  any  violence  towards  them,  but 
treated  them  with  all  kindness:  yea,  have  thr.  jeen  the  means,  under  God,  of  savinir 
their  lives. 

The  Dutch  sometimes,  'tis  true,  aver  that  they  purchased  from  the  Pequot  Indians,  a  piece 
of  land  lying  on  the  aforesaid  river,  to  which,  in  virtue  of  that  purchase,  they  pretend  a  right. 
But  if  any  such  purchase  has  been  effected,  which  has  never  been  proved,  it  is  very  well  known 
that  the  Pequots  had  no  just,  but  an  usurped,  title.  And  herein  is  apparent  the  weakness  of 
their  claim :  the  English,  by  divers  letters  addressed  to  Governor  Willem  Kiejl,  residing  on 
Hudson,  river,  offer-d  to  refer  the  settlement  of  the  aforesaid  difference  to  disinterested 
arbitrators,  but  he  would  not  accept  it. 

It  is  requested  that  they  be  ordered  to  demean  themselves,  in  the  place  they  occupy,  in 
n  peaceable,  neighborly  manner,  and  be  content  with  their  own  limits,  or  required  to  leave  the 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    II. 


139 


Zr^.  h  .  '"°''*'°  '^'''  '""""■''  advantage;  it  being  very  probable  that  the 

returns  have  never  repaid,  or  will  never  reimburse,  their  outlays.     Moreover,  they  live  there 

without  rule,  m  a  godless  manner,  beseeming  in  uo  w;se  the  Gospel  of  Christ.    Their  abode 

here^w,  11  never  be  productive  of  any  other  effect  than  expense  to  their  masters,  and  trouble  to 


Rm>lution  of  thi  States  QemrcA,  referring  tU  preceding  Documents. 

[  From  th.  Bi^iMor  orih.  W«»  ladU  aAin,  IdSg-lMl,  In  the  Kar.1  XtMn,  M  tke  H^ie.  ] 

Saturday,  9  August,  1G42. 

H«,Z2       I.  ^T'T^  ^  ''"''  ''™'°  ^^''  •^°""'"'"''  '^^''  ^'^^  Mightinesses'  Ambassador  in 
•       England,  written  at  London  the  last  of  July;   with  an  appendix  containing 

Slrjlf  ":r  °  .f  H°""'  "'""f*  ?'  '''''''  P^°P'«  '"  '^^^  ^«'^-'-«^-  Which 
Sr,Slil^„,T'?S>l.'!:  ''"°«  :'<"»«'d«red.  ,t  ,s  resolved  and  concluded  that  copy  of  the  aforesaid 
i.N,wij.ih.„..d.  complaints  of  the  English  be  sent  to  the  presiding  Chamber  of  the  West  India 
Company  at  Amsterdam,  for  information. 


*     I   »  II  w 


State*  General  to  the  Amsterdam  Ghamher  of  the  West  India  Qmpany. 

[  From  Ih*  Uiaal*  In  Uw  K071I  Arahlrw  u  Ut*  Bicae  j  Flto,  r«K  ibiU^] 

To  the  presiding  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  at  Amsterdam,  the  9*  August.  1649. 

Thb  States,  btc. 
grngjinu  V  ^      ^     ^.„  ,^^^^  ^^^^  ^^^  annexed  papers  we  have  resolved  to  send  you  herewith 
for  information  (which  you  will  communicate  to  us  with  all  speed),  what  Mr.  Joachini.  our 
ordinary  Ambassador  in  England,  hath  in  his  letter,  dated  last  of  July  past,  represented  to  u. 
relative  to  complaints  of  many  Englishmen  against  the  Dutch  people  of  New  Netherland. 

Done  9  August,  1642. 


<■■*■■> 


Mr.  Joachimi  to  the  States  General. 

[rroalhcOflflBiJInUuUajnlAraklrMniUwHafMi  ru^JhfviaiiA] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords! 
My  Lords! 

Your  High  Mightinesses  have  been  able  to  gather  from  my  despatch  of  the  last  of  July,  the 
latest  information  I  possessed  respecting  the  matter  I   had  submitted  to  some  Lords,  in 

•  Mr.  d«  ZwMD  inyi,  of  th.  Dntob  Ma  -  "  ThU  piM«  U  .yid.nUy  •  tr*o«l*Uon  from  tht  Engluk"-Ee 

Vol.  I.  17 


180 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


accordance  with  your  High  Mightinesses'  letter  of  the  xii"*  preceding.  On  last  Sunday,  one 
of  the  best  informed  Lords,  an  Earl,  came  to  me,  who  said  u  misfortune  had  occurred;  that 
the  Hollanders  had  captured  and  sent  to  Zealand  twelve  or  thirteen  ships  that  designed  to  enter 
Dunkirk  under  convoy  of  a  ship  of  war,  which  the  Earl  of  Warwick'  had  granted  tiiem.  And 
that  the  said  Earl,  without  waiting  the  opinion  of  Parliament,  had  detained  three  Dutch 
merchant  vessels,  which  were  bound  for  the  Mediterranean ;  then,  that  iie  hoped  the  aforesaid 
three  ships  would  be  discharged  the  next  day,  and  requested  that  I  should  represent  this  in  most 
favorable  terms  beyond  sea.  Thereupon  I  said  to  the  aforesaid  Lord,  that  I  was  willing  to  do 
whatever  might  tend  to  the  preservation  of  friendship  between  both  States  and  Nations.  But 
that  I  had  received  neither  letter  nor  complaint  respecting  what  precedes.  On  the  following 
day,  I  acquainted  another  Lord  of  the  Upper  House  of  what  the  aforesaid  Earl  had 
communicated  to,  and  requested  of,  me;  and  added  thereto,  that,  with  his  Lordship's  permission, 
I  should  come  at  noon,  or  send  to  inquire  what  had  been  done  regarding  this  affair.  He 
said,  I  should  send  and  he  would  communicate  the  resolution  to  me.  I  received  the  answer 
first  on  Tuesday;  and  he  let  me  know  by  the  person  I  had  sent,  that  orders  had  been  given 
the  day  before,  without  in  any  wise  giving  me  to  understand  what  had  been  ordered.  1  had 
dispatched  an  express  to  Dover,  on  Monday,  to  obtain  information  of  the  real  state  of  the 
detention  of  abovementioned  three  Mediterranean  traders,  who  brought  me  an  answer  in 
writing  from  Sieur  Cornells  Bos,  that  twelve  ships,  mostly  English,  were  taken  to  Zealand  by 
Mr.  Tromp;  and  that  on  the  ii.  of  the  month,  five  Dutch  Mediterranean  merchantmen  were 
detained  in  the  Downs;  but  that  these  were  released  on  the  evening  of  the  fifth.  He  added, 
moreover,  that  their  voyage  was  scarcely  interrupted.  No  complaints  have  been  presented  to 
me  from  these  ships,  nor  from  those  carried  into  Zealand.  Since,  a  report  has  been  rendered 
by  the  Commissioners,  who  had  been  to  the  King,  at  Beverly,  from  the  Parliament,  to  propose 
terms  of  accommodation  to  His  Majesty,  whereby  the  danger  of  a  civil  war  might  be  avoided; 
people  have  been  continually  occupied  in  enlisting  and  mustering  troops,  both  foot  and  horse. 
The  city  of  London  will  furnish,  and  maintain  for  some  months,  it  is  reported,  five  thousand 
men.  The  apprentices  who  volunteer  with  their  masters'  consent,  and  will  be  received  into 
service,  will,  by  their  service,  shorten  thei  •  apprenticeship,  and  be  for  ever  freemen  of  London. 
A  great  many  more  are  presenting  themselves  than  it  is  designed  to  accept.  One  of  the 
Commissioners  who  had  been  to  the  King,  told  me,  that  Parliament  had  offered  to  place 
the  city  of  Hull  in  His  Majesty's  hands ;  to  restore  the  magazine  that  was  there ;  to 
regulate  the  militia  by  bill ;  to  discharge  the  forces  enlisted  on  both  sides,  at  one  and  the  same 
time.  And  he  declared,  moreover,  that  those  of  the  Parliament  will  uphold  the  King  in  good 
faith,  and  sincerely  in  his  prerogative,  dignity  and  rank.  On  the  other  hand,  his  Majesty 
requires,  first  of  all,  that  Hull  and  the  magazine  be  restored.  That  those  of  the  Parliament  do 
first  dismiss  the  force  they  have  raised,  and  place  the  militia,  as  well  as  the  fleet,  at  his 
disposal.  Moreover,  that  the  Parliament  be  adjourned,  to  meet  in  some  other  place  besides 
Westminster  or  London.     This  being  effected,  his  Majesty  will  consider  what  is  necessary  to 

■  RoiuT  Ricn,  2d  Earl  of  Wurwick,  aiicceeiled  to  hit  father's  title  on  24tb  March,  1618-19;  he  waa  a  great  friend  of  the 
Puritani,  and  High  Admiral  for  the  Long  Parliament  After  filling  variona  officea,  he  died  May  39,  1669.  Ilia  nephaW 
married  Francea,  youngeit  daughter  of  Oliver  Cromwell,  lord  Protector  of  England.  Collituf  Ptrrag:  Ed.  1766.  11^88. 
He  waa,  says  Clarendon,  a  man  of  pleasant  and  companionable  wit  and  conversation;  of  an  uniTersal  jollity;  and  such  a 
liaense  in  1  vorda  and  actions,  tliat  a  man  of  less  virtue  could  not  be  found  ont  Tlie  Karl  of  Warwick  Tr»»-presid6nt  of 
the  Council  ol  Plymouth,  under  which  the  New  England  colonies  were  planted ;  und  his  eonnexion  with  the  Puritans,  with 
whom  be  waa  vary  popular,  may  account  for  the  character  of  the  early  emigration  to  thoa*  par'    —  Ed. 


m 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    11. 


m 


be  done  with  Parliament,  Tor  the  good  of  the  nation.  Some  of  the  Commissioners'  suite  had 
heard  some  Cavaliers  of  the  court  wish  the  said  Commissioners  n:uch  bad  luck,  should  they 
wait  on  the  King  for  the  purpose  of  making  peace.  A  printed  copy  of  the  King's  answer 
accompanies  this,  by  which  your  High  Mightinesses  will  perceive,  more  clearly,  the  nature  of 
his  Majesty's  demands,  and  that  he  hath  required  a  full  and  positive  answer  thereunto  by 
Wednesday,  the  xxvii.  of  July,  old  style.  How  it  is  received  by  the  Houses  of  Parliament,  I 
have  not  heard  for  certain.  Afler  the  departure  of  the  aforesaid  Commissioners,  the  King 
went  to  Leicestershire,  where,  it  is  reported,  a  division  has  broken  out  among  the  people. 
And  a  committee  of  Parliament  is  engaged  in  putting  into  execution  the  militia  law.  The 
people  had,  moreover,  refused  to  deliver  up  the  magazine;  but  it  is  as  yet  scarcely  possible  to 
write  with  any  certainty  about  such  matters  as  transpire  at  a  distance  from  here;  seeing,  by 
daily  experience,  that  things  are  printed  here,  under  the  eyes  of  Parliament,  which  have  not 
the  least  semblance  of  truth. 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  despatches  of  the  xxvii.  July,  are  delivered  to  me  whilst  I  am 
engaged  in  writing  this.  I  thank  your  High  Mightinesses  for  the  Rescript,'  and  I  shall  make 
use  of  it  as  occasion  demands,  and  state  decidedly  every  where,  when  the  subject  is  mentioned, 
that  your  High  Mightinesses  will  not  meddle  with  the  domestic  difficulties  of  this  kingdom, 
and  that  the  government  of  the  United  Netherlands  keeps  itself  neutral  in  this  regard.  I  avoid 
as  much  as  possible  having  any  thing  to  do  with  the  Parliament,  and  holding  any  conversation 
with  the  members  thereof,  in  order  not  to  excite  any  cause  of  jealousy. 

I  mentioned  in  my  last  of  the  xxxi.  July,  that  the  English  in  New  England  complain  of 
the  Dutch  in  New  Netherland,  and  that  some  of  the  English  have  spoken  very  boldly  and  said, 
if  the  affair  were  not  settled,  that  the  Dutch  would,  within  a  year,  be  out  of  those  parts  whence 
the  complaints  proceeded.  Those  who  dare  threaten  in  that  manner,  would  perhaps  also 
venture  on  putting  threats  into  execution.  , 

What  my  Lord  Seye  requests,  is  ineffectual  to  keep  the  English  back  from  New  Netherland, 
should  they  design  driving  our  people  from  their  place.  I  have,  therefore,  bethought  me  to 
propose  respectfully  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  whether  it  would  not  be  proper,  in  order 
to  obviate  inconveniences,  that  your  High  Mightinesses  should  write  to  the  King  and  request 
his  Majesty  to  be  pleased  to  order  the  English  in  New  England  to  leave  the  Dutch  undisturbed 
in  New  Netherland  and  parts  adjacent,  where  they  had  been  before  the  English  arrived  in 
those  countries.  For  such  orders  must  proceed  from  his  Majesty,  who  might  take  it  ill  that 
the  Houses  of  Parliament  were  applied  to  for  a  remedy,  whose  orders  probably  would  not  be 
acknowledged  in  that  far  distant  quarter.  In  considering  the  aforesaid  point,  it  is  ( with 
submission),  to  be  borne  in  mind,  that  the  winter  will  be  soon  at  hand,  and  that  opportunitisB 
to  go,  or  to  send  letters  to  those  parts,  do  not  occur  every  day. 

The  Portuguese  agent,  who  remained  here  after  the  Ambassador's  departure,  spoke  to  me  on 
Saturday  last,  to  request  Vice  Admiral  Tromp  to  assist  two  Commissioners  of  the  Kiug  his 
master,  who  had  arrived  at  Dover,  in  reaching  the  United  Provinces  in  safety.  They  were 
sent,  he  said,  to  your  High  Mightinesses  on  business  of  importance,  and  which  required 
despatch.     I  granted  him  his  request;  but  I  know  not  whether  Mr.  Tromp  can  accommodate 

'  See  Aitxema.    Folio.  II.  ,816,  for  the  terras  or  buii  of  the  Reicript.  —  Ed. 


183 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


him.     The  Earl  of  Leicester'  lefl  here  last  weeii  for  his  government,  in  Ireland.    Herewith 
ending,  I  commend  myself  respectfully  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  and  pray  God, 

High  and  Mighty  Lords,  that  He  may  bless  your  High  Mightinesses'  Government  more 
and  more. 

Your  High  Mightinesses' 

London,  the  eighth  of  August,  1642.  most  obedient  servant, 

Received  le"*  of  August,  1642.  (Signed)        Alb.  Joachimi. 

P.  S.     The  letter  was  entirely  written  when  I  received  the  printed  replies  to  the  King's 
answer  brought  over  lately  by  the  Earl  of  Holland.'     A  copy  of  said  replies  is  hereunto  annexed. 


New  Neiherland.     1638  to  1642. 

In  all  the  Points  of  Reference  for  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  West  Indis  Company,  reoeired  by  the  States  General 
between  9  September,  1688,  and  2Sd  August,  1842,  no  mention  is  found  of  New  Netherland,  though  all  these  points  hava 
been  carefully  examined  twice.  J.  A.  di  Zwaah. 

liaroh,  1848. 


<.■»■■» 


Subject  for  the  Consideration  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX. 

[  From  the  Origtaui  in  the  Bojal  Archires  at  the  Hsgae:  File,  Wti*  Indit,  ] 

Points  whereupon  all  the  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company  are  summoned 
to  Amsterdam  for  the  15  Sept'    1642,  extracted  so  far  as  relates  to  the 
affairs  of  New  Netherland.    Read  23  Aug.  1642. 
24""  Point. 

And  in  what  way  to  deviae  an  effectual  and  good  plan  for  the  places  in  New  Netherland 
regarding  the  Freedoms  and  peopling  thereof,  and,  generally,  in  what  manner  the  aforesaid 
conquests  shall  be  resorted  to  and  traded  with. 

*  RoBEBT  SiDRiT,  2d  Earl  of  Leicester,  and  brother-in-law  of  the  Earl  of  Northumberland,  was  a  man  of  great  parts,  very 
converfant  in  books,  and  much  addicted  to  the  mathematics ;  and  though  he  had  been  a  soldier,  and  commanded  a  regiment  in 
the  service  of  the  United  ProTiucer,  and  w»e  afterwards  employed  in  several  embassies,  as  in  Denmark  and  France,  was  in 
truth,  rather  a  speculative  than  a  practical  man.  He  was,  after  the  death  of  the  Earl  of  Strafford,  in  1641,  called  from  th« 
embassy  in  France  to  be  Lord  Lieutenant  of  Ireland,  and  shortly  after  lost  the  King's  favor  and  his  office,  without  having 
gone  to  take  possession  of  that  government;  aft«r  which  he  joined  the  Parliament,  and  Cromwell  showed  his  sense  of  that 
step  by  appointing  Lord  Lisle,  his  eldest  son,  Lord  LieULensntof  Ireland  in  1648.   Clarmthm. 

•  Hk.ibv  Rich,  Ist  Earl  of  Holland,  K.  O.,  vas  the  second  son  of  Robert,  1st  Earl  of  Warwick,  and  brother  of  Robert, 
montionei  in  a  preceding  note.  He  was  created  Knight  of  the  Bath  in  1611,  and  in  1618,  CapUin  of  the  King's  Guard; 
became  Lord  Kensington  in  1623-4,  and  Earl  of  .Holland  in  Lincolnshire,  in  1623.  He  was  sent  ambassador  to  France,  and 
afterwards  to  the  United  Provinces,  in  162B,  in  which  country  he  had  already  made  two  or  three  campaigns,  and  in  1689,  on 
the  first  insurrection  of  the  Scots,  was  constituted  General  o:  the  Horse  in  the  expedition  into  that  country.  On  the  break- 
ing out  of  the  Rebellion,  ho  endeavored  to  accommodate  matters,  and  with  that  view,  accompanied  the  Earl  of  Bolford  (  see 
lupra,  p.  127.)  to  the  King  at  Oxford.  But  these  efforts  beconiing  fruitless,  he  took  up  arms  in  the  Royal  cause,  was  taken 
prisoner  in  July,  1648,  condemned  to  death  by  the  High  Court  of  Justice,  and  beheaded  on  the  9th  of  March,  1649,  before 
tha  gates  of  Westmioster  Hall.  Collini.  —  Ed. 


HOLLAND  DOCtJMENTS:    II. 


Mr.  Joachimi  to  the  States  General. 

[  From  ths  Origlul  Is  tfao  Sofil  AretalTM  at  tho  Hagsa  :  File,  Xngiltmi.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords ! 

My  Lords, 

My  servant,  whom  I  sent  on  the  iii.  inst.  to  Holland  with  despatches  to  your  High  MightineBses 
and  his  Highness,  returned  yesterday  with  a  certificate,  that  he  had  duly  delivered  them, 
without  bringing  back  any  rescript  from  your  High  Mightinesses :  I  shall  expect  it  shortly.  I 
submitted  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  in  a  despatch  of  the  last  of  July,  divers  points  to  which 
(under  correction)  attention  ought  to  be  paid.  Among  the  rest,  to  that  of  the  complaint 
which  'he  English  of  New  England  make  against  some  of  the  Dutch  Company  in  New 
Netherland.  Were  these  to  be  once  dislodged,  they  could  not  return  there  except  with 
great  difficulty. 

On  the  xviii.  of  August  I  also  requested  your  High  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  consider, 
in  case  the  war  proceed,  whether  the  Ambassadors  are  at  liberty  to  remain  here,  where  the 
Parliament  meets,  or  to  repair  to  the  King,  without  their  Sovereigns  and  themselves  being 
thereby  understood  to  be  compromised  ;  and  what  is  best  to  be  done  at  this  conjuncture,  so  that 
neither  your  High  Mightinesses  nor  the  State,  nor  your  High  Mightinesses'  servant  may  be  put, 
on  this  account,  to  any  inconvenience.  The  French  Ambassador  hath  taken  his  leave  of  the 
King,  and  calculates  to  depart  this  week.  He  leaves  only  one  person  here,  who  will  send  him 
over  an  account  of  whatever  transpires  in  this  place.  With  my  last  of  the  xii.,  I  sent  your  High 
Mightinesses  the  King's  Message  to  both  Houses  of  Parliament,  brought  over  by  the  Earls  of 
Dorset'  and  Southampton'  and  their  co-delegates,  at  the  close  of  last  August,  with  the  answer 
of  the  aforesaid  houses  thereunto  of  the  xxix.  Another  Message  from  his  Majesty,  or  a  reply 
to  the  aforesaid  answer  and  the  declaration  made  on  the  fifth  of  September  thereon  by  the 
Lords  and  Commons  in  Parliament  accompanies  this  despatch.  Adjoined  to  them  are  two 
Journals  of  what  had  been  done  in  the  House  of  Commons  during  the  week  last  past.  In 
two  or  three  days,  we  shall  know  what  resolution  the  Lords  of  the  Upper  house  will  have 
adopted  on  the  subject  of  the  Episcopacy.  Those  of  Scotland  also  desire  that  the  Church 
government  may  be  assimilated  and  rendered  uniform  in  both  Kingdoms.  A  Parliamentman 
told  me  to-day  that  the  West  Riding  of  Yorkshire  hath  pronounced  for  the  Parliament,  and  that 
the  two  Serjeants  major  who  were  sent  up  from  Boston  with  nine  or  ten  Officers,  are  placed 
in  separate  prisons.     News  is  received  here  of  the  siege  of  Sherborne  [Castle]  from  which  the 

■  Edwakd  Saoktilli,  4th  Earl  of  Dorivt,  K.  0.,  wm  born  in  the  year  1590.  Hd  represented  the  eouaty  of  Saiaex  in  the 
time  of  James  L;  accompanied  the  forcea  sent  in  1S20,  to  the  assistance  of  the  King  of  Bohemia,  and  was  engaged  in 
the  battle  of  the  Prague,  He  was  Amhaasadur  to  France  in  1621,  and  succeeded  to  the  title,  on  the  death  of  his  brother, 
in  1624.  In  thn  following  year,  he  became  one  uf  the  Lords  of  Trade ;  in  1627  he  was  appointed  one  of  the  Commissioner* 
to  conclude  an  alliance  with  the  States  General,  and  in  1A3S  one  of  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty.  On  the  breaking  out  of 
the  ciril  war  ha  adhered  to  the  King;  superceded  the  Earl  of  Essex  as  Lord  Chamberlain  ;  in  1646,  he.  with  other*  of  the 
Council,  signed  the  capitulation  for  the  surrender  of  Oxford,  and  in  Ihe  following  year  retired  into  prirate  life.  He  died  on 
the  nth  July,  16S2.  Collin$.  L,  pt  ii.,  768. —Ed. 

'  Thomas  Wiiotiiislt,  Earl  of  Southampton,  K.  0.,  Lord  High  Treosurer  of  England.  The  title  became  extinct  on  his 
death  in  1667.  Z><6r><(.  —  Kd. 


.$ 


I  if 


184 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Marquess  of  Hertford'  fled.    Some  great  men  say.  that  those  besieged  l.ave  slain  between  two 
nnd  three  hundred  of  the  Parliamentarians.     From  the  South  we  hear,  that  those  ZolZ 

orlT'h       ;  "?"'/  '"'  "'"^'"  ''''  ^"^«  «°'  ''"'y  P--"  of  cannon      U^ 
probably  follow  from  this,  that  this  place  will  surrender  to  them. 

Herewith  humbly  commending  myself  to  your  High  Mightinesses.  I  shall  conclude  and  pray 
God.  H.gh  and  Mighty  Lords,  that  he  may  preserve  and  protect  Fatherland.  ^    ^ 

T-,.  J       *i.    ,«.i.o  ,  Your  High  Mightiness' 

London,  the  l?""  September.  1642.  mn.»v...«,ki 

r>      •     J  «~.i,  r.  .  »      ■«*•  most  humble  servant. 

Received  27'^  September.  1642.  /s,Vn„^\         *        x 

(oigned)        Alb.  JoACHiMi. 

1642. 

Th!'  f  H-T"  "'k"'"'*  "'^u  '*"''  "^"^ ^"*''"'  '•"''  P°'-''""°"th  has  surrendered  to  the  Parliament. 
The  conditions  have  nof  been  yet  received.     Dated  as  above.  "n.ameni. 


Mr.  Joachimi  to  the  States   General 

[  From  lb*  Origln.1  in  Ui«  EojriU  Archlrw  at  Ibe  Higoe ;  Flto,  Xng4la«d.  ] 

High  and-Mighty  Lords! 
My  Lords ! 

Your  High  Mightinesses  could  have  seen  from  my  last,  of  the  ir.  instant,  what  has  been  said 
here  of  the  rencontre  which  occurred  on  the  previous  Saturday,  near  Wore"  ter.  b  twee„  t  « 
Cavaliers  under  Pnnce  Robert  and  some  Companies  of  the  Parliamentarians  Your  hLh 
Mightinesses  will  receive  herewith  the  information  communicated  thereby  to  the  King  ani'a 
book  containing  an  agreement  between  the  nobility  and  gentry  of  Yorkshire"^  mutualfy  pi  Sging 
themselves  to  remain   neuter  and  to  abstain,  in  the  aforesaid  County,  from  the  pfoc  edfZ 

U  atSTt:  tht  a;;^""-/'''"*  ^'^  the  Parliament  hath  publis'hed  a  dectaZ  w    f 
8  attached  to  the  aforesaid  agreement,  commencing  "fourteen  articles  of  peace."     Private 

o  the  Kin"     t  r  "'t''  '""  '^^"^"'"  ^'"''"«  '''^'  ^'^  ^^-'^-'^^  '^-e  been  pres  nted 
to  the  King  which  were  taken,  in  the  rencontre  above  mentioned,  from  the  Parliamentarians 
and  It  IS  reported  that  some  thousands  of  the  latter  b  ,ve  been  slain.  '"""enta^'ans , 

A  Parliamentman  of  quality  told  me.  on  Saturday  last,  that  the  Earl  of  Essex  was  with 
the  army  wUh.n  twelve  miles  of  Shrewsbury ;  that  place  has  been  fortified  by  the  King,  who 
keeps  his  main  force  there.     It  is  believed  that  My  Lord  Strange,  now  Earl  of  Derby,'  by^he 

•  Wau.-  8.T«,om  Earl  of  Hertford.  K.  O.,  .ucooedod  to  the  title  on  the  death  of  his  grandfather  in  1621    and  wo 
advanced  to  the  d.gn.ty  of  Marqueaa  en  the  8d  of  June,  1640.  and  conaUtuted  Governor  of  the  Prioc.  of  Wal^    On  Z 

JI!^  .    '!I'"''J'^^''  °^  ^"'^'  """  '""'"«'»'"»  t"  Poriiament  by  the  title  of  Lord  Strange.  18th  February  1828    and 
particulan.  of  hm  death  are  very  fully  detailed  in  Collin,,  IF.,  X4,  -  Kr,.  '  ' 


HOLLAND  DOOXJMENTS!    IL 


185 


death  of  hi.  father   has  been  before  Manchester  with  about  three  thouisnd  men  to  invest 

the  place ,  and  that  he  hath  suffered  some  loss  from  those  occupying  that  post.    If  this  Ze 

should  contmue  I  cannot  write  anything  as  certain.  «  wis  siege 

Of  the  Marquess  of  Hertford  it  is  stated  that  he  has  succeeded  in  getting  into  one  of  the  Castle. 

tl  E  T„"   F  •'"  °°*  '":'  "'^''^^  ''''  ""'•''•""  -"'•'^  the'parlifment  recomm  nded 

he  Earl  of  Essex,  ,s  sent  to  the  King.    Something  ha.  been  done  here  in  Church  matters. 

h  th    7      /  "Z'V'l  ''"   ^"•'^"  •""'  «°"«  »°  '^^--'  -'^  -  offi^-  of  the  King 

Your  mix  kT  k"-"""^  '^"'  "'"'  "^  ''^^  ^°'^'  ''  «°°^«y  her  Majesty  thither 

Your  High  M.ghfnes8es  can  best  tell  how  much  truth  is  in  it.  Your  High  Mightinesses  will 
please  to  find,  .o  the  accompanying  Journals,  what  has  occurred  here  during  the  past  week. 
Towards  the  end  of  the  aforesaid  week,  the  Duke  of  Soubisse  died  here.  A  distinguished 
Kn.ght.  who  sold  h.s  property  above  eight  or  nine  years  ago  and  removed  the  proceeds,  a. 
well  as  h.8  sons,  to  New  England,  yesterday  renewed  to  me  the  complaints  against  some  of 
our  nation  belonging  to  New  Netherland,  relative  to  which  I  have  heretofore  writt.a  to  your 
High  Mightinesses.  It  will  be  necessary  seasonably  to  consider  the  means  of  preventing  an 
attack  being  attempted  on  our  people.  Herewith,  commending  myself  to  your  High 
M.ghtrnesses,  I  pray  God,  H.gh  and  Mighty  Lords,  to  prosper  the  State  and  to  bles,  your 
High  Mightinesses'  Government.  ' 

Your  High  Mightinesses' 
London  the  xvii  October.  1642.  Most  humble  Servant. 

Received  25-  October.  1642.  ( gigned )        Alb  :  Joachim,. 


Resohitum  of  the  Statea  General  m  the  preceding  Despatohee. 

I  From  Iba  B«giil«  of  Wort  InJl,  ajwm,  1688-1«1,  la  tho  Boy«l  AnhlTM  .t  lb*  Htcso.  ] 

,„,„  ^  Saturday,  26'*  October.  1642. 

H..,jo.chi,ni.  Received  a  letter  and  appendix  from  Mr.  Joachimi.  their  High  Mightinesses' 

ordinary   Ambassador  in  England,  written  at  London  the  18'^  inst.;    the   aforesaid   letter 
Now^  Noihorund  Containing,  among  the  rest,  a  notice  of  affairs  that  occurred  in  New  Netherland ; 
which,  being  taken  into  consideration,  it  i.  resolved  and  concluded,  that  the 
retro-acta  relating  hereunto  shall  be  examined. 


<  ■ »  »  I  ■  ». 


SvJ^ects  for  the  Cbnsideration  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.     1643. 

[  From  iho  OrlgiiMl,  In  Iko  Ku/tl  ArchlTM  at  Uw  B>(ne  j  File,  Wft  htdit.  ] 

Points  on  which  all  the  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company  are  summoned 
to  Amsterdam  for  the  21  February,  1643;  extracted  so  far  as  they  relate  to 
the  affairs  of  New  Netherland.     Read  2  February,  1643. 
IS'"  Point. 

It  being  found  that  New  Netherland  hath  been  hitherto  of  great  expense  and  small  profit  to 
the  Company,  and  that  the  plan  of  opening  the  trade  io  said  place,  produce,  no  true  effect 


136 


NEWYORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCSI?TS. 


according  to  the  intent,  inasmuch  a-*  many  will  go  thither  to  trade  without  acquiring  a  domicile 
there;  and  therefore,  population  scarcsly  increases  there,  whilst  trade  is  s-iriously  ruined. 
Therefore,  the  members  are  recommended  to  consider  vrhether  the  internal  trade  there  ought 
not  to  be  confined  to  the  inhabitant*  of  that  country.  And  in  order  to  induce  u  greater  number 
to  repair  thither,  and  to  encourage  the  people  there  to  the  culture  of  the  soil,  grain  and  the 
fisheries,  whether  it  would  not  be  well  to  open  to  tne  inhabitants  who  liave  a  permanent  domicile, 
and  oblige  themselves  to  remain  there,  the  trade  from  that  country  to  Brazil,  under  proper 
orders  and  duties,  for  the  benefit  of  the  Company ;  and  vice  versa,  that  from  Brazil  back  to 
New  Netherland. 
19. 

In  tike  manner,  as  a  supply  not  only  r,f  ail  sorts  of  animals  and  cattle,  but  especially  of  salt, 
is  necessary  for  that  country;  and  the  islands  of  Curasao,  Bonaire,  Aruba  particularly,  furnish 
no  other  supplies,  the  settlement  ami  cultivation  of  said  islands  by  private  individuals,  u  ider 
conditions  to  be  thereunto  agreed  on,  shall  also  have  to  be  considered ;  permitting  the  trade 
between  them.  New  Netherland  and  Brazil,  and  vice  versa  as  above,  in  the  Company's 
unarmed  ships. 
20. 

Moreover,  that  i*ll  the  Chambers  that  trade  exclusively  to  one  quarter  or  the  other,  shall 
bring  the  account  thereof  with  them  in  order  to  determine,  after  examination  of  the  same,  if 
it  be  expedient  to  conlmue  thai  course,  or  to  open  the  trade. 


Subject  for  ilut  Consideration  of  the  AasemUy  of  the  XtX.    1643. 

t  From  Um  Orltlail  Ic  ttr  Boral  ArahlTM  of  ih«  Hdcve ;  n)»,  ITm*  ntdU.  ] 

Points  on  which  all  the  Cb  .mbers  of  the  Wast  Indin  Company  are  summoned 
to  Amsterdam  for  the  U  July,  164.3;  extracted  so  far  as  relates  to  tha 
•jffairs  of  Now  Netherlatjd.     Received  19  June,  1643. 
9"  Point. 

Proper  enquiry  shall,  moreover,  be  made,  and  order  also  given  as  to  the  trade  which'  nome 
Chambsrs  saparalely  carry  on  to  one  quarter  or  the  other,  especially  how,  in  accordance  Tr'th 
the  IS*  and  19'"  poin',2  or  reference  of  the  last  Assembly,  the  iaiatid  of  Curasao  and  New 
Netherland  car,  best  be  benefitted;  and,  in  the  meantime,  to  resume  the  p.^fers  lately  received 
from  thence. 


^  ■'  «  »■  » 


liiedulion  of  the  States  General  on  a  Fetiiion  from  Fiscal   Van  Dindag«n. 

[  Ftim  th«  RHttiw  of  W«l  ladl*  ABUn,  tMS-lMI,  ia  Um  KajH  AKb\JM  H  Uu  Umm.  ] 

Tuesday,  28  J  ily,  16^3. 
The  p-tition  with  the  appendix  presented  to  their  High  Mightinesses  bv  and 
on  the  behalf  of  Lubbert  Van  Dincklagen,  late  fiscal  of  New  Netherland,  being 


Folio  M. 
DInel'ifm. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    II. 


187 


read  to  the  Assembly,  complaining  that  he,  the  petitioner,  hath  not  been  able  as  yet  to  obtain 
from  the  West  India  Company,  payment  of  his  three  years'  services  and  other  claims.  After 
previous  de.iberation.  it  is  resolved  and  concluded,  to  refer  the  petitioner  hereby  to  the  Courts 
of  Justice. 


States  General  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX. 

[  From  the  Minnie  in  Uie  Eojel  ArchlTei  •(  the  Hicue ;  FU«,  Witt  IndU.  ] 

To  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  West  India  Company,  the  SO'"  August,  1643. 

The  States,  &c. 
M'°faV.'';      Wnereas  [complaints  have]  come  now  and  again  before  us  from  the  English 
KngUDj.  residmg  in  New  England,  againet  the  Dutch  sett'ed  in  New  Nelherland ;  Therefore, 

we  have  resolved  and  concluded  hereby  to  request  and  require  you  to  take  care  that  no  acts 
of  hostility  do  arise  [on  auy  pretence]  between  the  English  and  Dutch  nations;  but  on  the 
contrary,  that  good  Iriendship  and  harmony  be  maintained  with  the  English.     Expecting  which. 

Done  20""  August,  1643. 

Th.  word,  within  bracket^  in  th.  .bore  letter,  .ro  .uppUed.  -  the  Ma  i.  imperfeet.  in  oon«qn.nce  of  the  origin.1  being, 
u  It  II  lUted,  p»rU«ll7  illegible,  from  damp.— Bo.  a  ». 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  a  Report  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  XIX. 

[  From  Ih.  BefUter  of  W«t  Indl*  tllkln,  1«88- 1«1,  In  the  Rojel  ArchlTM  at  the  Uegu*.  ] 

Saturday,  7th  November,  1643. 


I>rpuU 

■  lUlMl 


'^'VhoV*  '^^°'*  ^^'"«  *'^"''  °^  ^'*"""  ""»"  ^"  Cappelle  tho  Ryssel  and  Hogendorp, 

•iihexik.  (Mr.  Bicker  being  absent)  who  by  virtue  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  Commission, 
presided  at  the  Assembly  of  the  West  India  Company  holden  at  Amsterdam,  in  September  and 
K,po«,.u,.  October  last;  and  the  said  report  being  exhibited  and  submitted  in  writing;  It  is 

upon  previous  deliberation,  resolved  and  concluded,  etc. 

i.ubh»ri  Tin  And  as  to  what  regards  the  case  of  Lubbert  van  Dingslagen.  the  retroacta  shall 

i)ii>td4.n.  jjg  examined,  in  order  that  they  be  placed  together  with  the  petitioner's  request, 

in  the  hands  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  Commissioners.  Finally,  the  Lords  of  Holland  are,  at 
i.ieir  request,  granted  a  copy  of  the  aforesaid  written  report;  with  recommendation  that  they 
assist  in  forwarding  the  maitter  tliereia  set  forth,  so  far  as  their  Province  ii  concerned. 


Vot.  I. 


It 


^lii 


188 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Resolution  of  the  States  Genei'al. 

I  From  the  Begliter  or  Wett  India  ilhin,  1688— I  Ml,  In  thg  Eoyil  ArchlTM  it  the  Higne.  J 

Tuesday,  24th  November,  1643. 
Deliberation  being  had,  it  is  hereby  resolved  and  concluded  to  delegate  Mr. 
Arnhem,  in  the  matter  of  Lubbertus  van  Dinsiaken,  late  fiscal  of  New  Netherland, 
in  the  stead  of  Mr.  Bommel,  (in  consequence  of  the  latter's  departure). 


Folio  W. 
Lubbcrt  ym  DIotIt 
keD. 


M 


i 


.A'   ( 


Svh;eci  for  the  Ounsideration  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.    1643. 

[  From  the  Orlfln»l,  In  lh«  EojtU  ArcblTM,  at  the  n»gii«.    File,  WiKl  IndU.  ] 

Points  wrhereon  all  the  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company  are  summoned 
to  Amsterdam,  for  the  IS"-  December,  1643;  extracted  so  far  as  relates  to 
the  affairs  of  New  Netherland.     Received  2  December,  1643. 

10'*  Point. 

Item.  Due  inquiry  ought  to  be  again  made  and  order  also  given  respecting  the  trade 
which  some  Chambers  carry  on  separately  to  one  quarter  and  another;  whether  it  can  be  best 
promoted  by  trading  conjointly  to  several  places,  or  otherwise,  each  independently;  first  of  all, 
praying  strict  attention  to  the  Island  of  Curasao  and  New  Netherland;  both  of  which  cost  the 
Company  considerable  annually,  without  atfording  any  profit  or  return. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  in  the  matter  of  Fiscal  van  DincJagen. 

I  Fr»m  Ihn  Brgliter  of  WM  Indl*  AMn,  1«8»-l«lll,  In  U»  Rojtl  AKklTM  M  Ui«  R«(ue.  ) 

Friday,  1 1  December,  1643. 
Folio »».  Having  heard  the  report  of  Mr.  Arnhem  and  other  their  High  Mightinesses' 
Deputies,  in  virtue  of  their  respective  resolutions  of  the  T'"  and  24«''  November  last,  and  having 
viewed  and  examined  the  petitions  and  appendices  heretofore  presented  to  their  High 
Lubh.H  fu  Dioo.  Mightinesses  by  and  on  behalf  of  Lubbert  van  Dincklngen,  late  Advocate  fiscal 
and  .Slieriff  of  New  Netherland,  instituting  complaint  of  and  against  the  West 
ludia  Company  of  these  parts,  in  order  to  receive  from  it  payment  of  his  three  years'  service 
and  other  claims,  which  he  maintains  to  be  due  him  from  the  above  named  Company.  It 
IS,  after  previous  deliberation,  and  after  examining  their  High  Mightinesses'  resolution  of 
the  28*  July  hereupon,  in  conformity  thereunto,  hereby  again  resolved  and  concluded,  to 
refer  the  Petitioner  to  the  Courts  of  Justice. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    II. 


139 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  in  the  matter  of  Fiscal  van  Dinclagen. 

£  F-om  Iht  Brglitor  of  Wiit  India  Affain,  1688-HOl,  In  liia  BortI  Arcblrcaat  Iha  Hagna.  ] 

Wednesday,  IG  December,  1643. 
Lubb!r""».7Din^       '^^^  further  petition  of  Lubbert  van  Dinckxiagen,  late  Fiscal  and  Sheriff  in  New 
"«•■>•  Netherlnnd,  with  the  vouchers  thereunto  annexed,  are,  after  previous  deliberation, 

placed  in  the  hands  of  their  High  Mightinesses*  Deputies  going  to  preside  at  the  next  Assembly 
of  the  XIX.  of  the  West  India  Company,  in  order  to  urge  and  endeavor  that  the  petitioner 
may  be  deprived  of  complaint;  and  their  High  Mightinesses'  resolutions  of  the  28"'  of  last 
July  and  xi.  instant,  respectively  adopted  in  the  Petitioner's  case,  are,  in  consequence, 
hereby  altered. 


Atemorial  of  the  Eight  Men  at  the  Manhattans  to  the  States  General. 

I  From  Uia  aalhenUnlcd  copy  In  Iba  Boyal  Arehlraa  al  Ibe  Uagua ;  File,  Wtt  fmH*.  ] 

Noble,   High  and    Mighty   Lords,  the   Noble   Lords  the    States   General  of  the   United 
Netherland  Provinces. 

Noble,  High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

As  no  sacrifice  is  more  acceptable  to  our  God  than  an  humble  spirit  and  a  contrite  heart,  so 
nothing  should,  in  like  manner,  be  more  pleasing  to  all  Christian  princes  and  magistrates,  than 
to  lend  an  ear  to  their  complaining,  and  to  extend  their  hand  to  their  distressed,  subjects. 

It  is  tlien  so  that  we  poor  inhabitants  of  New  Netherland  were  here  in  the  Spring  pursued  by 
these  wild  Heathens  and  barbarous  Savages  with  fire  and  sword;  daily  in  our  houses  and 
fields  have  they  cruelly  murdered  men  and  women ;  and  with  hatchets  and  tomahawks  struck 
little  children  dead  in  their  parents'  arms  or  before  their  doors  ;  or  carried  them  away  into 
bondage  ;  the  houses  and  grain-barracks  are  burnt  with  the  produce;  cattle,  of  all  description!, 
are  slain  and  destroyed,  and  such  as  remain  must  perish  this  approaching  Winter  for  the  want 
of  fodder. 

Almost  every  place  is  abandoned.  We,  wretched  people,  must  skulk,  with  wives  and  little 
oneo  that  still  survive,  in  poverty  together,  in  and  around  the  fort  at  the  Manahatas  where  we 
are  not  safe  even  for  an  hour;  whilst  the  Indians  daily  threaten  to  overwhelm  ui  with  it. 
Very  little  can  be  planted  this  autumn,  and  much  less  in  the  spring;  so  that  it  will  come  to 
pass  that  all  of  us  who  will  yet  save  our  lives,  must  of  necessity  perish  next  year  of  hunger 
and  sorrow,  with  our  wives  and  children,  unless  our  God  have  pity  on  us. 

We  are  all  here,  from  the  smallest  to  the  greatest,  devoid  of  counsel  and  means,  wholly 
powerless.  The  enemy  meets  with  scarce  any  resistance.  The  garrison  consists  of  but  60 
(ti.00  soldiers  unprovided  with  ammunition.  Fort  Amsterdam,  utterly  defenceless,  standi 
open  to  the  enemy  night  and  day.  The  Company  hath  few  or  no  eH'ects  liere  (as  the  Director 
hath  iulormeil  us);  v  ere  it  not  for  this,  there  would  have  been  still  time  to  receive  assistance 


^ 


Ml 


140 


NEW.YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


II 


i;. 

!  ! 


■h     it 


from  the  English  at  the  East  (ere  all  had  gone  to  ruin);  and  we  wretched  settlers,  whilst  we 
must  abandon  all  our  substance,  are  exceedingly  poor. 

These  heathens  are  strong  in  might;  tliey  have  formed  an  alliance  with  seven  other  nations; 
are  well  provided  with  guns,  powder  and  lead,  which  they  purchased  for  beaver  from  the 
private  traders  who  have  had,  for  a  long  time,  fkee  range  here ;  the  rest  they  take  from  our 
fellow  countrymen  whom  they  murder. 

In  fine,  we  experience  here  the  greatest  misery,  which  must  astonish  a  Christian  heart  to 
see  or  to  hear. 

We  turn  then,  in  a  body,  to  you.  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  acknowledging  you  as  our 
Sovereigns  and  the  Fathers  of  Fatherland.  We  supplicate,  for  God's  sake,  and  for  the  love 
your  High  Mightinesses  bear  your  poor  and  desolate  subjects  here  in  New  Netherland,  that  your 
High  Mightinesses  would  take  pity  on  us,  your  poor  people,  and  encourage  the  Company 
thereunto,  and  command  them  (to  whom  we  also  hereby  make  known  our  necessity)  to 
forward  us,  by  the  earliest  opportunity,  such  assistance  as  your  High  Mightinesses  will  deem 
most  proper,  in  order  that  we,  poor  forlorn  people,  may  not  be  left  all  at  once  a  prey,  with 
wives  and  children,  to  these  cruel  heathens.  And  should  suitable  assistance  not  speedily 
arrive  (contrary  to  our  expectations),  we  shall,  through  necessity,  in  order  to  save  the  lives  of 
those  who  remain,  be  obliged  to  betake  ourselves  to  the  English  at  the  East,  who  would  like 
nothing  better  than  to  possess  this  place.  And  that  an  account  of  the  superior  convenience  of 
sea  coasts,  bays,  and  large  rivers,  besides  the  great  fertility  of  this  place :  yea,  which  alone 
could  of  itself  provision  and  supply  yearly  20,  25(a,30  ships  from  Brazil  or  the  West  Indies 
with  all  necessaries. 

(Was  underwritten:)  Remaining,  as  we  are,  your  High  Mightinesses' faithful  servants  and 
subjects,  lawfully  chosen  and  authorized  by  the  Hon'''*  Director  and  Council  and  the  entire 
Commonali^  of  New  Netherland, 

(Signed)         Coobnelis  Meltn, 
ToMAS  Hal, 

ISAK    AlLERTON, 

Abraham  Pieterse, 


Jan  Evertsk  Boudt, 
Gbrrit  Wolpiikrtsb, 
Bakent  DmcKSB, 

JOCHEM    PiETBRSE    KuYTBR. 


Dated  Manahatan,  in  New  Netherland,  this  3"*  November,  1643 ;  Stil :  Rom". 

Thia  is  found,  ou  collating,  to  agree  with  the  Minute. 

( Signed )        Cornelib  van  Tibnbovbn,  Sec'. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  referring  tfie  preceding  Memorial. 

{  From  Um  R*(M«r  of  Wad  India  AMn,  IMS— 1«I,  In  Ui«  Bojrtl  ArchlTM  tl  tha  llifu*.  ] 

Tuesday,  6  April,  1644. 
'""""»•  Read    in   the   Assembly   a  certain   Remonstrance    presented   to  their   Hiffh 

s«ii«uaj.  Mightinesses  in  the  name  and  on  behalf  of  the  entire  Commonalty  of  New 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IL 


141 


Netherland,  containing  divers  complaints  respecting  the  inconveniences  to  which  they  are  there 
exposed.  Whereupon,  deliberation  being  had,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded,  that  copy  of  the 
aforesaid  Remonstrance  be  sent  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  West  India  Company,  so 
that  prompt  order  may  be  taken  on  said  ComplainU,  and  for  the  removal  of  the  aforesaid 
inconveniences. 

[  Here  follows  a  fragment  of  the  letter  of  the  States  General  to  the  Asaemhly  of  tha  XIX,  transmitting  the  ^regoing 
Besolution,  but  it  is,  for  the  moat  part,  unintelligible.  —  Ed.] 


.ri 


Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  States  General. 

[  From  the  Orlgtnal  In  the  Boxsl  ArctalTH  it  the  Hague.    File,  Wti£  IndU.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  letter  dated  the  6""  April,  is  duly  come  to  hand.  Though  addressed 
to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  we  have  opened  it  here  at  our  private  meeting,  and  read  it  with 
particularly  grateful  acceptance,  in  regard  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  paternal  and  gracious 
care  for  the  wretched  Commonalty  of  New  Netherland;  we  have  also  attentively  examined  the 
petition  of  the  said  Commonalty  presented  to  your  High  Mightinesses.  We  have  resolved,  to 
write  to  your  High  Mightinesses  in  answer  to  the  one  and  the  other,  that  jointly  and 
individually,  we  sensibly  feel  in  the  inmost  recesses  of  our  hearts,  the  miserable  and  desolate 
condition  of  the  poor  people  there,  the  rather  as  we  find  ourselves  in  such  inability  that  we 
not  only  cannot  supply  the  requisite  means  to  bring  this  Colony,  which  is  a  source  of  so  much 
expense  for  the  West  India  Company,  to  such  a  state  that  we  might  in  time  realize  the  long 
looked  for  fruits  thereof;  but  cannot,  at  present,  even  furnish  those  poor  people  who  have  let 
their  Fatherland,  in  the  hope  of  obtaining,  with  their  wives  and  children  in  that  country,  an 
honest  livelihood,  with  such  supplies  as  are  most  urgently  required  Tor  their  support  and 
protection  against  the  barbarous  inhabitants  of  those  parts.  And  we  are  truly  of  opinion  that 
greater  and  greater  difficulties  are  to  be  expected  from  long  delays.  In  order  [to  prevent] 
which,  as  well  in  New  Netherland  as  in  other  distant  places  where  the  Company,  and 
consequently  this  State,  have  to  fear  no  less  dangers,  through  the  scarcity  of  divers  required 
necessary  provisions,  ammunition,  goods,  &c.,  we  are  obliged  respectfully  to  submit  to  your  High 
Mightinesses,  that  the  Company  is  fallen  into  both  such  inability  and  discredit  tiiat  it  is  out  of 
its  power,  any  longer,  without  considerable  aid  from  the  State,  to  supply  any  distant  places, 
or  to  continue  any  further  the  necessary  daily  payments  in  this  country.  We  most  humbly 
request  Your  High  Mightinesses,  therefore,  to  be  pleased  to  take  these  untoward  circumstances 
into  such  consideration  us  the  constitution  of  the  Company  for  the  welfare  of  this  State 
most  seriously  demands. 

High  and  Mighty  I  ords,  let  not  the  good  and  willing  stockholders  who  have  contributed 
such  large  subscriptions  for  the  advancement  of  the  prosperity  of  this  Stale,  and  have  already 
provisioniilly  adopted  on  eilectual  and  advantageous  resolution  with  the  East  India  Company; 
lat  them  not  bt  discouraged  or  dismayed  in  contributing  to  such  a  beneficial  work  as  the 
(   mbinatlon  of  these  two   notable   Companies  would    prove  for   this  State.     The   vigorous 


I 


1 3^'f 


142 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


continuance  of  the  Company's  maritime  affairs,  and  at  least  of  its  daily  occurring  disbursements 
here,  would  contribute  a  little  to  that  [prosperity];  and  with  an  immediate  grant  of  about  a 
million,  it  can  be  placed  in  good,  prosperous  and  profitable  condition.  We  also  respectfully 
request  you.  High  and  Mighty,  to  be  pleased  to  receive  further  information  from  our  Deputies, 
who  will  present  this  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  and  therein  to  vouchsare  them  favorable 
audience  and  fuH  credit.  Thereupon  awaiting  your  High  Mightinesses'  favorable  resolution, 
which  is  mosi,  .lecessary,  we  shall  meanwhile.  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  pray  God  for  the 
continual  success  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  prosperous  government. 

Your  High  Mightinesses  most  humble  Servants, 

The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  at  Amsterdam, 

Amsterdam,  this  23  April,  1644.  (Signed)        Jacob  Hamel. 

Received  27'"  April,  1644.  Marcus  de  Vooelabr. 


^  ■■  » ■♦♦- 


Resolutio7i  of  the  States  Qeneml,  referring  the  preceding  Letter. 

i  From  lh«  Begliter  of  We»t  ladla  affaira,  1683  — 1881,  In  lh«  ISoy»l  AruhirM  st  Uw  Htfiie.  ] 

Wednesday,  27  April  1644. 
Folio  no.  Appeared  in  the  Assembly  some  Directors  from  divers  Chambers  of  the  West 

oc'ra^n"  "^ '  *  India  Company,  and  by  the  mouth  of  one  of  the  Advocates  of  said  Company 
proposed  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  and  subsequently  submitted  in  writing,  what  is 
Proix.,1.  substantially  set  forth  in  the  proposition  hereinafter  inserted.     And  the  aforesaid 

Directors  also  delivered,  besides,  to  their  High  Mightinesses  a  certain  letter  from  the  Directors 
of  the  abovenamed  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  written  there  the  23" 
instant,  being  an  answer  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  despatch  of  the  S'"  of  the  present  month, 
AffaimnfN.w  respecting  the  affairs  of  New  Netherland  ;  which  being  considered,  the  Provinces 
desired  copy  of  the  aforesaid  proposition,  as  well  as  of  the  said  letter  which  was 
granted  them. 


Report  of  tli4  DepuVm  from  the  States  General  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX. 

[  From  Iha  Original  In  th*  Bojal  Arehlrta  at  tha  Hague ;  File,  Wut  IhdU.  ] 

Extract  of  the  Report  of  Henrick  van  der  Capelle  toe  Ryssel,  Daniel  Hoog.ndorp 
■riaio  Nauta,  Gerrit  van  Santen,  their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies  to  the 
Asssmbly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  West  India  Company  at  Amsterdam  in  April, 
1614.     Exhibited  1"  October,  1644. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

The  deputies  to  this  Assembly  have  found  great  discord  and  mutual  distrust  prevailing 
among  the  Chambers;  and  the  Bnizilg  with  the  coasts  of  Guinea,  Angola,  etc.,  were  in 
consequence,  not  provided  with  what  those  coasts  required  for  support  and  trade  for  this  State. 

Those  from  Zealand,  etc. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    II. 


143 


Mr.  Spiei;ingh  to  the  States  General 

I  From  the  Original  In  tha  Boyal  Archlrra  at  the  Hagne:  File,  DuUsoUand.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

Whereas  her  Royal  Majesty's  ship,  the  Fame,  coming  from  Nova  Suecia,  her  Royal  MamtyU 
Vo»e,non,  freighted  with  some  pehrUs  and  tobacco,  has  arrived  in  this  country,  and  I,  desiring 
to  have  said  freight  discharged  here,  gave  notice,  in  the  ordinary  course  of  trade,  of  said  cargo 
at  the  customs  through  my  agent  at  Amsterdam,  who  applied  for  a  permit  to  unload  ;  but  this 
was  refused  h.m,  and  he  was  referred  from  there  to  the  West  India  Company;  this  astonished 
me  not  a  little,  as  I  do  not  know  wherefore  he  is  referred  from  one  to  the  other  when  the 
customs  and  duties  thereof  are  offered  to  be  paid.  Therefore  I  would  hereby  request  your  High 
Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  give  such  orders  and  instruction  to  whomsoever  has  charge  and 
authority  over  the  customs  and  duties  that  they  will  no  longer  refuse  to  allow  this  her  Royal 
Majesty's  ship  to  be  unloaded  and  discharged  in  due  course  of  trade,  but  that  such  be  done 
wilhout  hindrance,  lest  the  perishable  goods  remain  on  board  to  their  damage ;  expecting 
which  speedily  from  your  High  Mightinesses,  °  r         o 

I  wish  you  from  Almighty  God  a  prosperous  government,  remaining 

High  and  Mighty  Lords, 

Your  High  'lightinesses' 

Friend  and  dutiful 
Hague,  8'"  October,  1644.  (Signed)        Peter  Spieringh  Silvercroen, 

hereditary  Proprietor  of  North  Holm. 
[op  Norshollcm  er/gesdten.'] 


*  II   »    ir  » 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  a  further  Memorial  of  the  Swedish  ResicUnt. 

[From  ll»  K<sW«  of  Bwolulloiu  reUUng  to  Weal  India  aOkln  in  tne  Boyal  Archlrea  at  the  Hague.  ] 

Saturday,  15""  October,  1644. 

TSlrigEliTiport  ^"*^  '°  ^^^  Assembly  a  certain  additional  Memorial  presented  to  their  High 
d«.Mod8°p,r'"cent  Mlghtincssses  by  and  on  behalf  of  Rcident  Spieringh,  stating  in  substance,  that 
he  hath  seen  that  their  High  Mightnesses  have  been  pleased  to  resolve  that  copy  of  his 
previous  Memorial  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  presented  the  8'"  instant,  respecting  the 
discnarging  her  Royal  Majesty's  ship  the  Fame,  be  referred  to  the  present  delegated  Directors 
of  the  West  India  Company,  in  order  to  furnish  their  High  Mightinesses,  at  their  earliest 
convenience,  with  information  regarding  this  affair.  Mr.  Spieringh  being  now  aware  of  the 
object  of  this  reference,  which  can  no  otherwise  ,e  interpreted  than  as  tending  to  the  disrespect 
and  disparagement  of  her  Royal  Majesty,  cannot  therefore  accept  such  resolution  nor  send  it 
It  to  her  Royal  Majesty  (unless  on  refusal  of  any  other)  as  it  will  surprise  her  to  learn  that  a 
remonstrance  from  one  Sovereign  to  another  should  be  referred  to  privpte  individuals,  or  to  a 
private  Company  or  Board,  or  whatever  else  it  may  be  called,  totally  unknown,  in  these 
premise.,  to  her  Royal  Majesty.    Their  High  Mightineaies  have  placed  Mr.  Soieringh's  aforesaid 


144 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Memorial  in  the  hands  of  such  as  they  pleased,  but  he  expects  an  answer  and  resolution  from 
none  but  their  High  Mightinesses ;  and  that  speedily,  according  to  the  urgency  of  the  case,  in 
order  to  discharge  the  aforesaid  ship,  after  satisfying  the  customs,  according  to  the  usage  of 
trade  in  regard  to  other  foreign  independent  sovereigns  ;  or  that  their  High  Mightinesses  will 
be  pleased  to  communicate  to  him  the  reasons  why  he  has  been  detained  ;  referred  from  one 
to  the  other  to  the  serious  damage  of  the  perishable  wares  which  are  lying  on  ship  board,  and 
of  others  now  bearing  a  high  price.  Which  being  considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded, 
;hat  the  cargo  of  the  said  ship  the  Fame  shall  be  regulated  as  regards  the  duties,  in  the  same 
way  as  those  of  the  French,  English,  Danish  and  other  foreign  nations  that  bring  and 
discharge  such  or  similar  cargoea  here ;  to  wit,  the  ordinary  import  duties,  and  in  addition 
eight  p?r  cent,  both  made  over  among  other  things  to  the  West  India  Company  of  these  ports, 
in  place  of  subsidies;  all  in  conformity  to  the  S""  Article  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  regulation 
of  the  le""  October,  1637,  and  their  confirmatory  resolution  of  the  24""  July  1641  following 
thereupon. 


Folio  181. 
Mol;n. 
Slaten  blind. 


Reaolution  of  tlie  States  General  on  a  letter  from  the  Patrom  of  Staten  Island. 

[  From  th«  Boglitor  or  Wett  India  AHiln,  1633—11151,  In  tha  Rojral  ArohWea  at  the  Hagna.  ] 

Thursday,  20"'  October,  1644. 
The  letter  ofCornelis  Melyn,  styling  himself  Patroon  at  Staten  Island,  without 
date  or  place,  addressed  to  Mr.  van  Nederhorst;  also,  a  certain  petition  of  the 
same,  dated  Manahattas,  e""  August  last,  regarding  the  distressed  condition  of  affairs  there,  is, 
after  previous  consideration,  placed  in  the  hands  of  Messrs.  van  der  Capellen,  and  other  their 
High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  West  India  Company,  with 
power  to  inform  themselves  of,  and  investigate  the  real  merits  and  state  of  the  aforesaid 
representation,  and  afterwards  assist  in  making  such  order  therein  as  the  interests  of  the 
country  in  general,  and  those  of  the  said  Company  in  particular,  shall  require. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  to  inquire  into  tJie  affairs  of  New  Netherland. 

[  From  tha  Baglater  of  Waal  India  Affliira,  1638— IWl,  in  the  Rojral  Arohlrea  at  the  Hafue.  ] 

Saturday,  22  October,  1644. 
Foito  181.  Messrs.  van  der  Capelle  tho  Ryssel  and  other  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies 

Drpntlealo  Ihe  Ao.    ,  "^  "^  an  r 

aamwyofthexix.  have  represented  to  the  Assembly  that  they  have  determined  and  resolved  to 
Departure.  procecd  heuce  to  Amsterdam  on  Monday  next,  in  order  to  preside,    by  virtue 

of  their  High  Mightinesses'  Commission  and   authority,  at  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  tho 
West  India  Company  which  will  meet  in  the  beginning  of  the  next  week,  retiuesting  to  know 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IL 


145 


A  A  "f. '»'«"•  H.gh  Mightinesses  have  any  further  commands  for  them  ;  which,  being 
con8.dered.  the.r  H.gh  Mightinesses  wished  the  said  Lords  a  favorable  journey;  recommended 
to  them  the  mterests  of  the  Country  in  general  and  of  the  aforesaid  West  India  CoZny  n 
particular;  and  requested  them  to  use  ail  due  diligence,  to  the  end  that  the  business  mentioned 
mthe  repor  be  accomplished,  which  the  aforesaid,  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies,  had 
made  verbally  on  the  first  of  this  month,  and  afterwards  delivered  in  writing;  whereunto  for 
brevty  sake,  reference  ,s  had.     Le,n,  that  generally  all  abuses  and  excesses  at'present  prevailing 

ll  r     "?  "*^  7T  •  ""'J  ''"''""•'  ''"''  P"""""^  '°  "'^'^  »'e''  Mightinesses'  resolution 

li,  nTT'  /.""'"?  ''^""^'^^^  ""-^  '"^^^'''^^^^  '^^  t"'«  circumstances  and 
cond.  .on  of  the  state  o.  affa.rs  ,n  New  Netherland.  and  assist  in  making  such  order  as  the  interest 
of  the  Country  ,n  general  and  those  of  the  above  mentioned  Company  in  particular  shall 
require.     Their  High  Mightinesses  further  deputed  Mr.  Viersen  in  the'  pL  of  ^Na  t    (  " 

ZmbT'f  ;  Y  v'^'V'T"^  '°  '"""P^"^  """'  ^"'«'  '''"^  in  presiding  in  the  aforesaid 
thpir  H  Vm    ^  T?  """^ '"  "•^'^''^^     '°  ''^«  aforesaid  Mr.  van  der  Capelle  and  others 

their  High  Mightinesses' deputies. 


Mr.  Spieringh  to  the  States  General 

t  From  Ui«  Origloil  Id  the  Ko;*!  Arcblru  it  the  Htgae ;  File,  Wet  /ndfa.] 

Mr.  Peter  Spiring  Silvercroon.  hereditary  proprietor  of  North  Holm,  Councillor  of  Finance 
to  her  Royal  Majesty  of  Sweden,  and  her  Resident  near  your  High  Mightinesses,  being,  at  his 
request,  in  conference  on  the  SG'"  October  with  some  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies, 
proposed  that  he  the  Resident,  be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  resolution 
of  the  16'^  October,  m  answer  to  the  Memorial  he  presented  relative  to  the  discharging  of  her 
Majesty  s  Slap  the  Fame,  which,  coming  from  New  Sweden,  had  run  in  to  these  parts ;  stating,  in 
substance,  that  your  High  Mightinesses  declared  the  cargo  of  the  above  named  ship,  the 
tame,  should  be  regulated  in  regard  to  duties,  the  same  as  the  ships  of  the  French.  English. 
Danish  and  other  foreign  nations  that  bring  and  discharge  such  or  similar  loading  here,  to  wit  • 
the  ordinary  import  duty  and  in  addition  8  per  cent,  both  made  over,  among  other  things,  to  the 
West  India  Company  of  this  Country,  in  conformity  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  resolution  in 
this  regard,     lo  which,  your  High  Mightinesses'  resolution,  he,  the  Resident,  submitted,  that 
whatever  the  French,  Knglish.  Danish  and  other  foreign  nations  gave  or  did  not  give,  was  not 
bindingon  him  PS  he  was  suffering  on  his  own  merits  and  demerits,  which  remained  unaffected 
and  undiminished.     Moreover,  few  or  no  such  examples  could  be  produced;  and  even  if  they 
were,  they  should  not  be  obligations  on  her  Royal  Majesty,  or  even  otherwise  be  drawn  into 
precedent;  that,  on  examination  of  their  nature  and  circumstances,  it  might  be  found  that 
such  French,  English  and  Danes  were  mere  private  persons,  and  then,  still,  mere  inhabitants 
of  these  countries,  who,  in  comparison  with  her  Royal  Majesty's  ship,  her  Royal  Majesty's 
property,  could  not  come  into  any  consideration  or  be  cited  as  precedent;  and  with  the  same 
readiness  that  Frenchmen  and  Englishmen  are  instanced  in  opposition  to  her  Royal  Majesty 
can  Swedes  be  equally  cited  against  others. 
Vol.  \.  J  9 


ill 


146 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


The  proposition  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies,  that  her  Royal  Majesty  should  pay 
the  same  as  other  inhabitants  of  these  countries,  the  Resident  would  consider  very  strange,  as 
nn  attempt  to  place  a  Sovereign  and  Crowned  head  on  a  level  with  inhabitants  of  this  State  ; 
the  Resident  expected  greater  respect  would  be  paid  her  Royal  Majesty  than  to  place  her  on 
an  equality  with  private  individuals.  If  this  State,  either  by  its  Ambassadors  or  others,  had 
made  or  submitted  any  request  to  her  Majesty,  he,  the  Resident,  was  convinced  that  in  such 
or  like  cases,  it  would  be  treated  with  much  greater  respect.  Moreover,  the  aforesaid 
proposition  was  altogether  different  in  character,  inasmuch  as  its  object  was  to  impose  subsidies 
and  contributions  on  her  Royal  Majesty  and  thereby  tax  her  for  the  benefit  of  some  private 
inhabitants  of  this  State;  inasmuch  as  these  duties  were  not  contributed  to  the  State,  but  to 
privatf  persons  who  were  simply  authorized  thereunto,  and  who  were  furnished  by  the  State 
with  a  paper  cloak ;  and  therefore,  if  her  Majesty  is  to  be  treated  in  all  cases  in  the  same 
manner  as  the  inhabitants  of  these  countries  (none  of  whom  is  understood  to  be  exempt), 
then  her  Royal  Majesty  must  even  so  be  released  from  si<r.li  duty,  or  must  be  acknowledged, 
not  only  to  be  exempt  from,  but  even  must  appropriate,  such  impost,  the  same  as  the  West  India 
Company,  which  consists  merely  of  private  individuals.  Moreover,  your  High  Mightinesses 
had  no  more  right  to  declare  that  this  her  Royal  Majesty's  ship  should  pay  duty  to  a  West 
India  Board,  than  to  an  East  India  or  a  Greenland  Company,  or  any  other  set  of  individals, 
which  would  be  without  end ;  and  levied  and  extorted  with,  certainly,  as  little  justice. 

Regarding  the  8  per  cent  in  addition  to  the  import  duty  :  although  he,  the  Resident,  did  not 
agree  to  it,  he  nevertheless  proposed  this  q-  ^stion ;  whether  it  had  reference  to  the  principal, 
the  risk,  the  profit,  the  entire,  or  what  else ;  also,  if  the  valuation  of  the  goods  was  to  apply  to 
the  place  where  they  were  procured,  here  where  they  were  bought,  or  there,  where  they  would 
be  consumed ;  your  High  Mightinesses  will  be  pleased  to  weigh  all  the  points  and  justly  to 
examine  this  case ;  and  should  the  West  India  Company,  according  to  its  pleasure  and 
resolution,  increase  the  value  and  duty,  your  High  Mightinesses  will  please  to  bear  in  mind, 
what,  under  similar  circumstances,  had  heretofore  occurred  in  Prussia,  with  her  Royal  Majesty, 
in  regard  to  the  licenses,  when  your  High  Mightinesses'  Ambassadors  argued  and  maintained 
that  her  Royal  Majesty  could  not  levy  any  tolls  there,  notwithstanding  her  Royal  Majesty  had 
won  those  countries  by  the  sword;  and  had,  moreover,  in  this  instance,  especial  treaties  in 
her  favor.  Although  it  was  then  pretended  that  no  duty  was  imposed  on  the  goods  except 
according  to  the  entry  of  the  merchant  and  the  place  where  they  were  loaded  and  purchased ; 
for  if  the  goods  were  rated  too  high,  her  Royal  Majesty  must  be  obliged  to  take  them  at  that 
appraisal,  and  add  as  much  more  thereto  for  the  protection  of  the  merchant;  it  will  now, 
on  the  contrary,  be  claimed  with  indeed,  less  justice,  that  the  West  India  Company  is  at 
liberty  to  value  the  goodc  as  high  as  it  chooses,  taking  the  payment  in  money  or  in  kind,  when 
the  bejt  would  be  selected ;  whereby  all  would  be  converted  and  drawn  to  its  own  profit. 
Besides,  the  West  India  Company  could,  with  so  much  the  less  grace  claim  any  duty, 
inasmuch  as  it  had,  heretofore,  under  grant  from  her  Royal  Majesty,  a  share  in  this  Swedish 
Company,  having  also  acknowledged  it  for  an  absolute  and  free  Company;  and,  then,  ships 
from  the  Kingdom,  from  New  iiweden,  having  sailed  and  been  loaded  and  discharged  here,  off 
and  on,  were  never  subjected  to,  much  less  paid  such  duty ;  and  hence,  so  far  from  there  being 
any  right  and  equity  for  such  imposition,  it  ought,  on  the  contrary,  now  to  be  considered  in 
direct  opposition  to  all  right  and  equity,  after  the  West  India  Company  had  surrendered  its 
shares,  and  her  Royal  Majesty  had  bought  it  out  and  exclusively  acquired  those  shares  herself; 


-il 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    II. 


147 


wherefore  no  h.ng  s.milar  could  now  be  levied  by  virtue,  and  in  regard  of  said  purchase :  And  still 
80  much  the  less  so.  inasmuch  as  this,  her  Royal  Majeaty's  ship  had  traded  to,  and  came  from, 
a  country  which  her  Royal  Majesty  had  rightfully  purchased,  and  obtained  posmsion  of,  from  ike  ri^ht 
o.;n«..;  where,  previously,  her  Itoyal  Majesty  had  found  neither  ships,  commerce,  nor  trade, 
but  had  established  them,  and  had  erected  her  arms  there,  and  thus  had,  first,  reduced  every 
thing  to  order;  and,  accordingly,  no  person  there  was  a  subject,  nor  could  any  duty  reasonably 
or  rightfully  be  claimed;  further,  this  Royal  ship  ran  in  here  for  no  other  purpose  than  solely 
with  the  intention  to  revictual,  and  to  sail  to  the  Kingdom,  when  fully  loaded,  but  in  consequence 
of  the  trouble  and  war  which  has  arisen  between  the  Swedes  and  Danes,  she  must  remain 
here,  and  is  unable  to  complete  her  voyage  because  your  High  Mightinesses  did  not  observe, 
according  to  the  letter  and  meaning,  the  well  established  alliance,  the  purport  of  which  was 
to  maintain,  against  all  force,  reciprocally  and  on  both  sides,  the  freedom  of  navigation  and 
commerce  in  the  East  and  North  seas;  and  because  your  High  Mightinesses  had  acted  so 
partially  herein. 

Further,  he  the  Resident  had  seen  by  a  sealed  Acte  of  the  13'"  October  ( being  your  High 
Mightinesses'  abovementioned  resolution  of  the  15"")  which  was  published  by  the  West  India 
Company,  that  the  latter  had,  in  quality  of  sovereign,  presumed  to  place  two  of  its  people  as 
keepers  on  board  the  Royal  ship,  and  he  therefore  desires  to  know  from  your  High  Mightinesses 
whether  or  not  that  was  done  by  your  High  Mightinesses'  order  and  knowledge;  if  not,  if  the 
West  India  Company  could  of  its   own  authority,  will   and  pleasure    hostilely  usurp   such 
pretension,  power  and  jurisdiction,  it  could  not  be  considered  other  than  an  arrogance  and 
insolence,  disrespectful  in  the  highest  degree  to  her  Royal  Majesty  ;  if.  indeed,  it  were  done 
by  order,  and  with  the  knowledge,  of  your  High  Mightinesses  (which  is  scarcely  credible)  your 
High  mightinesses  will  please  to  consider  with  what  great  respect  your  High  Mightinesses' 
ships  have  ever  been  treated  in  her  Royal  Majesty's  kingdom  and  within  her  jurisdiction;  and 
that  her  Royal  Majesty  never  expected  diflerent  treatment  from  your  High  Mightinesses;  that 
the  ships  which  had  heretofore  conveyed  your  High  Mightinesses' Ambassadors  to  Prussia' were 
not  once  inspected,  nor  detained,  nor  any  people  placed  on  board  of  them,  although  they 
were   laden   with   merchandise;    that  even  the  ships,  which  went  to  fetch,  or  bring,  the 
Ambassadors  back,  were  not   examined  ;    such  ships   and   goods  were   also   passed  free   as 
the  Ambassadors  on  their  voyage  requested  ;  and  that  from  no  other  motive  or  view,  than  simply 
out  of  the  respect  entertained  for  your  High  Mightinesses' Ambassadors  and  this  State:  contrary 
to  which,  this  disrespect  is  now  exhibited  towards  this  her  Royal  Mi.jesly's  ship,  carrying  only 
royal  freight.     But  should  your  High  Mightiness  entertain  no  such  regard,  he,  the  Reeident 
nevertheless  requests,  that  those  two  persons  may  be  again  removed  from  the  vessel,  so  that  no 
further  inconvenience  or  mischief  may  accrue  to  her  Majesty's  dignity  from  such  prejudicial 
acts  and  hostilities  of  which,  by  this  remonstrance,  he.  the  Resident,  will  then  be  blameless- 
and  as  a  further ^ecurity  that  no  fraud  shall  be  committed  on  the  cargo,  he.  the  Resident,  as 
her  Majesty's  Minister,  assures  your  High  Mightinesses  that  a  list  thereof  shall  be  delivered'in. 
if  your  High  Mightinesses  require  it.     Provided,  nevertheless,  in  all  things  that  he  the  Resident! 
he  not  understood  as  paying  any,  even  the  smallest   duty  from  this  her   Royal    Majesty's' 
ship,  as  well  for  reasons  above  recited,  as  because  it  is  prejudicial  to  her  Majesty's  dignity ; 
contrary  to  the  alliance  and  opposed  to  the  intimacy  and  friendship  which  were  therein  to 
continue  between  her  Royal  Majesty  and  your  High  Mightinesses;  and  therefore  expects  from 


148 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


your  High  Mightinesses  a  resolution  and  good  conclusion  on  this,  his  Remonstrance.     Wishing 
you  from  God  Almighty  a  long  and  prosperous  government. 

(Signed)         Peter  Spiekingh  Silvekcroon, 

Done  at  the  Hague  on  the  above  day  A°,  1644.         hereditary  Proprietor  of  North  Holm. 

Exhibited  29  October,  1614. 


mi 


e     i; 


Jiepott  of  their  Deputies  of  the  States  Qenerat  on  New  Netherland. 

t  From  the  OriginsI  In  tb*  Eoy»l  ArohlTM,  at  th«  Hague ;  File,  Wat  JwUkU  Compagnlt.  ] 

Extract  of  the  Report  of  Henrick  van  der  Capellen  toe  Rjssell,  Viersen,  Gerrit 
van  Santen  their  High  Mightinesses'  late  Deputies  to  the  Assembly  of  the 
West  India  Company  at  Amsterdam,  holdea  in  October  1J44.  Exhibited 
28«*  December  1644. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords, 

The  delegates  did,  on  the  H  October  etc. 
loNewNeiheriand.  We  repeatedly  brought  before  the  Assembly  the  complaint  which  was  made  to 
your  High  Mightinesses  respecting  the  cruel  massacre  perpetrated  on  the  Indians,  so  that  it 
may  be  provided  against,  and  the  punishment  for  blood  unlawfully  shed,  may  be  warded  off 
this  State.  And  it  was  finally  resolved,  that  ail  papers  relating  to  this  matter,  be  placed  in  the 
hands  of  the  Board  of  Accounts  (Rehn  kamer)  to  extract  therefrom,  by  the  next  Assembly, 
what  ought  to  be  redressed,  as  is  to  be  seen,  No.  7.  It  was  moreover  resolved,  to  recall  the 
Director  in  order  that  he  defend  himself,  and  to  send  back  in  his  stead  with  a  temporary 
commission,  Lubbert  van  Dinslaken  who  has  been  formerly  there  as  fiscal,  and  who  is  a  favorite 
with  the  Indians. 

Minerals  of  copper,  iron  and  lead  have  been  discovered  in  those  countries,  particulars  of 
which  are  given  to  this  Director,  to  inform  himself  thereof,  and  to  send  hither  the  real  ore  to 
be  tested.  A  private  individual  has  brought  with  him  copper  ore  that  is  very  rich,  and  hath 
also  some  silver  in  it;  orders  have  been  given  to  test  and  investigate  it  further. 


Appendix  No.  7.     Extract  from  the  Minute,  of  the  Nineteen.     Received  28th  December,  1644. 

15  December,  1644. 
Pursuant  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  order,  Mesr-  an  <]er  Capellen  toe  Ryssel  and  van 
Santen,  informed  the  Assembly  that  they  had  repeatedly  ..-fj.u-*.  -d  that  the 'usiness  respecting 
New  Netherland  may  be  dispatched,  whif;h  not  be'rifV  Aone,  thoj  had  spoken  this  morning  to 
the  Commissioners  thereunto  named  on  the  10""  December  last,  and  were  of  opinion  that  the 
papers  and  documents  having  reference  to  New  Netherland,  should  be  placed  in  the  hands  of 
the  Company's  Board  of  Accounts,  to  examine  the  whole  subject,  to  draw  up  a  report  and  to 
submit  to  the  Assembly  their  opinion,  how  the  decay  there  shall  be  remedied;  the  population 
increased ;  agriculture  advanced,  and  that  country  thoroughly  improved  for  the  advantage  of 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    II. 


149 


he  Company  wuh  authority  5  that  in  the  meanwhile  this  Assembly,  on  its  part,  shall  represent 
to  he  Amsterdam  Chamber,  what  persons,  in  addition  to  the  Director,  ought  to  be  recr-llnd  • 
and  that  Lubbertus  van  Dinclilagen,  may  be  provisionally  sent  thither  in  the  said  Director'^ 
place,  with  such  order  and  instruction  as  they  shall  judge  to  be  provisionally  for  the  best 
advantage  ot  afiairs  there. 

Whereupon  question  being  put,  the  Deputies  from  Amsterdam  declared,  relative  to  the 
examinatmn  of  the  matter,  and  the  same  to  serve  for  advice,  that  they  would  agree  to  the 
proposuion.  but  could  not  vote  to  the  prejudice  of  their  Chamber;  and  regarding  the  person, 
Dmcklagen  they  w.ll  endeavor  to  make  him  acceptable  to  their  Chamber.  Then  the  members 
confirmed  the  proposU.on.  and  consent  that  Dincklagen  shall  be  furnished  with  provisional 
commission  as  Director.  ^ 


II 


Jiepw't  of  the   Board  of  Accounts  on  New  Mtliei-land.     1644. 

Report  and  Advice  on  the  Condition  of  New  Netherland,  drawn  up  from 
documents  and  papers  placed  by  commission  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XiX 
dated  13">  Dec  1G44,  in  the  hands  of  the  Ga^al  Board  of  AccounU,  to 
examine  the  same,  to  make  a  digest  thereof,  and  to  advise  the  Assembly 
how  the  decay  there  can  be  prevented,  population  increased,  agriculture 
advanced,  and  that  country  wholly  improved  for  the  Company's  benefit. 
New  Netherland.  situate  in  America,  between  English  Virginia  and  New  England, 
extending  from  the  South  river,  lying  in  34J  degrees,  to  Cape  Malabar,  in  the  latitude  of  41 

tTlZf!!V"''Tfn'  "''  '"'"'''""''  "'■''"^  '=°""'^y  '"  'h«  y«"  ^^^S.  and  especially 
by  hose  of  the  Greenland  Company,  but  without  making  any  fi.xed  settlements,  only  as  a 
helter  m  he  winter,  f  or  which  purpose  they  erected  on  the  North  and  South  Rivers  there, 
two  little  forts  against  the  Incursions  of  the  Indians.  A  charter  was  afterwards,  on  the  11"> 
October.  1614  granted  by  their  High  Mightinesses  to  Gerrit  Jacobsz.  Witsen,  antient 
burgomaster  of  the  city  of  Amsterdam,  Jonas  Witsz,  Symon  Morrisen.  Lambert  van 
rweenhuyzen,  Wessel  Schenck  and  associates,  all  inhabitants  of  these  parts,  to  trade 
exclusively  to  the  newly  discovered  countries,  situate  in  America,  between  New  France  and 
Virginia,  and  now  called  New  Netherland,  to  resort  thither  exclusively  for  the  term  of 
three  years,  without  any  other  persons  being  able,  during  that  time,  to  frequent  that  place 

NetlrlandTclT  '"  '"'"  "''  '""^'""''"'^  "''  ''"P'  "'"^  g"'"^^'  ^"^^  ^  «»«  "f  fi^y  thousand 

charter 'o?r  'T  "'  '''^''^  '''"'  ^"'"  ''"'"P^"^  ^"""^  P— '°"'  ^^  -^'"«  «f  their 
rini '1  H  .T  r°""'.  ^'  ""f  '""^'^^'^  '""''^''^  '"  "^^'^  ^''•P'  '•>«  ^^-^  Netherland,  divers 
Co  on  sts  under  the  direction  of  Cornells  Jacobsz.  Mey,  and  Adriaen  Jorissz.  Tienpoint,  which 
D.  tors,  in  the  year  1624,  built  Fort  Orange  on  the  North  River,  and  Fort  Nassau  on  the 
bouth  River,  and  after  that,  in  1620,  Fort  Amsterdam  on  the  Manhattes.  In  all  which 
garrisons  were  continually  maintained,  and  trade  was  carried  on  in  those  several  districts  with 


150 


N3W-Y0RK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


yachts,  sloops  and  other  craft.  And  in  ih?  yp^r  1629,  the  Freedoms  and  Exemptions  conceded 
by  the  Hon""  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  «vere  published,  with  their  High  Mightinesses'  approbation. 
Thereupon  divers  Patroons  and  Colonists  resorttd  thither  ?nd  endeavored  to  advance 
agriculture  and  population.  For  further  security.  Fort  Good  Hope  was  also  erected  in  1633, 
on  the  Fresh  river.  But  said  population  did  not  experience  any  special  impulse  until  the 
year  1639,  when  the  Fur  trade  with  the  Indians,  wh;ch  had  been  previously  reserved  to 
the  Company,  was  thrown  free  and  open  to  every  body;  at  which  time  not  only  the  inhabitants 
there  residing  spread  themselves  far  and  wide,  but  even  new  Colonists  came  thither 
from  Fatherland;  and  the  neighboring  English,  both  from  Virginia  and  New  England  repaired 
to  us.  So  that  in  place  of  sevea  Bouweries,  full  thirty  were  plant-id  and  full  one  hundred 
more  eripected  in  a  sho.  t  time  from  the  plantatious  which  were  taken  up ;  insomuch  that  there 
was  every  appearance  that  provisions  might  be  furnished  in  two  or  three  years  for  ten 
thousand  men. 

Although  the  hope  was  now  entertained  that  the  country  would  by  such  means  arrive  at  a 
flourishing  pass,  yet  it  afterwards  appeared  that  the  abuses  attendant  on  the  free  trade  was  the 
cause  of  its  ruin  — 

First:  because  the  Colonists,  each  with  a  view  to  advance  his  own  interest,  separated 
themselves  from  one  another,  and  settled  far  in  the  interior  of  the  Country,  the  better  to  trade 
with  the  Indians,  whom  they  then  sought  to  allure  to  their  houses  by  excessive  familiarity  and 
treating.  By  this  course  they  brought  themselves  into  disrepute  with  the  Indians,  who,  not 
having  been  always  treated  alike,  made  this  the  cause  of  enmity. 

Secondly:  in  consequence  of  the  proximity  to  the  Indians,  whose  lands  lay  unfenced,  the 
cattle  belonging  to  our  people,  straying  without  herdsmen,  seriously  damaged  their  corn  or 
maize.  This  occasioned  much  complaint,  and  no  redress  following,  they  revenged  themselves, 
killing  both  the  cattle  and  horses. 

Thirdly:  not  only  the  Colonists,  but  also  the  free  traders  proceeding  from  this  country,  sold 
for  furs  in  consequence  of  the  great  profit,  fire-arms  to  the  Mohawks  for  full  400  men,  with 
powder  and  lead;  which,  being  refused  to  the  other  tribes  when  demanded,  increased  the 
hatred  and  enmity  of  the  latter. 

Fourthly:  It  happened,  in  addition  to  this,  that  the  Director  had,  a  few  years  after,  imposed 
a  contribution  of.  maize  on  the  Indians,  whereby  they  were  totally  estranged  from  our  people. 

Hence  arose  divers  threats  and  injurious  occurrences,  which  finally  broke  out  into  acts  of 
hostility,  so  that,  first.:  the  Uaritan  Indians  attempted  to  make  away  with  one  of  our  sloops, 
and  afterwards  killed  some  hogs  on  Stati-n  Island.  Whereupon  the  Director  dispatched  eighty 
soldiers  thither  to  avenge  the  act,  who  burnt  their  corn  and  killed  three  or  four  of  their  people. 
Both  sides  then  desisted  from  further  proceedings. 

Next  it  happened  that  a  Wechquaeskeck  Indian'  murdered,  about  the  year  1640,  an  old 
man  in  his  own  house  with  an  axe,  for  which  no  satisfaction  having  been  aflbrded  by  the  tribe, 
12  men,  chosen  from  the  Commonalty,  afterwards  resolved,  in  the  year  1042.  to  revenge  tho 
murder  by  open  war  ;  but  nothing  was  done  at  that  time  in  consequence  of  missina  the  enemy, 
who,  observing  what  was  dcnigned  agaiuNt  Ihcni,  sued  Cor  peace. 

Some  time  afterwards  the  Iliukingsiuk  Indians  designedly  shot,  with  an  arrow,  a  Dutchman, 
who  sat  thatching  a  house.     The  Commonalty  were  very  much  troubled  at  this,  dreading  the 

'  A  WiiaUhMtcr  (rib*.  —  En. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IL 


151 


GodTelJ  t  h  ;  T'  ^"'  "'"'  *'^  ""'"'''''  "^^  ^^^^'"8  -  ^-"  f"--  satisfaction. 
God  seemed  to  have  taken  vengeance  on  those  of  Witqueschack,  through  the  Mahikan 
Indians,  who  surpnz.ng  slew  full  70  of  them  and  led  many  women  and  children  away  in  o 
capt.v,ty.  Th,s  obhged  the  remainder  to  fly  to  our  people  at  the  Manhattans,  where  they 
were  received  mto  the  houses,  and  fed  by  the  Director  during  fourteen  days.  Shortly  afte^ 
this,  seized  w.th  another  panic,  they  fled  with  the  Hackingsacx,  fully  a  thousand  strong,  to  the 
v,cm,ty  of  the  fort,  and  over  the  river  of  Povonia.  Some  of  the  12  men  perceivh.g  this, 
t  e  D.rector,  on  the  petu.on  of  three  of  them,  namely.  Jan  Janse  Damen,  Abraham  Plangh  and 
Maryn  Adnaense  who  s.gned  in  the  name  of  the  entire  body,  authorized  an  attack  on  the 
abovement.oned  Indians,  in  the  course  of  the  night  between  the  27""  and  2S'-  of  February.  1G43 
by  a  party  of  soldiers  and  burghers,  who.  with  cruel  tyranny,  slew  80  of  them,  and  took  30 
prisoners.     And  although  the  Commonalty  protested  against  the  Director  and  the  aforesaid 

I  Ilr  ZT\  '"  """"'  "''  "r'  ^""'^  "''^  "^""  proceedings,  as  having  taken  place  without 
l<r  know  edge  or  consent,  they  W3re  obliged,  notwithstanding,  to  declare  open  war  against 
full  eleven  tnbes  of  Ind.ns,  who  rose  in  arms  on  that  account.     The  consequence  was  tha 
about  one  thousand  of  these,  and  many  soldiers  and  colonists  belonging  to  us.  were  killed 
Almost  all  the  bouwer.es  were  also  destroyed,  so  that  only  three  remained  on  the  Manh    tes 
and  two  on  Staten  Is  and.  and   the  greater  part  of  the  cattle  were  destroyed.     Wha      e 
remamed  of  these   had  to  be  kept  in  a  very  small  enclosure,  except  in  Rensselaer,  Colonie. 
lymg  on  the  North  r.ver.  .n  the  neighborhood  of  Fort  Orange,  which  experienced  no  trouble 
and  enjoyed  peace,  because  they  continued  to  sell  Hre  arms  and  powder  to  the  Indians  even 
durmg  the  war  against  our  people. 

The  Company  thus  experienced  the  greatest  destruction  and  damage,  as  well  by  the 
consumption  of  the.r  ammunition  and  the  ready  money  expended  in  purchasing  this  at  a  high 
rate  as  by  re.nforang  the  garrison,  by  the  enlisting  of  as  many  Englishmen  as  could  be  hir!d 
u.  that  country ;  f.„y  of  whom  the  Colonists  solemnly  engaged  to  pay,  but  the  payment  not 
havmg  followed,  remained  as  a  charge  upon  the  Company.  Those  indebted  to  the  Company 
were  hereby  (n.ally  reduced  to  such  a  state  that  they  had  no  means  to  pay  their  debts. 

To  remedy  this  great  decay  various  suggestions  were  made  by  the  Director  and 
the  Commonalty. 

Fint  that  to  restore  peace  and  quia  throughout  the  land,  the  Indians  who  had  waged  war 
against  us.  should  be  wholly  destroyed  and  exterminated.  The  Director  demanded,  for  that 
purpose  one  hundred  and  (idy  soldiers,  armed  with  muskets  and  coats  of  mail,  and  provided 
w.th  suflic.ent  munitions  of  war;  inasmuch  as  he  estimated  the  number  of  the  Indians,  our 
enemies,  not  to  be  above  three  hundred  strong.  The  Commonalty,  maintaining  that  they  were 
some  thousands  strong,  considered  the  accomplishment  of  such  a  proposal  impossible     they 

They  have  little  hope  ol  this,  so  'ong  as  the  present  ruler,  remain  there;  because  the  I.idia  , 
are  in  no  way  to  be  pacihed  (as  they  themselves  declare  to  our'.)  until  the  Director  is  removed 
thence,  calling  daily  for  Wouter.  Wouter- meaning  Wouter  van  Twiller 

Secondly  in  order  to  prevent  war  in  future,  the  Colonist,  ought  to  settle  nearer  each  other,  on 
.u.table  places,  with  a  view  of  being  thus  formed  into  village,  and  town,,  to  be  the  better 
able  to  protect  each  other  in  time  of  nee.l.  Being  separated  from  the  Natives,  will  prevent 
he  calth  damaging  the  corn  belonging  to  the  Indians,  which,  added  to  excessive  fan.iliarity 
.n  a,.oc,«t,ng  with  them  wa,  the  cause  of  many  ditlicultie..  The  employment  of  Indian,  a. 
domeutic  servant,  will,  thug,  ulao  be  put  an  end  to. 


152 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


m^ii 


Thirdly,  for  better  security  against  enemies,  and  to  ensure  respect  from  neighbors,  it  would 
be  advisable  immediately  to  construct  Fort  Amsterdam  of  stone;  for  it  is  now  in  such  ruin  that 
men  pass  into  it,  over  the  walls,  without  making  use  of  the  gate;  this,  according  to  the 
calculation  of  the  Director,  would  cost  only  20  to  25  thousand  guilders. 

Fovrihlij,  the  settlement  of  the  boundaries  between  the  English  and  our  people  by  the  Crown 
of  England  and  this  State,  ought  to  be  urged  in  every  way,  in  order  to  prevent  all  difficulties 
with  that  nation,  inasmuch  as  they  have  begun,  since  the  year  1633,  to  usurp  the  Fresh  River, 
notwithstanding  the  Company  had  previously  taken  entire  possession  of  it ;  and,  on  the  6'* 
June,  Anno  1C33  (before  any  Englishmen  had  ever  been  on,  or  near  that  river)  purchased 
land  from  the  Indians  twenty  miles  up  the  same,  and  built  fort  Good  Hope  thereupon  and  kept 
possession  thereof  with  our  people.  After  which  time,  namely,  on  lO'"  September,  the  English 
first  arrived  from  Nt  •  Plaimouth  and  Mathuses  bay,  before  that  fort,  and  declared  that  they 
wished  to  erect  a  lodge  three  miles  above  it;  which  the  Commissary  residing  there,  opposed 
as  long  as  he  could ;  but  was  necessitated  to  permit  it  under  protest,  according  to  instructions. 
Meanwhile,  divers  letters,  protests  and  notices  were  exchanged  between  their  Governor  and 
our  Director.  And  it  finally  came  to  pass  that  they  came,  in  the  year  1636  and  1636,  up  the 
aforesaid  river  with  sundry  families  and  cattle  ;  settling  themselves  down  there,  far  and  near ; 
even  on  the  land  situate  around  and  by  our  fort,  and  the  property  of  which  belonged  to  us. 
Which  land  they  have  parcelled  among  themselves,  endeavoring  to  prescribe  unto  us  laws; 
because,  having  built  a  house  or  two  at  the  mouth  of  the  river,  they  pretend  thereby  to  have 
the  key  thereof. 

Fljihly,  it  would  be  advisable,  for  the  benefit  of  that  country,  first  of  all,  to  facilitate 
emigration  to  New  Netherland,  as  had  been  done  a  long  time  since ;  or  at  least  to  credit  the 
passengers  for  a  time,  -n  order  to  allure  Colonists  thither,  and  afterward  to  introduce  a  goodly 
portion  of  farm  servants  and  negroes  into  that  country.  By  whose  labor,  agriculture  would 
be  so  much  promoted,  that  a  great  quantity  of  provisions  could  be  exported  thence  to  Brazil. 

Nixildy,  the  rendezvous  of  vessels  of  war  could  he  established  in  New  Netherland,  and  it  is 
better  adapted  than  the  Islan.l  of  Cura<,ao,  in  consequence  of  its  abundance  of  provisions  and  of 
building  timber,  and  because  all  parts  of  the  Wept  indies  are  safer  and  easier  of  access  from 
that  quarter,  and  the  designs  against  the  enemy  can  be  kept  better  concealed. 

Sevevthly,  it  would  be  advantageous  for  the  Company  to  keep  a  well  supplied  store  and  cellar 
there,  in  ordtjr  to  accommodate  the  inhabitants,  at  a  certain  reasonable  price,  either  for  money 
or  produce,  which  will  otherwise  be  overvalued  or  monopolized  by  private  traders.  But  if 
private  individuals  are  allowed  to  continue  trading,  a  fixed  price  ought  to  be  placed  on  their 
imported  wares.  The  system  of  giving  credit  ought  also  be  abolished,  as  the  Company  sutlers 
great  loss  therefrom,  and  their  servants  ou-'ht  to  be  promptly  paid  their  board  money  and 
monthly  wages. 

Finally,  'tis  proposed  that  the  Council  consist  of  four  or  five  persons  for  the  maintenance  of 
justice  and  the  authority  of  the  Company,  as  well  as  the  respect  of  the  neighboring  Colonies. 
From  all  this,  it  is  to  be  seen  into  what  confusion  and  ruin  New  Netherland  has  at  present 
fallen,  all  caused  by  the  rash  undertaking  o(  so  unnecessary  a  war,  without  the  knowledge, 
much  less  the  order  of  the  XIX.,  and  against  the  will  of  the  Commonalty  there;  and  what 
excessive  expenditure  is  now  required  from  the  Company,  both  for  succor  and  redress;  no 
apparent  profits  can  be  expecttd  ih.Te  for  some  years;  but,  on  the  contrary,  it  is  found  from 
the  Company's  books  in  tlie  Amsterdam  Chamber,  that  the  district  of  New  Netherland,  instead 


Ml  I 

r"'  I 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IL 


158 


of  being  a  source  of  proGt,  has  cost  the  Company,  from  the  year  1626  to  the  year  1644 
jnclusive  over  550,000  guilders,  deducting  the  returns  received  therefrom.     It  would,  therefore 

But  inasmuch  as  the  Company  has,  by  its  conceded  Freedoms,  promised  to  take  all  Colonists, 
as  well  freemen  as  servants,  under  its  protection,  and  to  aid  in  defending  them  against  a 
fore.gn  and  domestic  wars;  and  as  the  improvement  of  affairs  by  good  orders  from  here    and 
better  government  there  is  not  altogether  hopeless ;  so  that  this  place  may  be  pr    erv        'n  the 
first  .nstance   wuh  small  profits,  or  at  least  without  loss;  we  are,  therefore,  of  opinion   unde 
correction,  that  the  Company  cannot  decently  or  consistently  abandon  it 

folllwing  poil?- "'  '*  '"""  °"^'"  '"^  '"^'"'''  ^'  ""^""^ '"  '^'  """"^^'''^  ^"''^^^y  the 

""•Hh  V  r^"!.  **"  ^"""•'"y  An  agreement  ought  speedily,  and  first  of  all.  be  made 
with  the  English  hereupon,  as  it  is  found  that,  in  consequence  of  their  great  population, 
they  daily  encroach  more  and  more  on  our  territory.  That  being  fixed,  it  ought  to  be 
conditioned  that  the  English  who  may  find  themselves  within  our  disfrict.  or  should' desire  to 
come  into  it.  shall  be  amenable  to  our  government  and  acknowledged  only  as  original  subjects. 
Srro"a1ir»  "'*         '''"^^^•'  ^^f  •'"""'^^  °"8''''  '"  «^«^y  '■♦"'Pect.  be  again  reduced  to  peace  and 

«n.mi«»  hv  ?""'"?'  I  ""  "^"''  °^  "'"  P"""'""'  ^'^«°t°^'  ""•'^'y  'o  exterminate  all 
enemies  by  force,  be,  by  no  means,  adopted;  not  only  because  it  is  impossible  and 
unchristianlike  so  to  do.  but  it  would  not  be  advantageous  I  the  Company  to  iZ  so  git 
an  expense  as  it  requires  on  so  uncertain  a  result  and  so  small  an  appearance  of  profit.  And. 
therefore,  they  should  not  deem  it  impolitic  to  adopt  the  advice  of  .he  Commonalty,  and  to 
endeavor,  by  all  possible  means,  to  conciliate  and  to  satisfy  the  Indians  by  recalling  the  Director 
and  Council,  who  are  responsible  for  that  bloody  proceeding  of  the  28'^  February.  1G43.  that 
they  may  justify  and  vindicate  their  government  before  the  Hon""  Assembly  of  the  XIX  in 
whose  stead  a  person  ought  to  be  sent  thither  as  Director,  endowed  with  sufficient  qualities  to 
promote  on  the  one  side,  the  interests  of  the  Company  and  the  v.  Ifare  of  the  Commonalty,  and 
wit"'! Tiian.  '"'  correspondence  with  the  neighboring  people,  and  especially 

S'u'X*-""'""  .,  ^ti"^'^""  ''  "■""''^  ^^  "''^'«"'''«  'o  carry  out  and  put  into  practice  the  plan  of 

n.  ..K  f  f  r  ''?■■•  "''■•""'^^  """''"•*  '"•  ^h"'  '^^  ^^'''""'^t''  should  settle,  a  certain 
number  of  fam.l.H.  together,  on  some  of  the  most  suitable  places,  in  the  form  of  hamlets,  towns 
and  villages,  as  the  Lnglish  are  wont  to  do.  who  thereby  live  more  securely  ;  and  such  was  the 
Company  ,  intention  in  the  granting  of  the  printed  Freedom,  and  amplification  thereof. 
Z  w  r  ^"."^"''^•■."  -'"•  «"t  "'■»"• '-  "~y  to  has.e.1  the  repair  of  fort  Amsterdam. 

And  w  are  of  opinion  that  this  will  be  effected  in  a  proper  „„d  in  the  cheapest  manner,  wi^h 
good  Cay  and  firm  sods.  The  soldiers,  by  some  presents,  could  be  encouraged  thereunto  ad 
obliged  0  keep  ,t.  for  the  future,  in  good  repair.  The  Director  ought  to"  be  particular  y 
commanded  to  pay  strict  attenlion  thereto.  r'l^u'any 

..u,.,...„,„u  F.JiMy:  we  are  of  opinion,  under  correction,  that  for  the  security  of  the  aforesaid 

fort     „    of  such  other  pla.e  ...  ,ni,ht  require  it,  the  persons  specified  in  the  annexed    ist 
would   he  sulhcu-n,.  on  .uoh   allowances  a.  are  thereunto  adjoiiuui.     .Super.idduig.  that  the 
Vol.  I.  20 


'W 


f     J 


154 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Colonists  and  their  servants  should,  under  certain  penalties,  be  obliged  to  provide  themselves 
with  good  firelocks  and  other  weapons  for  their  own  defence.  Also,  for  the  purpose  of  securing 
themselves,  in  time  of  need,  with  the  assistance  of  the  garrison,  against  a  general  attack, 
without  the  Director,  Colonists,  or  any  person  whatsoever,  having  the  power  to  enlist  any 
soldiers,  be  they  few  or  many,  at  the  Company's  expense. 

ooTornmeni.  Sixt/ibj :  B   Council  ought  be  established   there   to   consist  of  three   persons, 

namely,  the  Director  as  President,  the  Vice  and  the  Fiscal,  as  assistants.  By  which  Council 
shall  be  treated  and  decided  all  cases  relating  to  the  police,  justice,  dignity  and  rights  of  the 
Company.  With  this  understanding,  however,  that  in  criminal  cases  the  Commander  shall 
take  the  place  of  the  Fiscal,  with  the  addition,  also,  of  two  capable  members  of  the 
Commonalty.  Further,  as  the  respective  Colonies  are  allowed  by  the  SS""  article  of 
the  Freedoms  to  delegate  one  or  two  persons  to  report  their  state  and  condition  to  the  Director 
and  Council,  at  least  once  a  year,  so  are  we  of  opinion  that  the  said  delegates  should,  moreover, 
assemble  every  six  months,  at  the  summons  of  the  Director  and  Council,  for  mutual  good 
understanding  and  the  general  advancement  of  the  public  welfare,  to  aid  in  advising  them, 
besides,  upon  all  affairs  relating  to  the  prosperity  of  their  Colonies,  the  conciliation  of  the 
Indians  and  neighbors,  the  maintenance  of  the  Freedoms  and  Privileges,  the  removal  of  all 
abuse  <  and  the  support  of  the  laws  and  statutes.  Also,  to  observe  that  the  Amsterdam 
measure,  ell  and  weight  shall  be  used  throughout  the  entire  country. 

PopoiaUon  ud  ig-  Seventhly:  Particular  provision  must  be  made  for  the  vigorous  encouragement 
of  the  population  and  cultivation  of  the  soil.  It  will  be  promoting  this  object 
to  afford  as  many  facilities  as  possible  to  emigrating  Colonists  and  freemen,  who  are  inclined  to 
go  thither ;  and  to  cause  them  to  settle  down  first  on  the  Island  of  Manhattes.  Allowing 
them  as  much  land  as  they  will  be  able  to  cultivate,  whether  in  raising  tobacco,  whereunto 
that  Island,  on  account  of  its  great  fertility,  is  considered  well  adapted ;  or  grain  and  other 
crops  from  which  they  will  expect  to  derive  the  greatest  profit. 

And  for  the  advancement  of  the  cultivation  of  the  land  there,  it  would  not  be  unwise  to 
allow,  at  the  request  of  the  Patroons,  Colonists  and  other  farmers^  the  introduction,  from 
Brazil  there,  of  as  many  Negroes  as  they  would  be  disposed  to  pay  for  at  a  fair  price ;  which 
Negroes  would  accomplish  more  work  for  their  masters,  and  at  a  less  expense,  than  farm 
servants,  who  must  be  bribed  to  go  thither  by  a  great  deal  of  money  and  promises. 
*•**  Eighthly:  in  order  to  encourage  population  still  more,  we  would  advise  that  it 

were  best  to  confine  the  trade  with  the  Indians  exclusively  to  the  Patroons,  Colonists  and  free 
people  who  reside  there,  without  permitting  any  commission  merchants  (committie  merdcri)  to 
traffic  in  any  manner  with  the  Indians  ;  but  to  be  satisfied  with  the  exchange  of  their  cargoes 
for  the  peltries,  tobacco,  wheat  and  other  country  produce  of  the  free  inhabitants. 

But  it  should  be  absolutely  forbidden  that  either  freemen  should  sell  to  the  Indians,  or 
commission  merchants  to  freemen,  any  arms  or  munitions  of  war,  on  a  certain  heavy  penalty 
to  be  thereunto  enacted,  lest  the  Indians,  deriving  strength  from  such  a  trade,  may,  in  course 
of  time,  be  encouraged  to  do  us  more  harm  than  they  can  now,  in  their  impotency,  inflict. 
But  it  will  suffice  that  each  of  the  free  inhabitants  shall  be  provided  with  a  good  gun  and  side 
arms,  for  self-defence,  as  hereinbefore  laid  down  in  the  6'»  point ;  which  arms  ought  to  be 
inspected  by  the  Director  every  six  months. 

And  for  the  greater  encouragement  of  the  good  people  of  New  Netherland,  it  is  submitted 
that  the  Hon«»  Assembly  take  into  consideration  whether  it  would  not  tend  to  tbe  advantage 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS*    II, 


ISflf 


of  those  possessions  to  allow  all  resident  Patroons  and  Colonists  to  export  their  produce  to 
Brazil,  under  proper  duty  and  toll,  as  flour,  oatmeal,  peas,  beans,  pipe  staves,  plunks,  square 
and  other  timber,  fit  for  the  building  of  ships  and  houses,  abound  there.  Also,  for  the 
encouragement  of  the  fisheries  there,  that  they  and  none  other  be  allowed  to  sell  at  the  Recief,» 
the  fish  and  caviare  which  are  caught,  cured  and  packed  in  that  country.  And  that  those  of 
New  Netherland  shall  also  be  permitted  to  take  salt  on  the  coast  of  Brazil,  in  the  vicinity 
of  Sinra.  or  in  the  West  Indies  or  the  purpose  of  suiting  green  or  dry  fish.  Also  to  erect  pans 
in  New  Netherland  to  refine  salt,  and  adapt  it  for  use  with  fish  and  meat,  as  fine  salt.  And  on 
arriving  in  Brazil,  they  shall  be  bound  to  deliver  every  thing  into  the  Company's  store,  and 
on  payment  of  the  proper  duty  and  toll,  whether  in  money  or  kind,  to  d  spose  of  the  same; 
without  exporting  any  money  thence,  but  taking,  as  a  return  cargo,  staves,  sugar,  confectionary, 
ginger,  tobacco,  cotton  and  other  produce  of  the  country,  with  proper  entries  thereof,  both  as 
to  quality  and  quantity;  and  therewith  to  sail  direct  to  New  Netherland,  without  touching  at 
any  port  on  the  way.  to  sell  or  barter  any  part  thereof,  under  any  pretence  whatsoever. 
Wherefore  they  should  receive  a  eup.-rcargo  on  the  part  of  the  Company  to  make  a  report  of 
the  whole  to  it,  and  to  return  in  the  next  ship  from  New  Netherland  to  Brazil.  And  for  the 
prevention  of  all  further  smuggling,  the  skippers  must  be  obligated,  on  pain  of  loss  of  the  ship 
and  cargo,  to  touch  at  Paraiba,  after  being  inspected  at  the  Recief,  in  order  to  be  again  visited 
there  on  the  Company's  behalf. 

Which  trade  being  thus  adjusted,  it  will  not  be  necessary  for  the  Company  to  be  burdened 
with  any  further  equipments  or  the  purchase  of  cargoes;  it  will  be,  moreover,  relieved  from 
numerous  servants  required  therefor.  The  garrison  being  to  be  rationed  at  their  own  expense, 
will  be  amply  supplied  for  that  purpose  with  necessaries  by  the  freemen  and  inhabitants  there! 

But  in  order  to  meet  the  expenses  which  the  Company  has  to  incur,  for  the  support  of  the 
garrison  and  the  other  servants,  it  will  be  necessary  to  keep  a  sharp  eye  on  the  receipt  of 
the  duties,  tolls  and  other  dues,  already  imposed  and  yet  to  be  imposed  on  the  exported  and 
imported  goods.  From  which,  we  are  of  opinion,  that  the  expensesMo  be  incurred  by  the 
Company  can  be  fully  defrayed,  with  the  hope  of  greater  and  more  ample  profit,  by  the  increase 
of  the  population. 


EsTiMATK  of  the  expenses  which  the  Company  would  have  to  bear  in  New 
Netherland  for  the  following  persons  to  be  rationed  at  their  own  expense. 

1  Director,  whose  monthly  salary  should  be  fl.250,  to  board  himself,  is  yearly fl.  3,000 

1  Second,  and  factor  and  receiver,  at  fl.  120  per  month,  as  above 1,440 

I  Fiscal,  (u),  fl.OO  per  month,  as  above '720 

1  Secretary,  who  is  also  to  keep  the  book  of  monthly  wages,  per  month  fl.GO, 720 

1  Commissary  of  the  merchandise  and  store  goods  (iL  fl.  60  per  month 720 

1  Assistant  of  the  merchandise  and  store  goods,  (it  fl.  2-5  per  month, 300 

1  Clergyman,  (a^  fl.  120  per  month, [    ''  1  44Q 

1  Schoolmaster,  precentor  and  sexton,  (S\  fl.  30, '3QO 

1  < ;  u  n  n  e  r,  @,  20 240 

1  Provost  or  Marshal,  (it,  H.  15 I8O 

'  N"''y  •<>«"'  of  tl.,  city  of  IVrn.mbuco.   l>ftw«n  the  riv.r  nil.irib«  ,nd  th..  ,.»,  i.  .  ,m.ll  tonga,  of  Un.l  on  which 
•lood  »  TilUg.  died  th«  Heoiffo,  wl.er.  nil  joou.  w.r.  •hipp.J  .dJ  diMl,»rg,Kl.  V$  U,l.  Vtrko,!  v«n  Wm  Indin,  lol. 


156  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

1  Corporal,  with  a  soldier  to  clenn  the  arms,  being  also  a  smith,  (&fl.  15  oer  month,  fl.  180 

1  Commander,  (S.  fl.  60  per  month 720 

1  Ensign,  (S.  fl.  45 640 

2  Serjeants,  @^  fl.25  each 600 

2  Corporals,  (^  fl.  18  each, , , ...  432 

1  Drummer,  (g.  fl.  13, 166 

4  Cadets,  @.  fl.  15  each, 720 

40  Soldiers,  @,  fl.  13  each, 6,240 

1  Surgeon  for  the  soldiers,  @.  fl.  25 300 

1  Skipper  on  the  sloop,  @^  fl.  25, 300 

4  Miitrosses,  (S.  fl.  1 3  per  month  each, 624 

1  Boy,  (&  fl.  9  per  month, 108 

69  persons,  amount  yearly  to, fl.20,040 

The  mills  there  must  be  leased. 

These  oflicers  and  servants  would  be  sufficient  for  the  business;  and  carpenters,  masons, 
smiths  and  such  like  ought  all  to  be  discharged,  and  left  to  work  for  whomsoever  will 
pay  them. 


The  States  General  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX. 

[  From  the  Mlnut*  In  Uw  Bojal  ArcblTM  il  Ibt  Htgne ;  FU«,  WuH  IndU.  ] 

To  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  West  India  Company,  the  21"  of  April,  1646. 

The  States,  etc. 
Two 8w«duh  shipt.  The  reprfisfintations  and  complaint  to  us  of  Mr.  Spieringh  tho  Norsholm,  the 
Queen  of  Sweden's  resident  here,  relative  to  your  proceedings  in  the  matter  of  interfering  with 
the  cargo  of  the  Royal  thipt  the  Calmer  sleuiel  and  Fuma,  coming  from  Nova  Suecia,  a  district 
in  the  possession  of  her  IJoyal  Majesty,  which  vessels  ran  in  here  and  broke  bulk,  you  will 
be  able  to  see  from  the  annexed  papers,  copies  of  the  said  Mr.  Spieringh's  memorial  and  of 
the  pieces  thereunto  appended,  this  day  presented  to  us,  which  we  have  hereby  resolved  to 
send  to  you,  desiring  and  requesting  that  the  said  laden  goods  and  merchandise  of  the  aforesaid 
two  ships,  may  be  discharged  without  making  any  further  difficulty  therein;  our  previously 
repeated  resolution  and  order  remaining  in  force  and  effect,  respecting  the  eight  per  cent  in 
question,  hereinbefore  imposed  and  exacted  on  all  other  such  wares  and  marchandise  for  the 
benefit  of  your  Company.  Whereupon,  relying,  etc. 
Done  21"  of  April,  1646. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENVS :    III. 


157 


Jieport  on  the  Proceedings  of  the  AssenMy  of  the  XIX.    1645. 

t  From  (he  Original  In  Ihe  Boyal  Archiru  Rt  the  H«gne ;  File,  Vu*  IndU.  \ 

Summary  Report  rendered  by  Mess"  Van  der  CUpellen  toe  Ryssel,  Herbers  and 
Nykerk,  ot'  the  principal  matters  that  occurred  in  the  Assembly  of  the 
Nineteen,  at  Amsterdam,  since  March,  1645.     Exhibited  12""  of  July,  1645. 

1.  Order  was  introduced  last  December,  in  the  respective  possessions  of  Brazil,  Guinea, 
Angola,  the  island  of  St.  Thomas,  New  Netherland,  and  answers  thereto  have  been  received 
by  the  ships  which  arrived  in  June,  1645.  Every  thing  is,  by  God's  blessing,  in  a  good 
condition;  and  in  consequence  of  the  employment  of  the  negroes,  which  were  from  time  ta 
time  introduced  from  Angola  into  Brazil,  in  planting  grain,  flour  is  produced  in  such  quantity 
that  what  used  to  always  cost  8  to  10  guilders,  still  contintes  to  be  sold  at  the  low  rate  of  six 
stivers,  wherefore  the  Supreme  Council  now  have  written  to  send  from  here  haif  as  much  flour 
as  used  heretofore  to  have  been  conveyed  thither. 

2.  Orders  have  been  made  by  this  Assembly  for  the  aforesaid  possessions  of  the  Company; 
letters  have  now  been  sent  over  to  the  Directors  in  those  countries  on  the  subject. 

3.  Propositions  have  been  made  by  Directors  and  principal  stockholders  of  the  Amsterdam 
Chamber  for  the  opening  of  the  Angola  trade  to  all,  to  which  the  other  Chambers  are 
strongly  opposed. 

It  was  to  be  expected  that  this  would  create  some  diiference  beiween  this  Amsterdam 
Chamber  and  the  others,  to  the  loss  and  discredit  of  the  West  India  Company ;  which  was 
prevented  by  good  reasons. 

The  trade  principally  to  Guinea  and  Angola,  is  the  life  of  the  Company;  and  the  ruin  of  the 
latter  would  follow  the  deduction  or  diminution  thereof. 

The  Company  can  neither  exist  or  flourish  without  commerce ;  even  though  all  the  public 
subsidies  were  promptly  paid. 

The  receipts  herefrom  still  keep  the  Company  alive,  and  furnish  means  for  the  equipments 
and  cargoes  for  these  and  other  coasts. 

4.  At  the  request  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  delegates,  something  has  been  proposed  by  the 
General  Board  of  Accounts  for  the  support  of  the  Company;  namely,  10"=  63  M.  guilders 
yearly ;  out  of  which,  they  say,  the  six  per  cent  per  annum  can  be  paid. 

The  Chambers  have  taken  the  proposition  with  them  in  order  to  resolve  thereupon  at  the 
next  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  in  Zealand.     (No.  1.) 

6.  Those  responsible  to  the  Company  for  the  domains,  provisions,  ammunition,  will  not  keep 
their  accounts  henceforward  according  to  the  Italian  mode,  but  according  to  order;  the  public 
receivers  and  clerks  shall  account  to  the  Council  of  state. 

6.  Something  has  been  done  respecting  the  supreme  government  in  Brazil,  agreeably  to  the 
resolutions  of  the  14'^  of  December,  1644,  and  14"'  of  April,  1645,  Nos.  2  and  3. 

Four  Councillors  have  been  nominated  to  the  supreme  government  of  Brazil ;  but  they  have 
given  in  some  considerations  whereon  they  demand  explanation. 

The  nomination  and  proposing  of  the  President  also  remain  unsettled ;  all  these,  as  well 
as  the  establishment  of  the  Board  of  accounts  in  Brazil,  and  the  departure  of  the  delegates  to 
the  supreme  government,  will  be  arranged  at  the  lirst  meeting  of  the  Assembly  of  the  Nineteen, 
at  Zealand. 


ii. 


158  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

7.  The  promiaed  subsidies  of  tlie  state  are  most  necessary  for  the  support  of  the  West  India 
Company,  in  this  its  backward  and  feeble  condition. 

The  Company's  shares  had  been  down  to  43  and  44,  when  your  High  Mighlinesses  first 
commenced  the  reform  of  its  abuses  in  August,  1C44. 

And  when  the  Merchants  and  stockholders  perceived  the  commencement  of  the  reform,  the 
shares  advanced  to  58. 

The  opponents  of  the  Company  brought  the  shares  down  again ;  namely,  to  44  and  46, 
when  your  High  Mightinesses  extended,  in  May  of  this  year,  the  Charters  of  the  East  and 
West  India  Companies;  these  opponents  misrepresenting  and  giving  a  false  coloring  to  your 
High  Mightinesses  favor,  by  reporting  at  Amsterdam  that  your  High  Mightinesses  will  not 
contribute  any  more  to  the  support  of  the  West  India  Company  ;  that  such  was  evident  from 
the  fact  that  your  High  Mightinesses  had  extended  both  Charters,  notwithstanding  the 
Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  had  been  so  long  at  the  Hague,  soliciting  the  means 
of  subsistence  from  your  High  Mightinesses. 

8.  Some  steps  have  been  taken  in  New  Netherland,  to  conciliate  the  Indians,  by  means  of 
our  forts  and  Colonies.  The  trade  will  now  be  open  to  all  the  Chambers  in  common  ;  and  to  all 
the  inhabitants  of  the  United  Netherlands.  Some  proposals  have  been  submitted  to  make  use 
of  Cura5ao  for  the  improvement  of  the  slave  trade  from  Angola  to  Cura9ao. 

9.  The  Chambers  intend  to  fit  out  some  ships  for  the  respective  coasts;  six  to  Brazil;  two 
to  Guinea,  including  the  cargoes  for  St.  Thomas;  three  to  Angola;  one  or  two  to  New 
Netherland  ;  and  the  Chambers  have  promised  to  complete  the  appointed  rotations  {tourbeurim), 
to  the  respective  possessions,  when  your  High  Mightinesses  assist  them  with  a  liberal  portion 
of  the  promised  subsidies. 

Vessels  are  expected  from  Brazil  and  the  other  coasts;  namely,  seven  from  Brazil,  one 
from  Guinea. 

The  hague,  the  \^  July,  1G45. 

Extract  of  Appendix.     Exhibited  12**  of  July,  1645. 
Considerations  of  the  General  Chamber  of  Accounts,  delivered  in  the  22"^  of 
June,  1645,  to  the  Hon""  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  as  to  what  might  be  saved 
yearly  here  as  well  as  at  Brazil  and  in  the  other  of  the  Company's  possessiors. 
First:  The  Company  should  by  reducing  the  Train  bands  in  Brazil,  etc. 
But  the  chiefest  of  all  is  the  saving  in  the  equipment  of  the  ships,  .'or  if  the  Chan  'n 

for  themselves  only  eighteen  first  class  ships,  being  two  for  each  |,  and  charter  llie  re. 
a  profit  will  be  realized  on  each  ship  of  at  least  1200  guilders  a  month. 
The  ships  which  are  yearly  required  in  the  Company's  possessions  are, 

For  Guinea, -^ 

Argyn,  Cope  Verd,  River  Gambia,  Sierra  Leone  and  the  Bight, 4 

St.  Thomas, 2 

Loando 18 

New  Netherland  and  Cura9ao, 2 

Brazil, 24 

48 
Deduct  ships  retained,. 18 

Remain  ships  to  be  chartered, 30 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS  t    IIL 


159 


each  of  which,  as  above  mentioned,  will  cost  the  Company  1200  guilders  per  month  less  than 
those  they  now  fit  out,  and  thus  it  will  derive  a  profit,  in  the  year,  of  fl.  432,000. 

With  which,  in  our  opinion,  the  six  per  cent  might  be  yearly  divided,  or  employed  in  the 
purchase  of  shares,  in  order  to  reduce  the  immense  capital  or  to  pay  off  some  of  the  Company's 
liabilities. 

(Signed)         Abraham  Trouwers. 

and  Gerrit  Janssen  de  Vrt. 


ft   . 
1 


-^-••-♦-•♦^- 


Mr.  Spieringh  to  tlie  States  General. 

I  From  Ui«  Original  In  the  Roj»l  ArctaiTM  at  lh«  Hague ;  File,  WM  IndU.  ] 

K)gh  and  Mighty  Lords. 

On  the  27""  instant  I  represented  to  your  High  Mightinesses  that  my  factor  at  Harlingen 
was  called  on  by  the  Board  of  Admiralty  at  that  place  to  pay  the  import  duties  (convoy)  on  the 
freights  of  the  royal  Mpi  the  Calmershutel  and  Fama,  which  I  have  already  once  paid  to 
the  West  India  Company  at  Amsterdam,  as  appears  by  the  annexed  authenticated  copy,  the 
original  whereof  remains  with  me;  and  as  my  said  factor  at  Harlingen  still  remains  impeded, 
and  what  has  once  been  paid  cannot  again  be  craved,  I  have  to  request  your  High  Mightinesses 
to  be  pleased  to  cause  the  said  Board  of  Admiralty  at  Harlingen  to  be  forthwith  notified  to 
desist  from  this  or  farther  pretences,  and  not  to  give  my  factor  any  further  trouble  or 
inconvenience  in  this  matter.     Which  expecting, 

I  wish  God  Almighty  to  grant  you  a  long  and  prosperous  reign,  remaining, 

High  and  Mighty  Lords, 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  affectionate 

The  Hague,  (Signed)         Peter  Spierinoh  Silvercroon, 

31"  of  July,  1645.  hereditary  proprietor  of  North  Holm. 


Copy.  Aiipendix.     Received  31"  of  July,  1645. 

5'*  of  July,  1646,  at  Amsterdam. 
Sieur  Lucas  Arentsz,  Agent  of  Resident  Spierinck,  received  here  the  following  parcels  of 
Tob&cco  and  Beavers  which  were  brought  in  the  subjoined  two  Swedish  ships  from  the  limits 
of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company  in  those  countries,  to  wit: 

In.  the  Ship  the  Fame. 
10  cases  containing  2137  piecesof  Beavers,  which  valued  at  7  guilders,  amount  to,     fl.  14,959 

Whereof  the  Import  duty  is  2  stivers  on  every  six  guilders'  value, fl. 

Item,  105  tubs  of  leaf  tobacco,  weighing,  together,  gross  28,319  lbs. 
Whereof  deduct,  for  tare,  being  69  lbs.  per  tub 6,300  lbs. 


249     6 


R«m"«>i 22,019  lbs. 


Hit: 


ilif 


160  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

And  from  the  Ship  the  CJmersleutcl. 

783  rolls 63,100  lbs. 

For  sticks  off,  estimated  at  6  pounds  per  roll, 4,698  lbs. 

nett, 48,402  lbs. 

Total, 70,421  lbs. 

Whereof  the  customs  amount  to  1^^  stiv.  per  pound, fl.  4,401    6 


fl.  4,650  12 


Thus  done,  counted  and  settled  with  Sieur  Lucas  Arentsz,  above  named,  in  the  presence 
of  and  before  the  undersigned  Directors  of  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam  and  North  quarter  in 
Amsterdam,  the  S""  of  July,  of  the  year  1646. 

(Signed)        Marcus  de  Vooelaar, 
Flooris  Huych, 
Lucas  Arentsz. 

The  four  thousand  six  hundred  and  fifty  guilders  twelve  stivers,  contained  in  the  present 
account,  are  received  by  us  undersigned  in  our  aforementioned  quality  for  the  said  West  India 
Company  from  the  hands  of  Sieur  Lucas  Arentsz,  aforesaid,  in  the  name  as  above ;  promising 
to  guarantee  and  release  him  herein  from  all  demands  under  bond  of  the  property  and  effects 
of  the  aforesaid  Company. 

In  witness  whereof  is  this  signed,  in  Amsterdam,  the  6""  day  of  July,  1646,  and  was 
subscribed, 

Marcus  Vogelaar, 
Flooris  Huych. 

Agrees,  after  collation,  with  its  Original,  dated  and  subscribed  as  above. 

(Signed)         J.  Havelaar, 

Notary  public. 
Done  at  the  Hague  the  xxix  July,  XVI.  hundred  five  and  forty.  1645  i^ 


Instructions  to  the  Director  Oeneral  and  Council  of  New  Netherland. 

[  From  the  OammiuMntk  of  tbe  SUlM  General,  Id  the  Koftl  Archlrea  at  the  Hague.  ] 

Instruction  of  the  Deputies  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  General 
Incorporated  West  India  Company,  for  the  Director  and  Council  of  New 
Netherland,  according  to  which,  they  are  provisionally,  and  until  further 
order,  to  regulate  themselves. 

Folio m.  The  supreme  government  in  the  countries  of  New  Netherland,  shall  consist  of 

three  persons,  namely ;  the  Director  as  Presideut,  his  Vice  aud  the  Fiscal,  by  whom  occuring 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    III. 


161 


matters  apper.nining  to  the  police,  justice,  militia,  dignity  and  rights  of  the  Company,  shall  be 
treated  and  decided,  each,  nevertheless,  being  bound  to  vindicf  tc  his  own  commission. 

With  this  understanding,  however,  thr.'  -n  all  cases  wherein  t.e  Advocate  fiscal  shall  be  bound 
to  prosecute,  whether  civilly  or  criminally,  for  the  preservation  of  the  right  of  the  supreme 
government  or  the  Company,  the  military  command  shall  succeed  to  his  place,  and  in  criminal 
cases,  two  capable  persons  from  the  Commonalty  shall,  moreover,  be  joined  from  the  district 
or  Lolonie  where  the  crime  or  deed  was  committed. 

Regarding  the  prosecution  of  the  settlement  of  the  limits  between  New  Netherland  and  the 
English  ,t  .8  not  yet  determined  to  proceed  therein;  but  the  Director  and  Council  are  enjoined 
to  see  that  the  English  do  not  incroach  further  on  the  Company's  lands.  Meanwhile,  they 
are  to  try  if  the  settlement  of  the  limits  cannot  be  arranged  yonder  with  the  aforesaid  English, 
and  If  these  are  found  so  inclined,  advice  thereof  .hall  be  sent  here  by  the  first  opportunity, 
together  with  pertinent  information  what  extent  of  the  Company's  lands  the  English  possess,  in 
,  *°  ^  '"«t^"cted  thereupon,  when  seen;  all,  with  this  understanding  however,  that  the 
aforesaid  English  who  are  at  present  and  have  settled,  within  the  Company's  district,  or  who 
will  be  disposed  to  come  and  settle  therein,  must  be  subject  to  the  Company's  government 
t.  3re  and  to  that  end  take  the  oath  of  fidelity  to  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General 
and  the  West  India  Company,  and  consequently  be,  at  the  same  time,  accounted  in  no  other 
wise  than  as  original  subjects. 

In  order  to  reestablish  peace  and  quietness,  in  the- country,  they  shall  endeavor,  by  all 
possible  means  to  pacify  and  give  satisfaction  to  the  Indians;  and  the  Director  and  Council  are 
enjoined  to  promote,  on  the  one  side,  the  Company's  interest  and  the  welfare  of  the  Commonalty 
and  on  the  other  hand,  to  maintain  good  correspondence  with  the  neighbors,  and  especially 
with  the  Indians.  r         j 

They  shall  endeavor  as  much  as  possible,  that  the  colonists  settle  themselves  with  a  certain 
number  of  families  on  some  of  the  most  suitable  places,  in  the  manner  of  villages,  towns  and 
hamlets,  as  the  English  are  in  the  habit  of  doing,  who  thereby  live  more  securely;  this  was 
also  the  Company's  intention  when  it  granted  the  heretofore  printed  Freedoms,  and  the 
amplification  thereof. 

The  aforesaid  Director  and  Council  shall  speedily  advance  the  repairs  of  Fort  Amsterdam 
for  which  purpose  it  is  thought  to  be  best,  and  least  expensive  to  the  Company,  to  have  it 
repaired  with  clay,  earth  and  firm  sods,  and  that  efforts  be  made,  by  some  presents,  to 
encourage  the  soldiers  thereto,  and  to  oblige  them  to  keep  it  in  permanent  repair.  Also,  as  it 
IS  of  the  highest  importance  to  the  colonists  to  have  a  good  and  safe  retreat  in  case  of  necessity 
(which  God  forbid),  they  ought  to  be  induced,  for  this  once,  to  assist  the  work;  and  the 
Director  is  commanded  to  pay  strict  attention  in  future  to  the  ordinary  repairs. 

The  persons  hereinafter  specified,  shall  be  maintained  for  garrisoning  the  fort,  at  such 
allowance  as  shall  be  most  advantageous  to  the  Company,  and  for  greater  security,  the 
Colonists  and  their  servants  shall  be  bound  under  certain  penalty,  to  provide  themselves  with 
good  guns  and  other  arms  for  their  defence,  in  order  to  be,  with  the  garrison  in  time  of  need, 
a  watch  against  any  general  attack,  without  the  Director,  colonists  or  any  other  person 
whatsoever,  having  the  power  of  enlisting  any  soldiers,  be  they  few  or  many,  at  the 
Company's  expense.  ^ 


Vol.  I. 


21 


■  f .-    'I' 


162 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


P 


Further,  inasmuch  na  the  respective  colonies  were  allowed  by  the  Freedoms,  to  commission 
one  or  two  persona,  to  inform  the  Director  and  Council,  at  least  every  twelve  months,  of  the 
state  and  condition  of  their  Colonies,  the  aame  is  again  confirmed. 

The  Director  and  Council  ahall  cause  the  Colonists  and  freemen  to  settle,  first  of  all,  on  the 
Island  Manhattes  and  point  out  to  them  as  much  land  as  they  ahall  be  able  to  cultivate,  either 
in  planting  tobacco  or  grain  or  any  other  crops  to  which  the  soil  is  adapted,  and  from  which 
they  will  expect  to  be  able  to  derive  the  largest  profit. 

And  for  the  promotion  of  agriculture  there,  it  is  deemed  proper  to  permit,  at  the  request  of 
the  Patroons,  colonists  and  other  farmers,  the  conveyance  thither  of  as  many  Negroes  as  they 
are  willing  to  purchase  at  a  fair  price ;  and  the  Director  and  Council  shall  notify  the  Assembly 
hereof  every  year,  when  further  order  shall  be  taken  regarding  the  transport  of  Negroes  thither. 

And  although  it  is  proposed,  for  the  greater  encouragement  of  the  population,  to  reserve  the 
trade  with  the  Indians  exclusively  to  the  Patroons,  Colonists  and  free  farmers  resident  there, 
without  permitting  any  import  merchants  (permissie  vaerders)  to  carry  on  any  interior  trade  with 
said  Indians,  it  is,  nevertheless,  resolved,  as  regards  this,  to  adhere  to  the  existing  practice, 
but  the  Director  and  Council  shall  trke  information  hereupon,  to  serve  as  advice  to  the 
Assembly. 

The  aforesaid  Director  and  Council  shall  pay  strict  regard  that  no  arms  or  munitions  of  war 
shall  be  sold  by  the  freemen  to  the  Indians,  nor  by  the  import  merchants  to  the  freemen  or 
Indians  upon  certain  heavy  penalties  .to  be  thereon  enacted,  but  the  freemen  who  shall  require 
any  thing  of  the  sort,  shall  be  at  liberty  to  procure  them  from  the  Company's  store,  on  the  order 
of  the  Directors  and  Council. 

And  whereas  the  Company  hath  now  resolved  to  throw  open  to  private  persons  the  trade 
which  it  hath  exclusively  carried  on  with  New  Nertherland,  and  to  empower  the  respective 
Chambers  of  the  Company  to  give  permission  to  all  private  inhabitants  of  these  countries  to  sail 
with  their  own  ships  to  New  Netherland,  the  Virginias,  the  £(vedish,  English  and  French 
colonies,  the  Bermudas  or  any  other  places  situate  thereabouts,  according  to  the  drafted 
regulation,  they  shall,  therefore,  strictly  observe  and  cause  to  be  obsered,  that  the  contents 
thereof  shall  be  attended  to,  as  much  as  is  in  their  power,  proceeding  against  the  contraveners, 
agreeably  to  the  first  article  of  the  charter,  and  the  tenor  of  the  regulation  already  enacted,  or 
to  be  hereafler  made,  and  regarding  the  receipts  of  duties,  tolls,  and  other  customs  already,  or  to 
be  hereafter,  imposed  as  well  on  exported,  as  on  imported,  goods,  for  so  much  thereof  as 
shall  have  to  be  paid  in  that,  and  not  in  this,  country. 

All  which  Points  and  A/ticlea  the  Director  and  Council  ahall  be  bound  to  obaerve  and  to 
follow,  as  closely  as  possible,  regulating  themselves  further  according  to  the  Instructions 
heretofore  given  for  the  government  of  those  countries,  so  far  as  they  are  not  by  these  presents 
altered,  or  may  not  be  hereafter  changed,  which  power  this  Assembly  reserves  unto  itself. 

Thus  done  and  resolved  in  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  General  Incorporated  West  India 

Company  in  Amsterdam,  in  the  year  1645,  the  7"'  of  July.    Was  paraphed.     Hern  van  der 

Capellen  toe  Rysael.    Under — By  order  of  the  same. 

( Signed )        Gysbert  Rudolpht. 

Enregistered  in  the  Acu-boek  of  the  States  General,  on  the  26  July,  1646. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    III. 


168 


Streets  for  the  Consideration  of  the  Assetnhly  of  the  XIX.    1645. 


[  From  the  Orlglail  In  tha  Royal  Arohlraa  at  tha  na(ua.  ] 

Points  whereupon  all  the  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company  are  summoned 
to  meet  at  Middelburg  on  the  S"^  of  September  1646,  extracted  so  far  as 
relates  to  the  affairs  of  New  Netherland.     Read  the  le""  of  August,  1645. 
13'"  Point. 

The  Chambers  will  be  pleased  to  instruct  their  deputies  regarding  the  affairs  of  New 
Netherland,  in  order  to  resume  the  business  of  the  6**  and  7""  of  July,  and  to  resolve  afterwards 
as  shall  be  most  serviceable  and  most  advantageous  for  the  Company. 

14*. 

What  shall  be  done  respecting  the  island  of  Cura9ao  ;  for  it  is  certainly  to  be  presumed  that  to 
maintain  it  as  has  been  previously  done,  is  too  great  a  tax  on  the  Company.  And  the 
Amsterdam  Chamber  which  hath  hitherto  had  the  direction  thereof,  is  requested  to  send  its 
deputies  prepared  to  give  full  explanation  to  serve  for  instruction  in  the  resolution. 


'■»^P= 


Proceedings  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  in  regard  to  New  Netherland.     1645. 

[  From  tha  Copjr  In  tha  Bojral  Archiraa  at  tha  Ilagtia ;  Loketkat  of  tha  Blatea  OanenI ;  DiTlaton,  Wft  Inditcht  CompapnU,  No.  17.] 

Extracts  from  the  Resolutions  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  West  India 
Company,  holden  at  Middelburg,  from  the  9""  of  September  to  the  IG""  of 
October,  1645,  as  far  as  tiiey  relate  to  the  affairs  of  New  Netherland. 

Tuesday,  the  21"  September,  1645. 

The  opinion  of  the  before  mentioned  deputies  being  heard,  it  is,  af^er  divers  discourses 
between  the  members  from  Amsterdam  and  other  Chambers,  concluded  and  re^ioived,  inasmuch 
as  some  Clergymen  are  about  to  return  home  from  Brazil,  that  they  be  permitted  to  return,  and 
that  the  number  of  those  who  shall  remain  there  be  limited  to  nine  persons,  to  wit:  one  for 
each  ninth  part,  to  be  distributed  by  the  President  and  Supreme  Council  among  thtj  principal 
places  where  the  hearers  are  most  numerous,  and  their  services  shall  be  most  advantageous. 

And  that  the  smaller  places  shall  be  served  by  precentors,  comforters  of  the  sick  and 
schoolmasters  who  shall  offer  up  public  prayers,  read  aloud  from  the  old  and  new  testament, 
from  printed  sermons,  and  tune  the  psalms. 

But  inasmuch  as  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  maintains,  at  its  charge,  seven  of  the  aforesaid 
clergymen,  besides  one  in  Cura9ao,  one  in  New  Netherland  and  one  in  Loando,  making  10  in 
all ;  on  the  other  hand,  Zealand  and  the  Maese  have  only  one ;  Zealand  and  North  Holland 
is  to  send  one,  and  Stadt  en  Landen^  hath  sent  one  by  the  last  ship;  it  is  resolved  that  the 

'  In  1694,  Prince  Maurice  reduced  tha  city  of  Oroningen  snd  united  tha  Ommelandtn,  or  surrounding  rural  diatrietn,  to  it 
aa  one  prorinca.  Itartintt.  BtKhryving  der  NtderlaniUn,  IL,  148.  The  province  of  Groningen  waa  hence  •ometimei  called 
Btadt  an  Landm ;  city  and  country.  —  Ei>. 


164 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I' I 


Supreme  government  in  Brazil  slinil  be  bound  herein  to  make  an  equal  repartition  of  those 
who  are  to  remain  in  the  service  or  are  sent  out,  in  order  that  thus  the  nine  parts  hereafter  to 
be  borne  by  the  members,  be  equally  charged. 

The  Commissioners  named  on  the  9""  instant,  etc. 

Read  a  remonstrance  from  Director  Petrus  Stuyvesandt,  containing  divers  considerations 
relative  to  the  iylaad  of  Curacao  and  New  Netherland  ;  also,  read  the  13"-  and  14"'  points  of 
reference,  both  regarding  the  aforesaid  countries ;  question  having  been  put,  it  is  resolved  to 
refer  the  received  remonstranco  to  the  Commissioners  who  shall  examine  it,  and  advise  the 
Assembly  on  the  points  of  reference,  and  thereunto  are  appointed  Mess"  Van  Hecke,  de  Laet, 
Hamel,  Haelewyn,  Huigh  and  Iddekinghe. 

Tuesday,  the  SO"-  of  Sept',  1645, 
Read  a  letter  from  Willem  Kieft,  Director  of  New  Netherland,  written  the  S"""  of  August, 
1646,  from  fort  New  Amsterdam  to  the  Amsterdam  Chamber,  and  il  is  resolved  to  place  it  in 
the  hands  of  the  Committee  on  the  IS""  and  14""  points  of  reference,  to  be  made  use  of 
in  their  business. 

Wednesday,  the  11»*  of  October,  1646. 
The  Commissaries  named  on  the  22"*  instant'  to  examine  the  12"'pointof  reference,  speaking 
of  the  Yachts  at  present  within  the  charter,  and  which  are  yet  to  be  dispatched,  have  found 
that,  of  those  sent  by  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  to  the  respective  places  within  the  Charter, 
the  following  are  still  in  the  public  service: 

The  Santvoort,  Spreeuw,  Gulderee,  on  the  coast  of  Brazil. 

Sloterdyk,  Reyger,  Heemstee,  Vlug,  on  the  coast  of  Angola. 
Reael,  Fortuyntjen,  on  the  coast  of  Guinea. 
Neptuynis,  Cat,  Parquit,  in  the  West  Indies. 
From  Zealand,  ;^e  Yachts,  etc. 

Tuesday,  the  12"'  of  October,  1G46. 
The  Commissioners  being  again  assembled  on  the  la""  and  H'*  points  of  jference,  pursuant 
to  the  resolution  of  the  ll""  instant,  report,  that  before  they  can  determine  to  express  their 
opinion,  the  Chambers  ought  categorically  to  declare  whether  they  will  obey  and  execute  the 
resolutions  adopted  on  the  6"-  and  7'"  of  July  last  respecting?  New  Netherland ;  whereupon, 
question  being  put,  the  deputies  from  the  Chamber  of  Zealaml  declared,  that  they  are  instructed 
not  to  consent  to  the  contribution  of  any  money  (or  the  benefit  of  the  aforesaid  New  Netherland  ; 
but  it  may  bein(|uired  how  such  might  be  eflected  on  certain  conditions  to  be  considered;  the 
Company  reserving  to  itself  the  supreme  authority.  Those  of  Amsterdam,  Maese  and  the  North 
Quarter  declare,  that  their  Chambers  are  ready  to  and  will  execute  the  resolutions  of  the  fi* 
and  7'"  of  July  aforesaid;  those  of  the  city  of  Croeningen  and  Ommelanden  (say)  the 
circumstances  of  their  Chambers  do  not  admit  of  furnishing  any  money  at  present  for  New 
Netherland,  but  that  their  intention  would  truly  agree  with  that  of  Zealand.  The 
Commissioners  having  heard  this  declaration,  further  report  thnt  they  are  of  opinion,  that 
the  dissenting  (diiruulorendc)  Chambers  shall  declare  whether  they  will  abstain  from  all 
interference  with  New  Netherland,  and  leave  the  managen>ent,  on  lucli  plan  as  they  may 

'.Si>._Eo, 


If 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    IIL 


165 


determine  to  enact,  to  those  who  shall  carry  out  the  resolutions,  without  meddling  with  that 
country  again  in  case  the  condition  of  affairs  there  may  hereafter  improve.  The  deputies 
from  Zealand,  being  requested,  have  undertaken  to  communicate  further  with  their  principals 
hereupon,  in  order  to  be  prepared  to-morrow,  and  those  of  Stadl  en  Lmiden  will  inform  the 
Amsterdam  Chamber  within  the  space  of  one  month,  or  sooner  if  possible. 

« 
Friday,  the  IS""  of  October,  1645. 

Regarding  New  Netherland:  the  gentlemen  of  Zealand  being  asked,  pursuant  to  yesterday's 
resolution,  declared  their  instructions  to  be,  as  before  stated ;  that  they  cannot  resolve  to 
contribute  any  thing  to  New  Netherland  ;  whereupon,  the  other  Chambers  in  all  cases  decide 
that  Zealand  is  bound  to  execute  the  resolution  of  the  previous  XIX;  and  they  persisting  it 
IS  resolved  and  concluded,  that  the  equipment  for  New  Netherland  shall  be  completed  according 
to  the  resolution  of  the  previous  Assembly,  on  condition,  if  any  members  fail  to  pay  their 
contingent  to  the  Amsterdam  Chamber,  the  supreme  government  in  Brazil  shall  bi  notified  to 
charge  the  deficiency  to  the  account  of  the  Chambers,  and  to  make  good  the  same  in  sugar 
to  Amsterdam.  ' 

On  the  petition  of  Albert  Adriaense  Van  der  Wielen,  etc. 

It  being  stated  that  one  Laurents  Cornelisen,  being  banished  from  New  Netherland,  requests 
permission  to  be  at  liberty  to  go  thither  whenever  the  new  Director  proceeds  there,  and  to 
pursue  in  peace,  without  being  troubled  by  justice,  some  other  business  than  that  which  he 
followed  when  he  was  banished ;  on  hearing  further  explanation  of  the  circumstances  of  the 
case,  it  is  resolved  to  leave  the  convict  (gtsententieerJe)  as  he  is,  and  that  the  petition  lie  on 
the  table. 


Saturday,  the  14'*'  of  October,  1C45. 
On  resuming,  the  Chamber  of  Zealand  adhering  to  its  declaration  rendered  yesterday,  and 
the  other  Chambers  to  the  resolution,  the  proposal  of  the  commissioners  named  on  the  18**  of 
September,  and  whose  report  was  made  on  the  10""  of  this  current  month,  relative  to  the  14'' 
and  13'"  points  of  reference  respecting  Cura<;ao  and  New  Netherland,  was  consequently 
confirmed,  reading,  word  for  word,  as  follows: 


Tl- 

niiliti 

Th 


•oject  how  Curasao  can  best  be  kept  under  the  Director  of  New  Netherland, 
and  the  old  people  be  brought  thence. 

the  aforesaid  island,  on  the   1"  of  September,  1644,  in  officers,  train  and 

* Heads,  116 

wol,     carrying  82  guns, jq 

Cat,  do        14     do    5q 

Neptuynis,  do        10     do    4g 

I'uruquit,     do  6     do    3q 

tieadi,  31S 


T^\ 


!       -, 


r  f 


166  NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCEIPTS. 

The  aforesaid  place  might  be  henceforth  garrisoned  with  116  men,  whose  pay  for  a  year 
would  amount  to 

1  Commandant  with  a  lieutenant,  per  month, fl.  60 

1  Ensign, 36 

1  Comforter  of  the  sick, 30 

1  Superintende&t  of  the  store  with  an  auditor, "28 

1  Clerk 14 

2  Serjeants  at  fl.  18, 36 

1  Smith  and  1  corporal  of  the  armory, 20 

2  Mason  and  carpenter  @^  fl. 22, 44 

1  Barber  (surgeon), 24 

1  Barber's  mate, 12 

1  Baker, 18 

1  Baker's  man, 12 

1  Gunner „ ig 

2  Corporals^,  fl.  12, 24 

60  Soldiersca,  fl.  8, 450 

12  Troopers  @^  fl.  12, I44 

8  Hands  for  the  sloop  per  month,  fl.  10, 80 

The  yacht,  the  Paroquit,  requires  further : 

1  Skipper  per  month, 46 

1  Pilot 28 

1  Supercargo, 16 

1  Chief  boatswain, 18 

1  Gunner, 16 

16  Sailors, 130 

116  persons  cost  per  month,  the  sum  of fl.  1,327 

And  the  pay  for  12  months,  amounts  to  fl.  15,900. 

For  maintenance  of  the  garrison,  also  for  the  Indians,  it  is  necessary  to  send  from  Fatherland 
in  provisions,  stores,  merchandize,  etc.,  to  the  amount,  as  per  list  N'  ,  about  the  sum 
of  fl  1S,36G. 

A  first  class  ship  and  flyboat  will  have  to  be  sent  from  Fatherland  with  70  soldiers  and  20 
■eamen,  for  the  purpose  of  conveying  the  people,  provisions,  etc.,  to  Cura(,ao,  and  relieving 
the  old  garrison,  on  the  calculation  that  26  men  can  be  selected  from  the  old  hands,  which 
would  tiien  make  up  the  IIG  persons,  as  hereinbefore  stated. 

Which  aforesaid  ship  and  llyboat  will  have  to  curry  out  from  Fatherland  all  the  necessaries, 
agreeably  to  list  tuimber  1,  already  enumerated,  together  with  the  necessaries,  according  to  lists 
Nos.  2,  3  and  4. 

Having  arrived  at  Curasao  and  landed  the  people,  the  first  class  ship  should  retain  the 
necessaries  in  list  No.  2,  which  amount  to  the  sum  of  fl.6,69S.14. 

And  there  embark  l:iO  of  the  old  forces,  and  deliver  to  the  Cat  the  necessaries  in  list 
No.  3,  fl.  3,999.4. 

The  aforesaid  yacht,  the  Cat,  to  be  manned  with  60  of  the  old  forces  at  Curasao, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:     III. 


167 


And  also  to  deliver  over  to  the  yacht  Neptuynis,  the  like  necessarieB,  according  to  liat  No.  3. 
amounting  to  fl.  3,999.4. 

The  aforesaid  NeptuynU  to  be,  in  like  manner,  mann  id  with  60  of  the  old  forces. 

In  the  aforesaid  first  class  ship  and  two  yachts,  ought  to  be  laden  the  2700  first  quality 
hides,  lying  there ;  and  thus  return  home  aaer  cruising  together  through  the  West  Indies  as 
long  as  their  provisions  permit. 

The  flyboat  and  the  ship  Swol,  ought  to  take  on  board  all  the  old  iron,  unnecessary 
ordinance  and  other  useless  stores,  along  with  as  many  horses,  and  as  much  salt  and  dried 
codfish,  as  can  be  stored  therein  ;  with  which  the  Director  and  the  remainder  of  the  old  forces, 
being  about  60  persons,  should  proceed  to  New  Netherland.  taking  with  him  the  stores,  as  per 
list  No.  4,  amounting  to  fl.  779.6. 

On  arriving  in  New  Netherland,  the  ship  Swol,  being  old.  ought  to  be  sold,'  together  with 
the  horses,  the  salt  and  old  iron ;  the  soldiers  who  are  to  be  brought  along,  should  be  retained 
in  garrison  there;  and  the  flybont,  with  the  guns  from  Curasao,  the  dried  codfish  and  the  New 
Netherland  soldiers,  sent  home,  with  intelligence  whether  peace  has  been  concluded  with  the 
Indians.  If  so.  it  will  be  necessary  to  send  a  fast  sailing  frigate  or  boat,  to  be  dispatched 
from  New  Netherland  with  provisions  to  Curasao;  to  return  thence  with  horses  and  salt, 
which  can  be  sold  in  New  Netherland,  especially  the  horses,  at  a  high  price. 

Were  Curasao  also  placed  under  the  government  of  New  Netherland,  the  garrison  could 
be  maintained  at  little  expense,  and  the  poor  people  preserved  from  the  dreadful  famine  to 
which  they  have  sometimes  been  subject. 

It  had  been  much  more  i.dvantageous  for  the  Company  to  abandon  the  island  of  Curasao; 
but  this  cannot  be  eftected  without  the  cooperation  of  their  High  Mightinesses  and  his 
Highness;  and  although  it  could  be  accomplished,  yet  we  are  obliged  to  incur  the  greater  part 
of  the  aforesaid  expense  to  bring  the  people  thence. 

Meanwhile,  their  High  Mightinesses  and  his  Highness,  will  be  informed  of  the  situation  of 
the  aforesaid  Island ;  and  that,  in  New  Netherland,  we  can  possess  all  the  advantages  over 
the  enemy,  except  the  great  quantity  of  horses,  which  can  be  taken  from  Curasao  to  the 
Contitient ;  and  thus  the  aforesaid  Island  must  be  provided  with  the  said  garrison  until  their 
Mightinesses,  upon  application,  shall  resolve  to  abandon  it. 


List  of  the  provisions,  stores  and  merchandise  required  for  the  Island  Curasao, 
including  the  bark  Paroquit,  the  sloop  and  l.irge  boat,  in  all  116  personi, 
as  well  marines  as  train  bands,  for  one  year. 

26  barrels  of  beef  (&  fl.  90  the  bbl.. fj,  g  260 

19  barrels  of  pork  (li,  fl.  08i  the  bbl.. i  jgy  |q 

10  cans  of  oil  (a.  fl.  80. g^Q 

12  hogsheads  of  vinegar  (qi,  fl.  20 840 

30  barrels  of  groats, _  c,qa 

26  barrels  of  beans  (ffi.  fl.  13.  14  stiv.. 335 

14  ditto,  grey  peas,  (a\      19.     4  stiv., 268  16 

14  ditto,  white  peas,  (al      19,    4, 868  16 

'  Thli  TNMl  WM  Mid,  io  »«HUnk«r,  U47,  to  Mr.  UoodjMr,  dtputj  goMmor  tt  H«w  U«».p. 


168  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

7,200  lbs.  dried  codfish  @,  fl.9,  per  100  lbs., 648 

3,600  lbs.  bread  at  same  price, 324 

20,000  lbs.  meal  (a,  fl.  6  per  100  lbs I.OOO 

3,000  lbs.  cheese  (a,  fl.  17  per  100  lbs., 610 

2  barrels  butter  (&  fl.  83  perbbl 166 

9  casks  Spanish  wine  @^  fl.70  ea., C30 

3  ditto,  French  wine  @.  fl.  40  ea., 12O 

Spices,  mace,  nutmegs,  pepper,  ginger,  cloves,  sugar  and  prunes, 

for  the  sick, 260 

10,123  6 

Stores  for  the  ship  Paroquil,  sloop,  and  jolly  boat. 

2  bales  of  canvas  @^  fl.  150  ea., fl.  300 

100  lbs.  of  best  bolt  rope  come  to 16 

30  lbs.  of  sail  yarn  @^  9  stiv.  per  lb., 12 

12  bundles  of  assorted  thread, l,*?  13 

45  bundles  of  marline  (&  4  stiv.  ea., 9 

40  bundles  of  huisingh  (ft.  6  stiv., 12 

43  bundles  of  twine  (&  6  stiv., 6  15 

600  lbs.  light  running  line, 96 

8  tons  of  tar  (^  fl.  12  the  ton, 96 

2  barrels  of  pitch  C^i  fl- 12, 24 

3  barrels  of  rosin  (&  fl.  30, 90 

60  clew  lines  {clouwcns  loerck),  %  6  St., 18 

1  prince's  flag,  for  the  fort 33 

100  boards,   200 

9  hamburg   planks 63 

70  boat  planks, HI 

600  norway  deals, 226 

60  sawed  boards, 30 

1 ,000  assorted   spikes, 160 

1  hide  of  pump  leather, 12  10 

100  lbs.  suet, 25 

100  lbs.  tallow, , 24 

300  lbs.  double  medium  nails, 48 

1,S96  17 


Ammunition  for  fort  Amsterdam  and  the  yacht  Paroifuit. 

1200  lbs.  new  powder, fl.406 

60  five  lb.  balls, 16 

000  lbs.  of  musket  balls, 90 

600  lbs.  pig  lead, 60 

4  reams  cartridge  paper, 60 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    III. 

20  Ibg.  cartridge  thread, 2q 

10  kegs  of  black, 
1  keg   of  red, 

1  keg  of  white,    ^paint, gO 

1  keg  of  red, 
1  ditto  of  yellow.; 

1  small  barrel  of  linseed  oil 38 

Materials  for  the  use  of  the  Salt  manufacture  and  agriculture. 

30  barrows  for  unloading  salt  @,  26  stiv.,  ea, fl.  73 

60  bound  shovels,  (&  18  stiv., 54 

40  hollow  ditto,  (a.  8  stiv., jq 

100  axes,  (a,  15  stiv., '  qq 

100  chopping  knives,  (a,  18  stiv _"  90 

3  chaldrons  of  smith's  coals,  (^  fl.  22, (55 

2  seins,  @.  fl.66, jgg 

Cargoes  for  distribution  among  the  Indians  and  Negroes,  for  clothing. 

600  ells  of  white  linen,  12  (^  14  stiv.  the  ell., fl.  36O 

3C0  pairs  of  shoes,  from  7  to  10  sizes,  (ffi,  28  stiv., 420 

400  ells  coarse  linen  (g^  6  itiv., I20 

30  lbs.  gray  yarn, 3q 

160  packs  linen  clothes, 300 

For  the  office. 

6  reams  of  paper, q  2g 

6  blank  books, ^o 

6  penknives, *  , 

20  bundles  of  quills, g 

Ink  powder, ^ 

One  medicine  chest,  well  supplied  with  good  and  fresh  medicines. 


169 


846 


686 


1,230 


Invoice  of  merchandise  necessary  to  be  distributed  to  the  garrisons  in  part 
payment  of  their  monthly  wages. 

3  ps.  of  colored  everlasting g  gg 

3  ps.  of  muslin gO 

3  ps.  of  colored  coarso camlet,. joB 

3  ps.  of  colored  camlet gy 

Vol.  I.  gg 


r 


170 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


4    ps.  of  Haerlem  narrow  stuff, 36 

600     prs.  of  Bhoes  @.  5  stiv.  the  pair, 760 

2  ps.  of  mixed  cloth, 300 

1     pc.  of  red             ,  100 

900     ells  of  linen  cloth  (a.  15  stiv., 675 

300     ells                          (a,  25  stiv.  per  ell, 376 

600     ells  unbleached  linen  (av  8  stiv 240 

silk  thread,  assorted  balls, 200 

a  tin  service  (S.  230  lbs.  tin, , 149  10 

3  doz.  napkins, 36 

1     doz.  towels, .                10 

6     tablecloths, 24 

2,985  10 

fl.  17,675  13 

The  ship  that  carries  the  provisions  thither,  being  to  be  manned  with  130  hands, 
and  cruising  through  the  West  Indies  on  her  return  home,  requires  provisions 
as  follows : — 

16  barrels  of  Beef@,fl.  90  the  bbl., fl.  1,440 

15  ditto  of  Pork  @,  fl.  62J    •'      "   937  10 

5i  awms  of  Oil  (a.  fl.  80      •'  awm, 440 

6  hogsheads  Vinegar  (^  fl.25  ea., ]25 

18  barrels  white  peas  @^  fl.  19  the  bbl., , 342 

10  barrels  grey  peas            "          "        190 

6  ditto  beans  (a.  fl.  13  14  stiv.,    "        79     4 

18  ditto  groats  (ail. 24.  "     "         432 

6000  lbs.  dried  codfish  (S,  fl.  9  per  100, 450 

15000  "    bread              (&  fl.  9   "     100 1,350 

300  Cheeses,  being  3000  lbs.  (&  fl.  17  the  100, 410 

4  casks  of  Spanish  wine, 360 

1  ditto  Brandy, 100 

1  case  i  wax  candles, 60 

fl.  6,698  14 


List  of  the  Provisions  for  the  Yacht  the  Ncptuynis,  having  a  crew  of  60  persons, 
to  return  to  Fatherland  with  them  after  cruising  through  the  West  Indies; 
requires  therefor  the  following  provisions,  stores,  and  munitions  of  War. 

7  bbls.of  Beef  (ffi.  fl.  OOperbbl fl,630 

0     dittoof  Pork  (a.  fl.62i     "     375 

2i  awms  of  Oil  @.  fl.  SO  per  awm, gOO 

2     half  casks  of  Vinegar  @;  fl.  32 64 

8  bbla.  white  peas  d^  (1. 19  4  St.  per  bbl., 163  12 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IIL  m 

5  bbls.  grey  peas  (®,  fl.  19  4  at.  per  bbl.. g^ 

4    ditto  beans  (a.  fl.  12  14  St.,          "         64  16 

8     ditto  groats  @,  fl.  24     "               "         j92 

2,000     lbs.  dried  codfish  d,  fl. 9  per  100, [[]]  180 

6,000     lbs.  biscuit  (a,  fl.  9  per  100, ]""  54q 

130     Cheeses,  being  1,300  lbs.,  @,  fl.  17  per  100, ^21 

3  casks  Spanish  wine, 270 

1     ditto  Brandy,. j-.^ 

i  awm  Train  oil 27 

1     cask  i  wax  i  tallow  candles 50 

Total  of  the  provisions, fl  3  1.50     8 

1     bale  of  canvas, j7^ 

100     lbs.  of  bolt  rope 16 

20     lbs.  sail  yarn  (a,  10  stiv.  per  lb, '"'  jq 

li  ton  of  Tar  @,  fl.  12  the  ton is 

1     ton  of  pitch, *  j2 

1     bbl.  of  rosin, on 

40    clew  lines @.  6  stiv j2 

400     lbs.  running  line,  fl.  16  the  100, g^ 

10     ps.  linen  @.  fl.  1 J  the  pc, "  jg 

20     bundles  marline  (ffi.  4  stiv.  the  bundle, 4 

20     bundles  huysingh  (®.  6  stiv.  the  bundle g 

20     bundles  hording  (&^  6  stiv.  the  bundle, \^[  g 

6  tar  brushes  (|.  6  stiv.  the  ps., 1  Ig 

1     prince's  flag, 33 

10     boat  plank  (g.  5  stiv.  the  ps., "  jg 

4  hamburg  planks  (g,  fl.  7, \  28 

60     norway  deals, *  nn 

300     lbs.  assorted  nails  @^  fl.  16  the  100, 45 

100     Ibs.tallow V."  [[..[]. ..[...[ 20 

1     hidepumpleather, 22 

flatheads  and  pump  nails  for g 

fl.642  16 
Ammunition. 

1     ream  cartridge  paper, ^    22 

4    lbs.  cartridge, . 

600     lbs.  good  powder, 200 

fl.216 


d' 


til 


172  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

The  ammunition, , fl.  2,i6 

The  stores, 048  IG 

The  provisions, 3,160    8 

Total  of  the  required  necessaries, 3,909    4 

And  as  much  for  the  Yacht  the  Cat,  manned  with  60  hands. 

The  Ship  the  Swol  requires  one  month's  provisions  in  order,  with  60  hands,  to  convey  some 
horses,  salt  and  other  effects  from  Cura9ao  to  New  Netherland  : 

1     barrel  of  beef, fl.  90 

1  ditto  pork, 62  10 

3     ditto  vegetables, 60 

300     lbs.  dried  codfish, 27 

900     lbs.  bread 82 

60     cheeses 102 

fl.423  10 
Oil,  Vinegar,  wine,  will  be  had  from  the  other  ships. 

Stores. 

IJ  bale  of  canvas  for  a  new  mainsail  and  further  repairs  of  other  sails, fl.247 

100     lbs.  coarse  bolt  rope, jg 

16     lbs.  sail  yarn, ^ 7  jq 

8     bundles  of  assorted  line, ^ 12 

16     bundles  huysingh, 3 

15  bundles  marline, 3  15 

16  bundles  boards 3 

2  tons  tar, ^ 24 

1     ton  pitch, 12 

J  barrel  of  rosin, 15 

1     hide  pump  leather, 12  10 

Stores  amount  to, 355  15 

Provisions, 403  iq 

fl.  779     6 


The  Commissioners  appointed  on  21"  of  September  on  the  13'*  point  of  reference,  relating 
to  ihe  resolution  of  the  XIX.,  adopted  the  6""  and  7""  of  July  last,  have,  after  consultation,  and 
after  having  deliberated  on  the  aforesaid  resolution,  resolved  to  submit  to  the  Assembly  their 
considerations  on  said  resolutions,  and  first,  on  that  of  the  6'"  of  July,  contained  in  6  distinct 
articles. 

On  the  first,  which  reads  thus:  That  the  enactment  of  the  4""  of  May  previous,  shall  be 
entered  by  form  of  Instruction  to  be  given  provisionally  to  the  Director  going  thither.  Said 
Instruction  to  be  confirmed  except  this  Assembly  find  it  expedient  to  add  thereunto  by  form 
of  amplification. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    III. 


178 


On  the  second,  which  reads:  That  the  Company  shall  open  the  trade  and  commerce  to  New 
Netherland,  which  they  had  exclusively  retained  and  prosecuted  themselves,  allowing  individuals 
to  sail  thither  with  their  own  ships,  or  freight,  &c.  The  Commissioners  judge  that  this  opening 
and  permission,  as  far  as  relates  to  New  Netherland,  ought  not  to  be  extended  farther  than  to 
the  Patroons  of  Colonies  and  all  Colonists  having  and  holding  a  dwelling  in  yonder  country, 
without  giving  it  to  those  who  merely  go  over  and  hither,  spoil  the  trade,  threaten  the  Company 
on  all  occasions,  and  rob  both  here  and  there,  and  by  smuggling  of  contraband  goods  strengthen 
the  Company's  enemies,  and  by  conveying  strong  liquors,  debauch  the  Colonists  and  inhabitants. 

To  leave  unaltered  the  remainder  regarding  the  Virginias,  the  Swedish  Colony,  the 
Bermudas,  &c.  To  consider  only  whether  the  Assembly  should  not  resolve  that  one  or  two 
cargoes  be  sent  alternately  by  the  respective  Chambers,  in  the  manner  as  used  heretofore  to 
be  done. 

Leaving  the  third  point  untouched,  as  it  stands,  we  should  only  enlarge  it  with  this  addition: 
That  all  the  goods  sent  to  New  Netherland,  or  parts  thereabout,  must  first  and  foremost  come 
to  Fort  New  Amsterdam,  before  being  exported  elsewhere,  for  the  purpose  of  having  iheir  permits 
exhibited  there,  to  be  entered  and  that  the  ships  may  be  visited,  in  order  to  see  that  they  have 
no  prohibited  or  unentered  goods  on  board.  In  like  manner,  the  return  cargoes  shall  have  to 
be  entered  at  the  same  place;  and  it  must  be  declared  for  what  ports  in  this  country  they  are 
destined,  with  the  restriction,  that  the  duties  and  other  imposts  shall  have  to  be  paid  into  the 
Chamber  from  which  they  obtained  the  permit,  and  they  shall  be  cleared  thence  for  Fort  New 
Amsterdam :  further,  they  shall  be  bound  to  return  direct  to  Fatherland,  without  being  at 
liberty  to  touch  at  any  trading  places,  on  paia  of  forfeiture  of  ship  and  goods,  should  they 
act  otherwise. 

Finally,  leaving  the  remaining  points  as  they  are,  also  the  instruction  to  be  amplified  by 
new  additions  of  what  this  Assembly  may  determine  further  to  resolve  on  the  suggestion  of 
Director  Stuyvesant. 

Monday,  16"'  of  October,  1645. 
The  presiding  Chamber  of  Zealand,  wilh   those  of  the    General    Board  of  Accounts,  is 
deputed  and  authorized  to  execute  the  resolution  adopted  by  this  Assembly,  so  far  as  authorized 
thereunto  by  instruction. 


H 


Th^  Aimterdam  Chamber  of  the  We^t  India  Company  to  the  States  General. 

[From  the  Original  In  lb*  Royal  Archlrta  at  tha  Hague ;  rile,  Wttl  IndU.  J 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

We  have  duly  received  you  High  Mightinesses'  postile,  of  the  IS'*  of  April  last,  inscribed  on 
the  margin  of  a  certain  petition  presented  to  your  High  Mightinesses  in  the  name,  and  on  the 
behalf,  of  Simon  Janssen,  of  Durgerdnin,  lute  skipper  of  the  ship  named  St.  Peter,  acting  as 
agent  for  his  late  owners ;  the  aforesaid  postile  importing,  that  we  should  also  communicate 
our  remarks  on  the  aforesaid  petitioner's  request  presented  to  your  High  Mightinesses  on  the 
3    of  November,  of  the  past  year,  and  seat  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  in  Zealand. 


174 


NEW.yORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


It  will  serve  for  riiirillment  of  said  order,  that  n  written  ngreement  and  contrnct  was  made, 
on  ttie  IS""  of  August,  of  the  year  1(544,  with  the  aforesaid  Simon  Janssen,  that  he  should  be 
at  liberty  to  sail  with  the  aforesaid  ship  8t.  Peter,  from  this  city,  Amsterdam,  to  New 
Netherland,  situate  within  the  limits  of  our  Charter;  on  condition  timt  he,  b^-fore  loading  his 
goods,  should  be  bc'f'nd  to  bring  the  same  into  the  Company's  warehouses,  in  order  to  be 
conveyed  on  board,  when  inspected  and  stamped  with  the  Company's  mark;  and  to  cause  to 
be  paid  thereon  the  duty  of  sixteen  per  cent,  in  addition  to  the  permits  and  convoys;  also,  that 
he  should  not,  whilst  on  the  way  between  this  city  and  the  fort  Manhattes,  in  New  Netherland, 
touch  at  any  other  places;  but  bo  ohllgnted  to  discharge  his  laden  merchandise  at,  ond  as  far 
as  possible  to  be  of  service  to,  the  aforesaid  fort ;  nil  on  pain  of  forfeiting  the  aforesaid  ship 
and  property ;  and  although  he,  Simon  Janssen,  ought  accordingly  to  have  fulfilled  the 
aforesaid  contract  according  to  its  tenor,  and  to  regulate  himself  in  conformity  to  its  contenis, 
yet  he  is  found,  in  truth,  to  have  violated  it  in  divers  instances. 

First:  having  set  sail  from  here  and  arrived  about  Durgerdam,  without,  yea,  against  our 
consent,  he  rec»'ived  and  took  on  board  the  ship  a  quantity  of  gunpowder,  notwithstanding 
private  individuals  are  not  permitted  to  trade  in  that  article. 

Secondly  :  he  did  not  procetd  from  this  country  to  New  Netherland,  but  to  the  Bermudas, 
and  there  oroke  bulk  ;  and  trucked,  or  sold,  the  greoter  part  of  his  goods  for,  or  against,  West 
India  hid'js,  and  a  good  many  pieces  of  eight. 

Thirdly :  on  arriving  afterwards  in  New  Netherland,  it  was  discovered  that  he  had  brought 
with  him  divers  contraband  and  prohibited  goods;  though  it  was  imnossible  to  make  so 
thorougli  an  examination,  because  the  said  Simon  Janssen  bad  sailed  from  the  Texel  without 
taking  with  him  any  invoice  from  the  Company.  All  which,  coming  to  the  knowledge  of 
Cornels  van  der  Hoyckens,  the  Fiscal,  he  prosecuted  the  said  Skipper  before  the  Director  and 
Councd.  Duly  instituting  his  action,  agreeably  to  the  signed  contract,  and  concluding  that  the 
a«b-e'aid  ship  and  property  should  be  declared  forfeited  and  confiscated  to  the  profit  of 
the  tympany ;  the  aforesi>id  Skipper  answered  thereto,  and  the  Fiscal  replied.  Finally,  the 
Fiscal's  demand  and  conclusion  were  allowed  by  judgment  of  the  aforesaid  Director  and 
Council,  except  the  goods  which  belonged  to  the  sailors,  and  paid  the  duties  here.  And 
whereas,  your  High  Mightinesses  can,  from  what  precedes,  sufKciently  infer  that  the  sa-i 
Simon  Janssen  complains  unjustly  of  those  of  the  Com.iany,  and  that  the  case  of  said  ship,  as 
between  him  and  the  aforesaid  Fiscal,  has  been  now  already  examined,  in  New  Netirerland, 
ond  decided  by  the  definitive  judgment  of  the  Director  General  and  Council ;  we,  therefore, 
humbly  pray  you,  Higii  and  Mighty,  to  be  pleased  to  dismiss  the  request  contained  in  the 
petition  of  the  aforesaid  Simon  Janssen,  and  to  order  hi.  >  not  to  trouble  us  any  more  touching 
the  matter  aforesaid.     Wherewith  ending 

W3  shall  pray  Cod  for  the  continued  success  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  prosperous 
government  and  remain 

High  and  Mighty  Lords, 

Vour  High  Mightinesses'  humble  servants. 
The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  nl  Amsterdam. 

Amsterdam  the  SG"  of  May,  1G46.  (Signed)         Jacob  Perobns. 

Received  29'"  May,  1646.  Joannes  Uyckabkt. 


■'I»-: 


5    -J 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS.    I!L  j^j 

West  India  Company  io  the  States  General. 

[  Prom  the  Origin.)  In  Iho  Rojr.l  ArchltrM  at  Uit  II.(u, ,  Fll«,  VmI  Indit.  ] 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  Stntea  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 
High  ind  Mighty  Lords. 

The  Directors  of  the  Fncorpornted  West  India  Company,  supplicate,  with  all  reverence,  that 
your  High  Mightinesses  he  pleased  to  cause  to  be  issued  the  commission  of  Petrus  Stuvvesant 
Director  of  New  Netherlund.  a  form  whereof  is  hereunto  annexed.  btuyvesant, 

Which  doing.  &o. 

( Endorsed )     Memorial  on  behalf  the  Wesv  India  Company,  in  favor 
of  the  Director  to  New  Netherland.     13  July,  1G4C. 


^  ■■  ♦  ■■ » 


Hesolution  of  the  States  Oen'jral  on  ih^  p-eceding  Utter. 

[From  th.  Bi^lrt,, of  W«t  Indl. ,fll..«,  V38-1M1,  In  ,1,,  Eo,al  Archlr..  .( Ih.  Hngu..  ] 

FriJay,  IS*  of  July,  1C4G. 

F-  .or.  Read  ir  che  Assembly  a  certain  memorial  presented  to  their  High  Mighlinessee 

.n  the  name  and  on  behalf  of  the  Directors  of  the  Incorporated  We.t  India  Company  of  this 

country,  requestmg  that  their  High  Mightinesses  would  bo  pleased  to  cause  to  be  dispatched 

rr,H.n<,.     "  '=°";'"'««7  f»[.;:«'7«  Stuyvesant.  Director  of  New  Netherland.  according  to 

•  .      ^.^^  r  exhibited   and   submitted   to   the   Assembly   with    the    aforesaid 

memorial.     Whereupon,  deliberation  being  had,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded,  before  p",  •  eedin^ 

herem.  that  inquiry  be  made  what  order  and  plan  are  generally  adopted  on  such  and  similar 

occasions,  and  whit  disposition  the  above  named  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  have 

attculUrr"  '"""^^  °''f«  complaints  presented  heretofore  to  their  High  Mightinesses.'in  the 

name  and  on  behalf  of  the  inhabitants  of  New  Netherland  aforesaid,  and  what 

has  been  done  therefor  in  their  High  Mightinesses'  Assembly,  in  order  that  further  disposition 

be  made  therein,  as  shall  be  deemed  meet.  j      i  "" 


We.<it  India  Company  to  the  States  General. 

t  From  tha  Orlglnd  in  Ui«  Eojrtl  irchlr*.  .-•  tb»  IUfn.  j  Fll»,  ITm*  /«<fa.  ] 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  St  .tes  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 
High  and  Mighty  Lords.  ; 

The  Directors  of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company  had,  some  days  sirce,  respectfully 
requested  of  your   High   Mightinesses.  «  patent  of  commission    for  L   Director   Petr'^ 


i 


a7« 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTa 


Stuyvesant,  for  New  Netherland,  according  to  the  annexed  draft,  whereunto,  pursuant  to  your 
High  Mightinesses'  then  order,  Secretary  Mas  hath  looked  up  the  commissions  issued  heretofore 
by  your  High  Mightinesses.  Therefore  the  above  named  Directors  supplicate  your  High 
Mightinesses  with  ail  due  reverence,  to  be  pleased  to  cause  to  be  issued  the  commission 
aforesaid,  inasmuch  as  two  ships  lie  in  the  Texel  ready  to  sail  at  the  moment  your  High 
Mightinesses'  patent  shall  be  sent  on  board  for  the  above  named  Petrus  Stuyvesant. 
Which  doing,  etc. 

(Endorsed)     Memorial  on  behalf  of  the  West  India  Company.     24  July,  1646. 


<  ■ »  »  ■■»■»- 


Resolution  of  tlie  States  General  on  the  preceding  Memorial. 

\Jtnm  the  SegUtsr  of  WctI  India  alkin,  16S$— 16SI,  Id  the  Roril  ArohirM  it  th*  Iltffna.] 

Tuesday,  24"'  of  July,  1646. 
A  certain  memorial,  presented  to  their  High  Mightinesses  by  and  on  behalf  of 
the  West  India  Company  of  this  country,  for  a  commission  for  Petrus  Stuyvesande 
as  Director  of  New  Netherland,  being  read  in  the  Assembly ;  it  is,  previous  to 
proceeding  further  herein,  resolved  and  concluded,  that  their  High  Mightinesses'  resolution 
concerning  New  Netherland,  adopted  on  the  IS""  instant,  and  the  other  thereunto  relating,  shall 
be  looked  up  and  examined,  in  order  to  take  further  action  according  as  it  shall  appertain. 


Folio  «0T. 
StalvestDt. 
New  Netherlantl. 


West  India  Company  to  the  States  General. 

[  From  the  Original  In  the  Royal  ArcbUee  at  the  nagne ;  File,  Wui  IndU.  ]  , 

Noble,  High  and  Mighty  President. 

May  it  please  your  Honor  to  know,  in  regard  to  the  application  of  the  Directors  of  the  West 
India  Company  for  a  commission  for  the  Director  of  New  Netherland,  the  retro  acta  have  been 
lying,  for  the  last  10  or  12  days,  in  the  office  of  Your  High  Mightinesses'  Secretary,  pursuant  to 
your  High  Mightinesses'  order.  We  pray  your  High  Mightinesses  to  cause  the  patent  to  be 
dispatched,  inasmuch  as  2  ships  are  waiting  at  the  Texel  only  for  that,  in  order  to  set  sail. 
Which  doing,  &c. 

(Endorsed)     Memorial  on  behalf  of  the  West  India  Company,  26""  of  July,  1646. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS  j    III. 


177 


Resolution  of  tin  States  General  on  the  preceding  Memorial 

[  From  th*  negU(er  of  Weil  Indl.  A(r.lri,  1888-1851,  In  Itao  Eoytl  Arehlrn  tl  Ibo  H.gue.] 

Thursday,  Se"-  July,  1646. 

«r"X  u>  ^  ''"'"'"  memorinl,  presented  to  their  High  Mightinesses  by  and  on  behalf  of 
N.wN«.h.„.„d.  the  West  India  Company  for  a  patent  of  Commission  fo,  the  Director  going  to 
New  Netherlan'l,  being  read  to  the  Assembly;  it  is,  after  previous  deliberation,  resolved  and 
concluded,  before  proceeding  thereupon,  that  the  above  named  West  India  Company  shall 
exhibit  to  their  High  Mightinesses  an  authentic  copy  of  the  Instruction  for  the  above  mentioned 
Director,  according  to  which  he  will  have  to  regulate  himself. 


Resoluthn  cf  the  States  General  approving  the  Commission  of  Director  Stuyvesant. 

t  From  the  Rfgljter  of  West  India  ulTain,  1833-1G6I,  Id  the  Eoyal  Anhivee  *t  th«  Hagn..  ] 

Saturday,  28""  July,  1646. 
c'mSll*'^  The  draft  of  the  commission  made  out  for  Petrus  Stuivesant,  as  Director  of 

K'N^ih^rtand.  New  Netherland  as  well  as  of  Cura(;ao  and  some  other  Islands,  being  read  in  the 
Assembly;  it  is,  after  previous  deliberation,  considered  as  enacted,  and  further  ordered,  that 
said  commission  be  issued  without  reconsideration,  inasmuch  as  the  aforesaid  Director  is  very 
urgent  to  depart. 


Minute  of  Peter  Stuyvesant  havijig  been  sworn  in  as  Director  of  New  Netherland. 

[  From  tba  Rofcliler  of  We.(  India  ABiilrs,  1688-1651,  In  the  Royal  Arehlrea  at  the  Hague.  ] 

Resolution  of  the  States  General. 

Saturday,  the  2S""  July,  1646. 
m>.i,«,°nt!'""'  ^e^rm  Stuivesant  appeared  before  the  Assembly  as  Director  of  New  Netherland 

^ommiMion.  and  Director of  Cum^ao,  and  some  other  islands  mentioned  in  his  commission,  and 

Kew  Netherland.  took,  accordlng  to  a  Certain  formulary,  the  proper  oath,  and  amongst  other  things, 
swore  specially  that  he  would  conform  to  his  Instruction  given  him  by  the  Assembly  of  the 
West  India  Company,  which  Instruction  is,  pursuant  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  order  dated 
the  2&^  instant,  exhibited  itt  their  High  Mightinesses'  Assembly,  and  a  copy  thereof 
enregistered  in  the  Act  Book. 


Vol.  I. 


iid 


? 


f- 


H 

II 


•1 


178  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Commission  of  Petei-  Stuyvesant  as  Director  Oeneral  of  N'ew  Netherland. 

[  From  the  CommUtieiiotk  of  the  Stilei  aeneral  lu  the  Rojral  Archlree  U  the  Ilague.  ] 

Commission  for  Petrus  Stuyvesant  as  Director  on  the  Coast  of  New  Netherland 
as  well  as  the  Island  of  Curasao  and  the  places  thereupon  depending. 

Folio  sot.  The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands  to  all  those  to  whom  these 

Presents  shall  come,  or  who  shall  hear  them  read,  Health.  Bb  it  Known  :  Whereas  We 
have  deemed  it  advisable  for  the  advancement  of  the  niTairs  of  the  General  Incorporated  West 
India  Company  not  only  to  maintain  the  trade  and  population  on  the  Coast  of  New  Netherland 
and  the  places  situate  thereabout;  also,  the  Islands  Curasao,  Buenaire,  Aruba  and  their 
dependencies,  which  have  hitherto  been  encouraged  thither  from  this  country,  but  also  to  make 
new  treaties  and  alliances  with  foreign  princes  and  to  inflict  as  much  injury  as  possible  on  the 
enemy  in  his  forts  and  strongholds  as  well  by  sea  as  by  land  ;  for  which  purposes  it  becomes 
necessary  to  appoint  a  person  Director;  We, therefore, confiding  in  the  probity  and  experience 
of  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  formerly  entrusted  with  Our  affairs  in,  and  the  government  of,  the 
aforesaid  Island  of  Curasao  and  the  places  thereon  depending.  We,  being  well  pleased  with 
his  services  there,  have  commissioned  and  appointed,  and  by  these  presents  do  commission  and 
appoint  the  said  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  Director  in  the  aforesaid  countries  of  New  Netherland, 
and  the  places  thereunto  adjoining,  together  with  the  aforementioned  Islands  of  Curasao, 
Beunaire,  Aruba,  and  their  dependencies ;  to  administer,  with  the  Council  as  well  now  as 
hereafter  appointed  with  him,  the  said  office  of  Director,  both  on  water  and  on  land,  and  in 
said  quality,  to  attend  carefully  to  the  advancement,  promotion  and  preservation  of  friendship, 
alliances,  trade  and  commerce;  to  direct  all  matters  appertaining  to  traffic  and  war,  and  to 
maintain,  in  all  thingd  there,  good  order  for  the  service  of  the  United  Netherlands  and  the 
General  West  India  Company  ;  to  establish  regularity  for  the  safeguard  of  the  places  and  forts 
therein  ;  to  administer  law  and  justice  as  well  civil  as  criminal;  and,  moreover,  to  perform 
all  that  concerns  his  office  and  duties  in  accordance  with  the  Charter,  and  the  general  and 
particular  instructions  herewith  given,  and  to  be  hereafter  given  him,  as  a  good  and  faithful 
Director  is  bound  and  obliged,  by  his  oath  in  Our  hands  to  do  ;  Which  done.  We,  therefore, 
order  and  command  all  other  officers,  common  soldiers,  together  with  the  inhabitants  and 
natives  residing  in  the  aforesaid  places  as  subjects,  and  all  whom  it  may  concern,  to 
acknowledge,  respect  and  obey  the  said  Petrus  Stuyvesant  as  Our  Director  in  the  countries  and 
places  of  New  Netherland,  and  in  the  Islands  of  Curat;ao,  Beunaire,  Aruba,  and  their 
dependencies,  and  to  afford  nil  help,  countenance  and  assistance  in  the  performance  of  these 
things,  as  We  have  found  the  same  to  be  fur  the  advantage  of  the  Company.  Done  in  Our 
Assembly  at  the  Ilague,  on  the  xxviii.  July,  164G. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    III. 


179 


Resolution  of  the  States  General. 

[  rnm  ttar  Btgiitcr  of  We«t  India  « ffalrt,  1688  - 1061,  In  the  Boyal  Anblre*  «t  the  Higus.  ] 

Saturday,  28""  July,  1646. 
Dr.  LntLIT"™        ^'  Lubhertus  van  Dinclagen  appeared  in  the  Assembly  as  Second,  and  first 
Dindagen.  Counclllor  of  the  Director  of  New  Netherland,  and  hath  sworn  that  he  will  observe 

K.wNotherUnd.  the  Commission  given  him  by  those  of  the  Asssembly  of  the  West  India  Company, 
on  the  6'"  May  1645,  as  well  as  the  Instruction  which  has  been  furnished  him  on  the  behalf  as 
aforesaid,  dated  7"-  July  of  the  present  year  ;  whereupon  he  withdrew. 


Certificate  that  Lnhbertxis  van  Dinclagen  7ms  taken  the  Oath  of  Office, 

[  From  OommtMifjMek  of  the  SUtM  Otnenl,  In  Uio  EortI  ArcliirH  it  the  Iligne.] 

roiio  m.  This  day  the  xxviii.  July  XVL-  and  six  and  forty  D'  Lubbertus  van  Dinclagen 

hath,  as  Vice-governor  and  first  councillor  of  the  Director  in  New  Netherland,  taken  the  [.roper 
oath  at  the  hands  of  the  IVesiaent  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  Assembly  that  he  will  strictly 
conduct  himself  agreeably  to  his  commission  and  the  Instruction  furnished  him  on  the  part  of 
the  Assembly  of  the  XIX,  and  dated  ?"•  July,  1G45. 


JOURNAL  OF   NKW  NETHERLAND ; 
Wrilten  in  the  ymrt  1641,   1642,   1643,  1644,   1646  wdJ  164G. 

(From  *  Uantuortpl  In  the  Royal  IJbraiy  at  the  Hagnt.  ] 

Brief  Description  of  New  Netherland. 

New  Netherland,  ho  called  because  it  was  first  frequented  and  peopled  by  the  free 
NetherlatJers,  is  a  province  in  the  most  northerly  part  of  America,  situate  between  N.  England 
(which  bounds  it  on  the  N.E.  side)  and  Virginia,  lying  to  the  S.  VV.  Its  entire  length  ia 
washed  by  the  ocean  and  has  a  clean  sandy  beach  resembling  very  m\ich  that  of  Flanders  or 
Holland,  having,  except  the  rivers,  few  bays  or  harbors  for  ships.  The  air  is  very  temperate, 
inclining  to  dryness,  healthy,  little  subject  to  sickness.  The  four  seasons  of  the  year  are  about 
as  in  Franco  or  the  Netherlands;  the  .lifterence  being,  the  spring  is  shorter,  because  it  begini 
later;  the  summer  is  hotter,  biv  ause  it  comes  on  more  suddenly;  the  autumn  is  long  and  very 
pleasant;  the  winter  cold  and  liable  to  much  snow.  Two  winds  ordinarily  prevail,  the  N.  W. 
in  winter,  and  the  8.  W.  in  summer;  the  other  winds  are  not  ""mmonj  the  N.  W.  corresponds 
with  our  N.  E.,  because  it  blows  aoroti  the  country  from  the  cold  point,  like  our  N.  E.     The 


•# 


.  -  i*.   .-SJ 


180 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


S.  VV.  is  dry  and  hot  like  our  S.  E.,  because  it  comes  from  the  warm  countries;  the  N.  E.  is 
cold  and  wet  like  our  S.  W.,  for  similar  reasons.  The  aspect  of  the  country  is  very  like  that 
of  France;  the  land  is  reasonably  high  and  level,  to  wit,  along  the  coast,  broken  by  small  hills 
which  are  rocky  and  unlit  for  cultivation  ;  further  in  the  interior  are  pretty  high  mountains, 
exhibiting  generally  strong  indications  of  minerals ;  between  those  mountains  flow  a  great 
number  of  small  streams;  there  are  even  in  places,  some,  but  not  many,  lofty  mountains  of 
extraordinary  height;  in  fertility,  the  country  falls  behind  no  province  in  Europe  both  as  to 
excellence  and  cleanness  of  fruits  and  seeds.  There  are  three  principal  rivers,  namely :  the 
Fresh,  the  Mauritius,  and  the  South  rivers;  all  three  reasonably  wide  and  deep,  adapted  to 
the  navigation  of  large  ships  twenty-five  leagues  up,  and  of  common  sloops  even  unto  the 
falls;  a  canal  extends  from  the  river  Mauritius  to  beyond  the  Fresh  river,  and  forms  an  island 
forty  leagues  in  length,  called  Long  Island.  This  is  the  ordinary  passage  from  N.  England  to 
Virginia,  having  on  both  sides  many  harbors  for  anchorage,  so  that  people  make  no  difficulty 
about  navigating  it  in  winter.  The  country  is  for  the  most  part  covered  with  trees,  except  a 
few  valleys  and  some  large  flats,  seven  or  eight  leagues  and  less  in  extent;  the  trees  consist  as 
in  Europe,  of  oak,  hickory,  chestnut,  vines.  The  animals  also  are  of  the  same  species  as  ours, 
except  lions  and  some  other  strange  beasts;  many  bears,  abundance  of  wolves,  which  harm 
nothing  but  small  cattle.  Elks  and  deer  in  vast  numbers,  foxes,  beavers,  otters,  minx,  and  such 
like.  The  fowls  which  are  natural  to  the  country,  are  turkeys,  like  ours,  swans,  geese  of 
three  sorts,  ducks,  teals,  cranes,  herons,  bitterns ;  two  sorts  of  partridges,  four  sorts  of  heath 
fowl  or  pheasants.  The  river  fish  is  like  that  of  Europe,  namely  :  carp,  sturgeon,  8<ilmon, 
p'ke,  perch,  roach,  eel,  etc.  In  the  suit  waters  are  found  cod,  shellfish,  herring,  and  so 
forth  ;  also  abundance  of  oysters  and  muscles. 

The  Indians  are  of  ordinary  stature,  strong  and  broad  shouldered  ;  olive  color,  light  and 
nimble  of  foot,  subtle  in  disposition,  of  few  words,  which  they  previously  well  consider; 
hypocritical,  treacherous,  vindictive,  brave  and  pertinacious  in  self  defence  ;  in  time  of  need, 
resolute  to  die.  'I'hey  seem  to  despise  all  the  torments  that  can  be  inflicted  on  them,  and  do 
not  utter  a  single  moan,  they  go  almost  naked,  except  a  flap  which  hangs  before  their 
nakedness,  and  on  their  shoulders  a  deer  skin,  or  a  mantle,  e  fathom  stjuare,  of  woven  turkey 
leathers,  or  of  peltries  sewed  together;  they  make  use  now  generally  of  blue  or  red  (duffeli), 
in  consequence  of  the  fretiiient  visits  of  the  Christians.  In  winter  they  make  shoes  of  deer 
skin,  manufactured  after  their  fashion.  Except  their  chiefs,  they  have  generally  but  dne  wile 
whom  they  frequently  chiuge  according  to  caprice;  she  must  do  all  the  work,  plant  corn  and 
cut  wood,  and  attend  to  whatever  else  is  to  be  done.  The  Indians  are  divided  into  various 
nations.  They  dill'er  even  in  language,  which  would  be  altogether  too  long  to  be  related  in 
this  brief  space.  They  dwell  together,  mostly  from  friendship,  in  tribec  commanded  by  a 
chief,  who  is  the  (ieneral,  and  usually  called  Snrkema ;  he  does  not  possess  much  authority 
and  but  little  distinction,  imless  in  their  dances  and  other  ceremonies.  They  have  hardly  any 
knowledge  of  (iod ;  no  Divine  Worship,  no  law,  no  justice;  the  strongest  does  what  lie 
pleases,  and  the  young  men  are  masters.  Their  weapons  are  the  bow  and  arrow,  in  the  use  of 
which  they  are  wonderful  adepts.  Hunting  and  fishing,  in  addition  to  the  maize  which  the 
women  plant,  furnish  them  food. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IIL 


By  Whom  and  How  New  Netheri.and  was  Peopled. 


181 


The  subjects  of  the  Lords  States  General,  had  frequented  this  country  a  long  time  ago, 
solely  for  the  purpose  of  the  fur  trade.  Since  the  year  1623,  the  Incorporated  West  India 
Company  caused  four  forts  to  be  erected,  two  on  the  River  Mauritius,  and  one  on  each  of  the 
others;  the  largest,  which  their  Honors  named  New  Amsterdam,  stands  on  the  point  formed 
by  the  Mauritius  and  the  other  river  already  mentioned;  six  and  thirty  miles  higher  up,  is 
another  fort  called  Orange;  that  on  the  south  river  is  named  Nassauw,  and  '"lat  on  the  Fresh 
river,  the  Good  Hope,  in  which  the  Company  hath  since  continually  maintained  garrisons.  In 
the  beginning,  their  Honors  sent  thither  a  certain  number  of  settlers,  and  caused  to  be  erected 
at  great  expense,  three  saw  mills,  which  never  realized  any  profit  of  consequence,  on  account 
of  their  great  charge  ;  a  great  deal  of  money  was  also  expended  for  the  advancement  of  the 
country,  but  it  never  began  to  be  settled  until  every  one  was  permitted  to  trade  with 
the  Indians.,  inasmuch  as,  up  to  that  time,  no  one  calculated  to  remain  there  longer  than  the 
expiration  of  his  bounden  time,  and  therefore  did  not  apply  himself  to  agriculture  ;  yea,  even 
the  Colonie  of  Uenselaerswyck  was  of  little  consequence.  But  as  soon  as  the  trade  was  opened, 
many  servants  who  had  prospered  under  the  Company  applied  for  their  discharge,  built  houses 
and  formed  plantations,  spread  themselves  far  and  wide,  each  seeking  the  best  land,  and  to  be 
nearest  to  the  Indians,  in  order  thus  to  trade  with  them  advantageously  ;  others  bought  sloops 
with  which  to  sell  goods  at  the  north  and  at  the  south,  and  as  the  Directors  gave  free  passage 
from  Holland  thither,  that  also  caused  many  to  come.  On  the  other  hand,  the  English  came 
both  from  Virginia  and  N.  England,  on  account  of  the  good  opportunity  to  plant  tobacco  here; 
(irst,  divers  servants,  whose  time  had  expired;  afterwards,  families,  and  finally,  entire  colonies, 
having  been  forced  to  quit  that  place,  in  order  to  enjoy  freedom  of  conscience,  and  to  escape 
from  the  insupportable  government  of  New  England,  and  because  many  more  commodities 
were  to  be  obtained  here  than  there,  so  that  in  place  of  sacn  bouwcrics  and  huo  @  three 
iditntationt  which  were  here,  tliniij  bouwerin  were  to  be  seen  as  well  cultivated  and  stocked  as  in 
Europe,  [and]  one  hundred  plantations  which,  in  two  or  three  [years]  would  become  regular 
hoiiweries,  for  arter  the  tobacco  was.  out  of  the  ground,  corn  was  planted  there  without 
ploughing,  and  the  winter  was  employed  preparing  new  lands.  The  English  colonies  had 
settled  under  us  by  patent  on  equal  terms  with  the  others.  Each  of  these  was  in  appearance 
not  less  than  one  hundred  families  strong,  exclusive  of  the  Colonie  of  llensselaerswyck,  which 
is  prospering,  with  that  of  Myndert  Meyndertsz  and  Cornells  Melyn,  who  began  first.  Also  the 
Viil:ige  of  N.  Amsterdam  around  the  fort,  one  hundred  fiirnilies,  so  that  there  was  appearance 
of  producing  supplies  in  a  year  for  fourteen  thousand  souls,  without  glraightening  the  country, 
and  had  there  not  been  a  want  of  laliorers  or  farm  servants,  twice  as  much  could  be  raised, 
considering  that  fifty  lasts  of  rye  and  fifty  lasts  of  peas  were  still  remaining  around  the  fort, 
after  a  large  quantity  had  been  burnt  and  destroyed  by  the  Indians,  who  in  a  short  time 
quickly  brought  this  country  to  nought  and  had  well  nigh  destroyed  this  bright  hope,  in  the 
manner  following. 

The  Caubks  and  CoNSKyiENCK  of  thk  New  Nktkerland  War. 

We  have  already  stated  that  the  Liberty  to  trade  with  the  Indians  was  the  cause  of  the 
increase  of  population  in  N.  Netherland.     We  shall  now  show  that  it  also  Is  the  cause  of  tti 


183 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


ruin ;   producing   two   opposite  effecta,  and   that   not  without  reason   as  will   appear  from 
what  follows. 

This  Liberty,  then,  which  in  every  respect  was  most  gratefully  received  ;  t.hich  should  have 
been  used  like  a  precious  gift,  was  very  soon  perverted  to  a  great  abuse.  For  every  one 
thought  that  now  was  the  acceptable  time  to  make  his  fortune;  withdrew  himself  from  his 
fellow,  as  if  deeming  him  suspected  and  the  enemy  of  his  desire,  sought  communication  with 
the  Indians  from  whom  it  appeared  his  profit  was  to  be  derived,  all  contrary  to  their  High 
Mightinesses'  motto.'  That  created  first,  a  division  of  power  of  dangerous  consequence;  then 
produced  altogether  too  much  familiarity  with  the  Indians,  which  in  a  short  time  brought  forth 
contempt,  usually  the  Father  of  Hate.  For,  not  satisfied  with  merely  taking  them  into  their 
houses  in  the  customary  manner,  they  attracted  them  by  extraordinary  attention,  such  as 
admitting  them  to  Table,  laying  napkins  before  them,  presenting  Wine  to  them  and  more  of 
that  kind  of  thing,  which  they  did  not  receive  like  Esop's  man,  but  as  their  due  and  desert, 
insomuch  that  they  were  not  content,  but  began  to  hate,  when  such  civilities  were  not  shown 
them.  To  this  familiarity  and  freedom  succeeded  another  Evil :  as  the  cattle  usually  roamed 
through  the  Woods  without  a  Herdsman,  they  frequently  came  among  the  corn  of  the  Indians 
which  iS  unfenced  on  all  sides,  committing  great  damage  there;  this  led  to  frequent  complaints 
on  the  part  of  the  latter,  and,  finally,  to  revenge  on  the  cattle,  without  sparing  even  the  horses 
which  were  valuable  in  the  country.  Moreover,  many  of  our's  took  the  Indians  into  their 
employ,  making  use  of  them  in  their  house  work ;  thus  exposing  to  them  our  entire 
circumstances  ;  soon  becoming  weary  of  work,  the  Indians  took  leg-bail  and  stole  much  more 
than  the  amount  of  their  wages.  This  Liberty  caused  still  greater  mischief :  for  the  inhabitants 
of  Renselaerswyck,  who  were  as  many  traders  as  persons,  perceiving  that  the  Mohawks  were 
craving  for  guns,  which  some  of  them  had  already  received  from  the  English,  paying  for  each 
as  many  as  Twenty  Beavers  and  for  a  pound  of  powder  as  many  as  Ten  to  Twelve  guilders, 
came  down  in  greater  numbers  than  usual  where  guns  were  plenty,  purchasing  them  at  a 
fair  price,  realizing  in  this  way  considerable  profit ;  they  afterwards  obtained  some  from  their 
Patroon  for  self  defence,  in  tiuie  of  need,  as  we  suppose.  This  extraordinary  gain  was  not 
long  kept  secret,  the  traders  coming  from  Holland  soon  got  scent  of  it,  and  from  time  lo  time 
brought  over  great  quantities,  so  tliut  the  Mohawks  in  a  short  time  were  seen  with  fire  locks ; 
powder  and  leaJ  in  proportion.  Four  hundred  armed  men  knew  how  to  make  use  of  their 
advantage,  especially  against  their  enemies,  dwelling  a^ong  the  iliver  of  Canada,  against  whom 
they  have  now  aciiieved  many  profitable  forays  where  before  they  had  but  little  advantage ; 
this  caused  them  also  to  be  respected  by  the  surrounding  Indians  even  as  far  as  the  Sea  coast, 
who  must  generally  pay  them  tribute,  whereas,  on  the  contrary,  they  were  formerly  obliged  to 
contribute  to  these.  On  this  account  the  Indiana  endeavored  no  less  to  procure  Guns,  and 
through  the  familiarity  whicli  existed  between  them  and  our  people,  began  to  solicit  the  latter 
for  Guns  and  powder,  but  as  such  was  forbidden  on  pain  of  Death,  and  could  not  renmin  secret 
in  consequence  of  the  general  conversation,  they  could  not  he  obtained.  This,  added  to  the 
previous  contempt,  greatly  augmented  the  hatred  which  stimulated  them  to  conspire  against  us, 
beginning  first  with  insults  which  they  every  where  indiscreetly  uttered,  railing  at  us  as  Maliriolty* 
(that  is  to  say)  cowards  —  that  we  might,  indeed  be  something  on  wau-r,  but  of  no  account  on 
land,  and  that  we  had  neither  a  great  Sachem  nor  Chiefs.     [  Hire  two  i>nge«  are  wanting.'^ 


'  EcndrMlit  miukl  mtoht —  Union  in  atrvtigtli,  —  Kn. 

'  ApiMir»nlly  compuuDdtil  of  tli«  r)«lii«'arr  wonln  Unthafi,  "  nn  ■" 


lillioul;"  and  0/«,  "lUirl"  or courigt — (Coward. 


,5  fit 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:     III. 


183 


he  of  Witqueschreek,  living  N.  E.  of  the  Island  Manhattan,  perpetrated  another  murder  in  the 
house  of  an  old  man,  a  wheelwright,  with  whom  he  was  acquainted  (having  been  in  his  sod's 
service) ;  being  well  received  and  suppled  with  food,  and  pretending  a  desire  to  buy  something, 
whilst  the  old  man  was  taking  from  the  chest  the  cloth  the  Indian  wanted,  the  latter  took  up 
an  axe  and  cut  his  head  off;  moreover,  plundering  the  house,  and  then  ran  away.  This  outrage 
obliged  the  Director  to  demand  satisfaction  from  the  Sachem  who  refused  it,  saying,  That  he 
o.p,*pJ;;k:x*e.i.r  ^*'  ^""^  '^""'y  Christians  had  not  been  murdered  •  and  that  this  Indian  had 
21  Aug:  1641.  '  only  avenged  the  death  of  his  Uncle  who  had  been  slain  ever  one  and  twenty 
years  previously  by  the  Dutch.  Whereupon,  the  Commonalty  were  called  together  by  the 
Director  to  consider  this  affair;  who  all  appeared  and  presently  twelve  men  delegated  from 
tNoteB.  among  them,  t  answered  the  propositions,  and  resolved  at  once  on  war,  should 
I^E'fiTMi"*'*  ^^^  niurtJerer  be  refused;  that  the  attack  should  be  made  in  the  harvest 
when  the  Indians  were  hunting;  meanwhile,  an  effort  should  be  again  made  by 
kindness  to  obtain  justice,  which  was  accordingly  several  times  sought  for  but  in  vain. 

The  time  being  come,  many  obstacles  arose  and  operations  were  postponed  until  the  year 
1642,  when  it  was  resolved  to  avenge  the  perpetrated  outrage.  Thereupon  spies  looked  up 
the  Indians  who  lay  in  their  village  suspecting  nothing,  and  eighty  men  were  detailed  and  sent 
thither  under  the  command  of  Ensign  Hendrick  van  Dyck.  The  guide  being  come  with  the 
troops  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Indian  wigwams,  lost  his  way  in  consequence  of  the  darkness 
of  the  night.  The  Ensign  became  impatient  and  turned  back  without  having  accomplished 
any  thing.  The  journey,  however,  was  not  without  eftect,  for  the  Indians,  who  remarked  by 
the  trail  made  by  our  people  in  r.iarching,  that  they  had  narrowly  escaped  discovery,  sued  for 
peace,  which  was  granted  them  on  condition  that  they  should  either  deliver  up  the  murderer 
or  inflict  justice  themselves.     Ihis  they  promised,  but  did  not  keep  their  word. 

Some  weeks  after  this,  Miantenimo,  principal  Sachem  of  Sloops  Bay,  came  here  with  one 
E■,»lih*'"M«•lft.^  hundred  men,  passing  through  all  the  Indian  Villages  J  soliciting  them  to  a 
"""sNot,  D,  general  War  against  both  'he  English  and  the  Dutch,§  whereupon  some  of  the 
d.uHij  J.U,-,  1044.  neighboring  Indians  attempted  to  set  our  powder  on  fire  and  to  poison  the  Directon 
or  to  enchant  him  by  their  devilry,  as  their  ill  will  was  afterwards  made  manifest  as  well  \n 
fact  as  by  report.  Those  of  Hackingsack,  otherwise  called  Achter  Col,  had,  with  their 
neighbors,  killed  an  Englishman,  a  servant  of  one  David  I'ietersa.,  and  a  ievr  days  after  shot 
dead,  in  an  equally  treacherous  manner,  a  Dutchman  who  sat  roofing  a  house  in  the  Colonie 
T,„  '.,^;;:.T  ^,,  ,h.  °''  ''^'y'l^-n  Meynden^.H  hanng  scliUd  ihrre  agaimt  l/ie  mivicc  of  the  Director  and  the 
^^X'^i!:^lCt  "•''''  "f  ""^  fndians,  nmi  had  caused,  by  the  continual  damage  the  cattle  committed, 
"'"'°'  ""  ''"'«  dissatisfaction  to  the  Indians,  and  conlributpd  greatly  to  the  War.     The 

Commonalty  began  then  to  be  afraid,  and  not  without  reason,  having  the  Indians  daily  in  their 
houses.  The  murderers  were  frequently  demanded,  either  living  or  dead,  even  with  a  promise 
of  reward ;  a  scoffing  answer  was  always  returned  by  the  Indians,  who  laughed  at  us.  Finally, 
the  Commonalty,  seriously  distrusting  the  Director,  siispecling  him  of  conniving  with  the 
Indians,  that  an  attempt  was  making   to  sell  Christian   bloodlf  and  resolved. 


1  Si'**  F. 


that  the  will  of  the  entire  Commonalty  was  surrendered  to  him,  inasmuch  as  he 


Jauuxry,  lUA 


would  not  avenge  blood,  lliey  would  do  it,  be  the  consequence  what  it  may 
The  Director  hereupon  advised  I'achnm,  the  Sachem,  who  interested  himself  in  this  matter, 
warning  him  that  we  would  wait  no  longer,  inasmuch  as  satisfaction  had  not  been  given. 


184 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Meanwhile  God  wreaked  vengeance  on  those  of  Witquescheck  without  our  knowledge 
through  the  Mahicanders  dwelling  below  Fort  Orange,  who  slew  seventeen  of  them  and  made 
prisoners  of  many  women  and  chihlren  ;  the  remainder  fled  through  a  deep  snow  to  the  houses 
of  the  Christians  on  and  around  the  Island  Manhatens.  They  were  most  humanely  received, 
being  half  dead  of  cold  and  hunger,  and  supported  for  fourteen  days ;  even  some  of  the 
Director's  corn  was  sent  to  them.  A  short  time  after,  another  panic  seized  the  Indians,  which 
caused  them  to  fly  to  divers  places  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Dutch.  This  opportunity  to  wreak 
vengeance  for  the  innocent  blood,  induced  some  of  the  Twelve  men  to  represent  to  the  Director 
that  tiie  time  was  now  come  ;  whereupon,  they  received  for  answer,  that  they  should  put  their 
•  Noteo.        request  in  writing;  which  was  done,  by  three,  in  the  name  of  all,*  in  a  petition 

Thflrptlilino.dtted  .  ,.  .  ,        ,  ,.   xx       i   •  i       .     •  •        ,  i-     •    •  .^i 

24Feb.,i6«.  to  be  allowed  to  attack  those  of  Hackingsack,  lying  in  two  divisions — on  the 
Manhatens  and  at  I'avonia.  This  was  granted  after  a  protracted  discussion,  too  long  to  be 
reported  here,  so  that  the  design  was  executed  that  same  night;  the  Burghers  attacked  those 
who  lay  a  short  mile  from  the  fort,  and  the  Soldiers  those  of  I'avonia ;  at  which  two  places 
about  eighty  Indians  were  killed,  and  thirty  were  taken  prisoners.  Next  morning,  before  the 
return  of  the  troops,  a  man  and  woman  were  shot  at  Pavonia,  who  had  come  either  through 
curiosity  to  look  at,  or  to  plunder  the  dead;  the  soldiers  rescued  a  young  child,  which  the 
woman  had  in  her  arms. 

Thei/ ''"iu."' anrt  The  Christians  residing  on  Long  Island  also  requested  by  petitiont  to  be 
FebrMry'ai.iMa!'''  allowcd  to  attack  and  slay  the  Indians  thereabout,  which  was  refused;  as  these 
especially  had  done  us  no  harm  and  showed  us  every  friendship.  (Vea,  had  even  voluntarily 
killed  some  of  the  Raritans,  our  enemies,  hereinbefore  mentioned).  Yet,  notwithstnnding,t 
$N..fi.        some    Christians   attempted,   secretly   with    two    wagons,  to   steal    maize  from 

Bee  the  Information     .  ...  ..ii  ■■  i  j,  x.  al 

ihereuiwn.  thcse  Indians  ;    which,  they  perceiving,  endeavored  to  prevent ;    tnereupon  three 

Indians  were  shot  dead ;  two  houses  standing  opposite  the  fort,  were  in  return  forthwith  set 
on  fire.  The  Director  knowing  nought  of  this,  sent  at  once  some  persons  to  inquire  the 
reason.  The  Indians  showing  themselves  afar  off,  called  out — Be  ye  our  friends?  Ye  are 
mere  corn  stealers  —  making  them  also  parties.  This  induced  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  burnt 
houses  to  upbraid,  therewith,  one  Maryn  Adriaenzen,  who,  at  his  own  request,  had  led  the 
freemen  in  the  attack  on  the  Indians,  and  who,  being  reinforced  by  an  Knglish  troop,  had 
afterwards  undertaken  two  bootless  expeditions  In  the  open  held.  Imagining  tliat  the  Director 
had  accused  him,  being  one  oi  the  signers  of  the  petition,  he  determined  to  revenge  .himself. 
.„  ^  With'^  this  resolution  he  proceeded  to  the  Director's  house,  armed  with  a  pistol. 
Hi!  trill  tii.rt.rof.  i„.jje,i  jind  cocked,  and  a  hunger  by  his  side  ;  coming  unawares  into  the  Director's 
room,  he  presents  his  pistol  at  him,  saying.  What  devilish  lies  art  thou  reporting  of  me?  but 
by  the  promptness  of  one  of  the  bystanders,  the  shot  was  prevented,  and  he  arrested.  A  short 
time  after.  Marine's  man  and  another  entered  the  fort,  each  carrying  a  loaded  gun  and  pistol  — 
the  first  fired  at  the  Director,  who  having  had  notice,  withdrew  to  his  house,  the  bullets  passed 
into  the  walls  along  side  the  door  behind  him;  the  sentinel  firing  immediately  at  the  fellow 
who  had  discharged  his  gun,  brought  him  down.  Shortly  afterwards,  some  of  the  Commonalty 
collected  before  the  Director,  riotously  demanding  the  prisoner;  they  were  answered,  that 
their  request  should  be  presented  in  order  and  in  writing;  which  was  done  by  about  25  men, 
who  asked  the  Director  to  pardon  the  criminal.  The  matter  was  referred  to  them  to  decide 
conscientiously  thereupon ;  in  such  wise,  that  they  immediately  went  lorlh  ;  without  hearing 
parties  or  seeing  any  complaints  or  documents,  t/iry  condemn  him  in  a  fine  (if  five  hundred  guilden. 


l| 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS!    Ill 


185 


and  to  remain  three  month*  away  from  the  Manhalens;  but  on  account  of  the  importance  of  the 
afTair,  and  some  considerationa,  it  was  resolved  to  send  the  criminal,  with  his  trial,  to  Holland, 
which 

The  winter  passed  in  this  confusion,  mingled  with  great  terror;  the  season  came  for  driving 
out  the  cattle,  which  obliged  many  to  desire  peace.  On  the  other  hand,  the  Indians  seeing 
also  that  It  was  time  to  plant  maize,  were  not  less  solicitous  for  a  cessation  of  hostilities;  so 
after  some  negotiation,  peace  was  concluded  in  May.  A"  1C43,  rather  in  consequence  of  the 
importunity  of  some,  than  of  the  opinion  entertained  by  others,  that  it  would  be  durable. 

The  Indians  kept  still  after  this  peace,  assodniing  daily  with  cur  people;  yea,  even  the 
greatest  chiefs  came  to  visit  the  Director.  Meanwhile  Pacham,  a  crafty  man,  ran  through  all 
the  villages  urging  the  Indians  to  a  general  massacre.  Thereupon  it  happened  that  certain 
Indians  called  Wappingers,  dwelling  sixteen  leagues  up  the  river,  with  whom  we  never  had  the 
least  trouble,  seized  a  boat  coming  from  Fort  Orange,  wherein  were  only  two  men,  and  full 
Thrir'^^owW  fo"""  hundred  beavers.  This  great  booty  stimulated  others*  to  follow  the 
Eru.f"*''''''i3  ®*'""P'® '  ^°  ^^^^  '^®y  seized  two  boats  more,  intending  to  overhaul  ihe  fourth 
E'.giiVh'rtji..  •  also;  from  which  they  were  driven,  with  loss  of  six  Indians.  Nine  Christians, 
including  two  women,  were  murdered  in  these  captured  barks;  one  woman  and  two  children 
remaining  prisoners.  The  rest  of  the  Indians,  as  soon  as  their  mai/e  was  ripe,  followed  this 
example;  and  through  semblance  of  sellinsr  beavers,  killed  an  old  man  and  woman,  leaving 
another  man  with  five  wounds,  who,  however,  fled  to  the  fort,  in  a  boat,  with  a  little  child  in 
his  arms,  which,  in  the  first  outbreak,  had  lost  father  and  mother,  and  now  grandfather  and 
grandmother;  being  thus  twice  rescued,  through  God's  merciful  blessing,  from  the  ha:.Jsof  the 
Indians;  first,  when  two  years  old.  Nothing  was  now  heard  but  murders;  most  of  which 
were  committed  under  pretense  of  coming  to  put  Christians  on  thtir  guard. 

Finally;  the  Indians  took  the  field  and  attacked  the  bouweries  at  Pavonia.  Two  ships  of  war 
and  a  privateer,  were  here  at  the  time,  and  saved  considerable  cattle  and  grain.  Probably  it 
was  not  possible  to  prevent  the  destruction  of  four  bouweries  on  Pavonia,  which  were  burnt; 
not  by  open  violence,  but  by  stealthily  creeping  through  the  bush  with  fire  in  hand,  and  in  this 
way  igniting  the  roofs,  which  are  all  eithei  of  reed  or  straw ;  one  covered  with  plank,  was 
preserved  at  the  time. 

The  Commonalty  were  called  together,  who  were  sore  distressed.  They  chose  Eighi.t 
iiU^T»B^t  '"  ^''^  "^^'^'^  °^  ^•'^  previous  Twelve,  persons  to  aid  in  advising  what  was  beet; 
lOM.  but  occupied  as  each  one  was,  in  taking  care  of  his  own,  nothing  b(  ueficial  was 

adopted  at  that  tim« ;  nevertheless,  it  was  resolved  that  as  many  Englishmen  as  were  in  the 
country,  should  be  enlisted,  who  were,  indeed,  now  proposing  to  depart;  the  third  part  of 
these  were  to  be  paid  by  the  Commonalty,  who  so  promised,  but  the  pay  did  not  follow. 
OjMhl?roctob.r,       Terror  increasing  all  over  the  land,  the  Eight  men  assembled,  drew  upj  a 
""•  proposal  in  writing  wherein  they  demanded :  that  delegates  should  be  sent  to  our 

English  neighbors,  at  the  North,  to  request  an  auxiliary  force  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  men. 
for  whose  pay  a  bill  of  Exchange  should  be  given  for  twenty-five  thousand  guilders ;  that  N. 
NetheHand  should  be  mortgaged  to  the  English  as  security  for  the  payment  thereof,  (one  of 
g««i  iI^m;™!.,  the  most  influential  among  the  Eight  men  had,  by  letter,  ^  enforced  bv  f.recedenls, 
previously  endeavored  to  persuade  the  Director  to  this  course;  as  ihey  had 
In  Ji/'iJli?,,  of  resolved  to  do  a  few  days  before  ||)  that  the  provisions  destined  for  Cura5ao 
'•«•  '*'"•"'"''  should  be  discharged  from  the  vessels  and  the  major  part  of  the  men  belonging 
Vol.  I.  24 


4l 


>mi' 


1  I 

i  t 


186 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Hi 


to  them  detained,  and  that  the  ships  be  sent  away  thus  empty.  This  was  not  agreed  to, 
nor  deemed  expedient  by  the  Director.     [Here  four  pages  are  u;anti»g.'\ 

[An  expedition  was  despatched  consisting  of soldiers]  under  the  command  of  the 

Sergeant;  XL.  Burghers  under  Jochem  Pietersen,  their  Captain;  XXXV.  Englishmen  under 
Lieutenant  Bacivster ;  but  to  prevent  all  confusion,  Councillor  La  Montagne  was  appointed 
General.  Coming  to  Staten  Island,  they  marched  the  whole  night ;  the  huts  were  found 
empty  and  abandoned  by  the  Indians;  they  got  6  or  6  hundred  skepels  of  corn  and  burnt  the 
remainder  without  accomplishing  anything  else. 

Mayane,  a  Sachem,  residing  eight  miles  N.  E.  of  us,. between  Greenwich  (that  lies  within 
our  jurisdiction)  and  Stamford,  which  is  English,  a  fierce  Indian  who,  alone,  dared  to  attack 
with  bow  and  arrows,  three  Christians  armed  with  guns,  one  of  whom  he  shot  dead  ;  was, 
whilst  engaged  with  the  other,  killed  by  the  third  Christian  and  his  head  brought  hither.  It 
was  then  known  and  understood,  for  the  first  time,  that  he  and  his  Indians  had  done  us  much 
injury,  though  we  never  had  any  difference  with  him.  Understanding  further  that  they  lay  in 
their  houses  very  quiet  and  without  suspicion  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  English,  it  was 
determined  to  hunt  them  up  and  attack  them.  One  hundred  and  twenty  men  were  sent  thither 
under  the  preceding  command.  The  people  lanced  at  Greenwich  in  the  evening  from  three 
yachts,  marched  the  entire  night  but  could  not  find  the  Indians,  either  because  the  guide  had 
given  warning,  or  had  himself  gone  astray.  Retreat  was  made  to  the  yachts  in  order  to 
depart  as  secretly  as  possible;  passing  through  Stantford  some  Englishmen  were  encountered 
who  offered  to  lead  ours  to  the  place  where  some  Indians  were  ;  thereupon  four  scouts  were 
sent  in  divers  directions  to  make  a  discovery,  who,  on  returning,  reported  that  the  Indians 
had  some  notice  of  our  people  from  the  salute  the  Englishmen  fired,  but  without  any  certainty; 
whereupon  five  and  twenty  of  the  bravest  men  were  at  once  commanded  to  proceed  thither  to 
the  nearest  village  with  great  diligence.  They  made  the  journey,  killing  eighteen  or  twenty 
Indians,  capturing  an  old  man,  two  women  and  some  children  to  exchange  for  ours.  The  other 
troops,  on  reaching  the  place  immediately  in  the  yachts,  found  the  huts  empty. 

The  old  Indian,  captured  above,  having  promised  to  lead  us  to  Wetquescheck,  which 
consisted  of  three  Castles,  8ixty-n"e  men  were  dispatched  under  Baxter  and  Peter  Cock,  who 
found  them  empty,  though  thirty  Indians  could  have  stood  against  Two  Hundred  soldiers, 
inasmuch  as  the  castles  were  conatructed  of  plank  five  inches  thick,  nine  feet  high,  and  braced 
around  with  thick  plank  studded  with  port  holes.  Our  people  burnt  two,  reserving  the  third 
for  a  retreat.  Marching  8  or  9  leagues  further,  they  discovered  nothing  but  a  few  huts,  which 
they  could  not  surprize  as  they  were  discovered.  They  returned,  having  killed  only  one  or 
two  Indians,  taken  some  women  and  children  prisoners  and  burnt  some  corn.  Meanwhile,  we 
were  advised  that  Pennewitz,  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  experienced  Indians  in  the  country, 
and  who,  in  the  first  conspiracy,  had  given  the  most  dangerous  counsel,  to  wit:  that  they 
should  wait  and  not  attack  the  Dutch  until  all  suspicion  had  been  lulled,  and  then  divide 
themselves  equally  through  the  houses  of  the  Christians  and  slaughter  all  of  them  in  one 
night;  was  secretly  waging  war  against  us  with  his  tribe  who  killed  some  of  our  people  and 
set  fire  to  the  houses.  It  was,  therefore,  resolved  to  send  thither  a  troop  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty  men,  the  Burghers  in  their  Company,  the  English  under  Sergeant  Major  van  der 
Hyl'  (who,  a  few  days  previously,  had  offered  his  services  and  was  accepted),  the  old  soldiers 

'  C*pi  Jao.  UodarhUl ;  £>r  »a  Mcouot  of  whom,  •••  Thompim't  Uulory  qf  Long  Ithmd,  id  tii,  IL  —  Go. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    IlL 


187 


under  Peter  Cock,  all  commanded  by  Mr.  La  Montagne,  to  proceed  hence  in  three  Yachts,  land 
in  Scout's  Bay  on  Long  Island,  march  towards  Heemstede,  where  there  is  an  English  Colonie 
dependent  on  us.  Some  who  had  been  sent  forward  in  advance,  dexterously  killed  an  Indian 
who  was  out  as  a  spy.  Our  force  formed  themselves  into  two  divisions,  Van  der  Hil  with 
fourteen  English  towards  the  smallest,  and  Eighty  men  towards  the  largest  village,  named 
Matsepe  ;  bo'h  were  very  successful,  killing  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  men ;  one  man  of 
ours  remained  on  the  field  and  three  were  wounded. 

Our  forces  being  returned  from  this  expedition.  Captain  van  der  Hil  was  dispatched  to  Stantfort 
to  get  some  information  there  of  the  Indians.     He  reported  that  the  guide  who  had  formerly 
served  us  and  had  gone  astra-  in  the  night,  was  now  in  great  danger  of  his  life  from  the 
Indians,  of  whom  there  were  arout  five  hundred  together,  and  offered  to  lead  us  there  to  prove 
that  the  former  mischance  was  not  his  fault     One  hundred  and  thirty  men  were  accordingly 
dispatched  under  the  aforesaid  Gen'  van  der  Hil  and  Ensign  Hendrick  van   Dyck.     They 
embarked  in  three  yachts,  landed  at  Greenwich,  where  they  were  obliged  to  pass  the  night 
by  reason  of  the  great  Snow  and  Storm  ;  in  the  morning  they  marched  N.  W.  up  over  Stony 
Hills,  over  which  some  were  obliged  to  creep.     In  the  evening,  about  eight  o'-lock.  they  came 
within  a  league  of  the  Indians,  anH  inasmuch  as  they  should  have  arrived  too  early  and  had  to 
cross  two  Rivers,  one  of  two  hundred  feet  wide  and  three  deep,  and  that  the  men  could  not 
afterwards  rest  in  consequence  of  the  cold,  it  was  determined  to  remain  tlure  until  about  ten 
o'clock.     Orders  having  been  given  as  to  the  mode  to  be  observed  in  atlr.tKing  the  Indians,  the 
men  marched  forward  towards  the  huts,  which  were  set  up  in  three  rows,  street  fashion,  each 
Eighty  paces  in  length,  in  a  low  recess  of  the  mountain,  affording  comolete  shelter  from  the 
N.  VV.  wind.     The  moon  was  then  at  the  full  and  threw  a  strong  light  against  the  mountain,  so 
that  many  winters'  days  were  not  clearer  than  it  then  was.     On  arriving,  the  enemy  were  found 
on  the  alert  and  on  their  guard,  so  that  our  people  determined  to  charge  and  surround  the 
huts,  sword  in  hand.     The  Indians  behaved  like  soldiers,  deployed  in  small  bands,  so  that  we 
had  in  a  short  time  one  dead  and  twelve  wounded.     They  were  likewise  so  hard  pressed  that 
it  was  impossible  for  one  to  escape.     In  a  brief  space  of  time,  one  hundred  and  eighty  were 
counted  dead  outside  the  houses.     Presently  none  durst  come  forth,  keeping  themselves  within 
the  houses,  diccharging  arrows  through  the  holes.     The  General  seeing  that  nothing  else  was 
to  be  done,  resolved,  with  Serjeant  Major  Van  der  Hil,  to  set  fire  to  the  huts;  whereupon  the 
Indians  tried  every  way  to  escape,  not  succeeding  in  which  they  returned  back  to  the  flames, 
preferring  to  perish  by  fire  than  to  die  by  our  hands.     What  was  most  wonderful  is,  that 
among   this  vast  collection  of  Men,  Women  and  Children,  not  one  was  heard  to  cry  or  to 
scream.     According  to  the  report  of  the   Indians   themselves,  the  number  then    destroyed 
exceeded  five  hundred.     Some  say,  full  700,  among  whom  were  also  25  VVappingers,  our  God 
having  collected  together  there  the  greater  number  of  our  enemies,  to  celebrate  one  of  their 
festivals;  no  more  than  eight  men  in  all  escaped,  of  whom  even  three  were  severely  wounded. 
The  fight  ended,  several  fires  were  built  in  consequence  of  the  great  cold;  the  wounded 
fifteen  in  number,  were  dressed  and  sentinels  having  been  posted  by  the  General,  the  troops 
bivouacked  there  for  the  remainuer  of  the  night.     On  the  next  day,  the  party  set  out  much 
refreshed  in  good  order,  so  as  to  arrive  at  Slantlbrt  in  the  evening.     They  marched  with  great 
courage  over  that  wearisome  mountain,  God  afl*ording  extraordinary  strength  to  the  wounded 
some  of  whom  were  badly  hurt ;  and  came  in  the  afternoon  to  Sianlfort  alter  a  march  of  two 
days  and  one  night,  with  little  rest.    The  English  received  our  people  in  a  very  friendly  manner, 


m. 


188 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


affording  them  every  comfort.     In  two  days  they  reached  here.    A  thanksgiving  was  proclaimed 
on  their  arrival.     [  The  remainder  it  uMnting."] 


<■«»■■» 


Resolution  of  the  States  General. 

I  From  th«  Begiil^r  of  Weit  India  Affkin,  16S3— l(iSl,  In  the  E.i]r*l  Aroblrea  *t  Iha  Hagne.  ] 

Tuesday,  7""  January  1C48. 
received  a  leter  from  Peter  Stuyvesant  written  in  New  Amsterdam  in  New 
Netherland  the  6""  October  1647,  and  with  it  some  enclosures  respecting  the 
condition  and  state  of  niTairs  there.  Which  being  considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded 
hereby  to  request  the  Mess"  van  der  Capellen  tho  Ryssel  and  the  other  their  High  Mightinesses' 
Deputies  in  the  matter  of  the  reform  of  the  direction  and  management  of  the  affairs  relating  to 
the  W.st  India  Company,  with  what  appertains  to,  and  depends  on,  them,  to  inspect  and 
examine  the  same  and  report  thereupon. 


Tnllo  tin. 
T.  StajrtttaL 


Resolution  of  the  States  Ger,eral  on  a  Petition  from  New  Netherlands 

[Fnm  tha  Bagliler  of  WmI  India  Affkin,  1633—1651,  In  the  Bo/al  Archlraa  at  Iha  Uagii»  ] 

Saturday,  ir*  January  1648. 
Folio  806.  The  petition  pienented  to  their  High  Mightinesses  in  the  name  and  on  the 

cII?iI^"an(U!o'r'^  behalf  of  Jochem   Pietersen  Cuyljr  and  Cornells  Melyn,  inhabitants   of  New 
'''''■  Netherland  is,  after  consideration,  placed,  with  the  papers  thereunto  annexed,  in 

the  hands  of  the  Mess"  van  der  Capellen  tho  Ryssel  and  others  their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies 
in  the  matters  concerning  the  Redress  of  the  decline  of  the  West  India  Company,  for  inspection 
and  examination,  to  look  into  what  has  L  ?n  done  thereupon,  to  hear  the  Directors  of  the 
aforesaid  Company,  and  to  make  a  report  of  the  whole. 


PAPERS  RELATING  TO  THE  CONDITION  OF  NEW  NETHERLAND, 
And  the  proceedings  against  Cornelius  MJyn  and  his  adherents ;  marked  from  letter  A.  to  letter  R., 

1643—1647. 

( Ftoni  the  anthantleatad  Copjr  In  the  Bo;al  Arebirea  at  tlie  Hague ;  LoUOeat  c'.  the  Statee  Oenaral ;  Dlrlaloa  WmS  hsdin/u  Oompagntt,  No.  U.  ] 

Excite  Law  of  1644. 

A.  Whereas,  the  General  war  which  we  have  been  forced  to  wage  against  the 

surrounding  Savages  hath  obliged  us,  ia  order  to   preserve  the  country,  to   employ  aa 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    Ul. 


189 


extraordinary  number  of  soldiers,  who  must  necessarily  be  paid,  as  well  as  other  heavy 
expenses  caused  by  the  war ;  to  accomplish  which  we  have  spared  none  of  the  available 
means  of  the  Honorable  the  West  India  Company,  but  have,  in  addition,  been  obliged  to  raise 
as  much  money  as  we  could  obtain  on  bills  of  exchange,  drawn  on  the  Hon"''  the  Directors  ; 
and  Whereas,  we  are  now  devoid  of  all  means,  and  despair  of  immediately  receiving  any 
assistance  from  Holland,  in  this  our  necessity;  therefore  we  are  constrained  to  find  out  some 
plan  to  pay  the  soldiers,  or  else  must  dismi  ,hem,  which  according  to  all  appearances,  will  lend 
to  the  utter  ruin  of  the  country,  especially  os  the  harvest  is  at  hand  whereby  people  must  live 
and  fodder  be  procured  for  the  remaining  cattle ;  for  neither  grain  nor  hay  can  be  cut  without 
soldiers.  These  matters  being  maturely  considered,  and  all  things  being  duly  weighed  with 
the  advice  of  the  Eight  men  chosen  by  the  Commonalty,  no  better  nor  more  suitable  means 
can  be  found  in  the  premises,  than  to  impose  some  duties  on  those  articles  from  which  the  good 
inhabitants  will  experience  least  inconvenience,  as  the  scarcity  of  money  is  sufficiently  general. 
We  have,  therefore,  enacted  and  ordained,  and  do  hereby  enact  and  ordain,  that  there  shall 
be  paid  on  each  half  barrel  of  beer  tapt  by  the  lavt-rn  keepers,  two  guilders,  one-half 
payable  by  the  brewer  and  one  half  by  the  tapster ;  the  burgher  who  does  not  retail  it,  to  pay 
half  as  much ;  on  each  quart  of  Spanish  wine  and  brandy,  four  stivers ;  French  wine,  two 
stivers,  to  be  paid  by  the  tapsters.  On  each  merchantable  beaver  purchased  within  our  limits 
and  brought  here  to  the  fort,  one  guilder;  the  three-quarters  and  halves  in  proportion.  All  oq 
pain  of  forfeiture  of  the  goods,  to  be  prosecuted  by  the  officer  or  the  collector,  to  be  thereunto 
appointed;  one-third  for  the  informer,  one-third  for  the  officer,  and  the  remainder  for  the 
Hon"-''  Company.  All  this  provisionally,  until  the  good  God  grant  us  peace,  or  we  receive 
sufficient  succor  from  Holland.     Ady  21  June.  A"  1644,  in  New  Netherland. 

The  above  copy  written  by  the  Director,  is  collated  and  found  to  agree  with  the  original. 
Done,  Manahatas,  this  2S"'  June,  A°  1644. 

Copy. 

From  each  merchantable  beaver  purchased  within  our  limits  and  brought  here  to  the  fort 
fifteen  slivers,  the  small  in  proportion,  which  shall  be  immediately  marked,  and  those  that  will 
be  found  unmarked,  shall  be  forthwith  confiscated;  and  all  who  have  beavers  in  their 
possession,  are  hereby  notified  to  come  to  the  Ueceiver  of  the  Company's  customs,  thereunto 
appointed,  and  to  have  them  marked,  or  agree  upon  a  commutation,  all  on  pain  of  confiscation. 
Let  every  one  be  hereby  warned,  and  protect  himself  from  loss.     24  June,  1644. 

The  above  copy  written  by  the  Director,  is  collated  and  found  to  agree  with  the  original. 
Done  Manahatas,  this  28  June,  1644. 

(Signed)         Jochum  Pietersen  Kuiter, 
the  mark  p.  of  Ment  Dibks,* 
made  by  himself. 

'  Sit.  loteoded  for  Darent  Diroki.—  £]>. 


J    S« 


190 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i 

i 

il 


The  Eight  Men  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX. 

B.         Honorable,  Wise,  prudent  Gentlemen  of  the  XIX.  of  the  General  Incorporated 
West  India  Company  at  the  Chamber  in  Amsterdam. 

Honorable  Gentlemen ! 

Rightly  hath  one  of  tho  ancients  said,  that  there  is  no  misery  on  earth  however  great  that 
does  not  manifest  itself  in  time  of  war.  We,  poor  inhabitants  of  New  Netherla.id,  now  complain 
that  having  enjoyed  for  a  long  time  an  indiB'erent  peace  with  the  heathen,  Almighty  God  finally, 
through  his  righteous  judgment,  hath  in  this  cui  rent  year  iiindled  around  us  the  fire  of  an  Indian 
war  in  which  not  only  numbers  of  innocent  people,  men,  women  and  children,  have  been 
murdered  in  their  houses  and  at  their  work,  and  swept  into  captivity  (whereby  this  place  with 
all  its  inhabitants  is  come  to  the  greatest  ruin);  but  all  the  Bouweries  and  Plantations  at 
Pavonia,  with  25  lusts  '  of  grain  and  other  produce  are  burnt  and  the  cattle  in  part  destroyed  by 
the  Indians. 

Coming  next  to  Long  Island  :  It  also  is  stripped  of  people  and  cattle,  except  a  few  insignificant 
places,  over  against  the  main,  which  are  about  to  be  abandoned.  The  English  who  have 
settled  among  us  have  not  escaped.  They  too  except  at  one  place,  are  all  murdered  and  burnt. 
Staten  Island,  where  Cornells  Melyn  settled,  is  unattacked  as  yet,  but  stands  hourly  expecting 
an  assault.  On  the  Island  of  the  Manachatas,  from  the  north  even  unto  the  Fresh  Water,  there 
are  no  more  than  five  or  six  spots  inhabited  at  this  date.  These  are  threatened  by  the  Indians 
every  night  with  fire,  and  by  day  with  the  slaughter  of  both  people  and  cattle.  Achter  Col 
where  the  Honb'"  Mr.  Van  djr  Horst  founded  a  Colonie,  is  altogether  ruined,  so  that  we  have 
no  other  place  of  shelter  remaining  for  ourselves,  our  wives  and  cliildren,  than  around  and 
adjoining  Fort  Amsterdam  at  the  Manalmctas.  The  enemy  experiences  no  resistance,  through 
want  of  men,  arms,  and  ammunition  with  which  this  place  is  very  poorly  supplied.  The  Fort 
is  defenceless  and  entirely  out  of  order,  and  resembles  (with  submission)  rather  a  molehill 
than  a  fort  against  an  enemy.  These  Indians  are,  on  the  contrary,  strong  and  mighty  ;  have, 
one  with  the  other,  made  alliances  with  more  tlian  seven  different  tribes  well  supplied  with 
guns,  powiler  and  ball,  which  they  to  their  hearts'  content  have  procured  and  still  daily  receive 
from  private  traders  in  exchange  for  beavers,  and  with  which  they  murder  our  people.  The 
woods  and  thickets  are  now  very  useful  to  them ;  they  have  removed  all  their  women,  children 
and  old  men  into  the  inteiior,  the  rest  of  the  most  expert  warriors  hang  daily  on  our  necks, 
with  fire  and  sword,  and  threaten  to  attack  the  Fort  with  all  their  force,  which  now  consists 
of  about  1500  men ;  this  we  hourly  expect,  for  all  the  outside  places  are  mostly  in  their  power. 
It  is  owing  entirely  to  their  pleasure  if  any  cattle  are  found  alive  throughout  the  entire  country. 

Your  Honors  can  easily  conceive  how  wretchedly  it  fares  with  us,  distressed  people,  and  the 
wholecountry,  for  the  growth  and  prosperity  thereof  consists  chieflv  in  men,  cattle  and  houses, 
in  which  we,  jointly  and  severally,  have  exhausted  all  the  means  we  have  been  able  to  realize. 
The  population  is  composed  mainly  of  women  and  children;  the  freemen  (exclusive  of  the 
English)  are  about  200  strong,  who  must  protect  by  force  their  families  now  skulking  in  straw 
huts  outside  the  Fort;  the  cattle  are  partly  burnt  and  killed,  what  remains  has  been  conveyed 
to  the  Fort  on  the  Manahates,  where  for  want  of  food  they  must  starve  this  coming  winter,  if 


'  A  la*t  K  equal  to  80  English  biithek  Holtrop't  Dutch  Dictionary.  —  Ed. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IIL 


19 


not  immediately  slaughtered.  The  most  of  the  houses  have  been  fired  and  destroyed,  those 
still  standing  are  in  danger  of  being  also  burnt.  It  is  likewise  to  be  apprehended  that  this  will 
be  but  the  beginning  of  our  troubles,  for,  as  these  Indians  with  their  weapons  kill  our  people, 
one  after  another  [it  is  to  be  feared]  that  they  will  next  with  guns  destroy  us,  our  wives  and 
children,  while  the  men  are  ruined,  the  grain  and  other  produce  burnt,  very  little  saved,  not 
even  a  plough  can  be  put  in  the  ground  this  fall,  so  that  not  100  skepels  will  be  sown  in  this 
neighborhood,  and  consequently  much  less  in  the  spring,  and  were  any  provisions  to  be  obtained 
from  the  English,  in  the  East,  we  know  not  wherewith  we,  poor  people,  will  pay  for  them, 
whilst  the  private  traders  have  by  their  unnatural  extortions  for  the  last  three  or  four  years 
utterly  drained  us,  and  impoverished  this  country;  for  such  must  be  the  result  so  long  as 
industry  is  obliged  to  stand  still  in  the  land. 

Cattle  destroyed,  houses  burnt ;  the  mouths  of  women  and  children  must  remain  shut.  We 
speak  not  now  of  other  necessaries,  such  as  clothing,  shirts,  shoes  and  stockings,  In  fine,  it  is 
like  to  happen,  that  it  will  be  with  us,  according  to  the  words  of  the  Prophet,  Whoso  draweth 
the  sword,  shall  perish  of  hunger  and  cold. 

We  turn,  then,  to  your  Honors;  we  humbly  pray  and  beseech  you  to  be  pleased  to  help  us 
in  this  distressed  plight,  and  with  the  first  opportunity  to  assist  us  with  such  aid  as  your  Honors 
may,  in  your  wisdom,  consider  best,  as  we  have  also  by  this  opportunity  set  forth  in  a 
Remonstrance  and  petition  to  their  High  Mightinesses' ;  so  that  this  place,  and  all  of  us,  with 
wives  and  children,  may  not  be  delivered  over  a  prey  to  these  cruel  heathen,  whereupon  we 
rely.  Underneath  was  written.  We  remain  your  Honors'  faithful  subjects,  lawfully  elected 
and  authorized  by  the  Hon-"  the  Director  and  Council,  and  the  entire  Commonalty  of  New 
Netherland. 

(Signed)         Cornelis  Meltn,  Gerrit  Wolpherjsen. 

Abraham  Pietersen.      Isack  Allertov, 

Dons  Manahatas  this  24""  October  Thomas  Hal,  Jan  Evertse  Bout. 

in  New  Netherland,  Anno  1G43.  Barent  Dircksen.  Jochem  Pietersen. 


Resolution  adopted  by  the  Commonalty  of  the  Manhattans. 

C,  We,  the  undersigned,  having  appeared  at  the  Fort  at  the  request  of  the  Hon"" 

Director  and  Council,  to  express  our  opinions  on  their  proposition,  they  have  required  us  to  elect 
five  or  six  persons  from  among  ourselves  to  weigh  maturely  the  articles  laid  before  us  ;  wherefore 
hHve  we  considered  it  wise  on  so  doing  to  leave  to  the  Director  and  Council  the  execution 
thereof;  namely,  the  selection  of  those  persons,  provided  that  we  shall  be  at  liberty  to  reject 
the  person  or  persons  against  whom  there  may  be  anything  to  object,  and  who  are  not 
agreeable  to  us. 

Cornelis  Melyn, 


This  is  the  mark 

This  is  the  mark 
Jan  Snedeker, 
Abram  Planck, 

This  is  the  mark 


Pieter  Linde, 

.^L       of  WOLPHERT    GbRBITS, 

P      of  Babent  Dircksen, 

SiBERT    ClASEN, 

Cornelis  Wiletnsen, 
T       of  Louis  Chain,' 


'  S«a  nipra,  f.  189.— Eo. 


m 


U; 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


This  is  the  marli  Z 
This  is  the  mark  + 
This  is  the  mark        A 

PlETER   COLET, 

Jan  Janben  Damen« 

CORNELIS   Voi.CKERS, 

IsACK  DB  Forest, 
This  is  the  mark 


of  CORNELIS    LaMBERTSEN    CoOL, 
of  CORNELIS   JaOOBSEN    StILLB, 

of  Abraham  Jacobsb, 

Abraham  Pietersen, 
Heindrick  Heindricksen  KypB, 

GOVERT    LOOCKEMANS, 
IsACK    AlLERTON, 


This  is  the  mark    *S^ 


This  is  the  mark 

Barent  Jansen, 
Thomas  Hall, 
Wilheim  Gaulders, 
This  is  the  mark      X 


of  Claes  Caerlessen, 

of  Claes  Montelaar, 

Jacob  Couwenhoven, 
of  Gerrit  Wolpherts, 


This  is  the  mark 
This  is  the  mark 
This  is  the  mark 
This  is  the  mark 


Benjamin  Pawlev, 

This  is  the  mark 

This  is  the  mark 
This  is  the  mark 


Willem  Adriaensbn, 

Claes  Jansen  Ruter, 

Jan  Verbauue, 
of  George  Hans  [Holmes?] 
by  me,       Cornblis  Dircksen  Hoochlant, 
H        of  Hans  Hansen, 

of  Thomas  Sandersen, 
of  Ambrosius  Loman, 
of  Jan  Piccbs, 

Richard, 


A 


This  is  the  mark 
This  is  the  mark 
Jan  Pathaway, 


P 
H 

6 


of  PlETER   AnUAENSBN, 

of  Ritchfrt  Colfecx, 

of  Heyndrick  Hbvndricksbn, 

CoRNELis  Twits,' 
of  Lawrens  Pietersen, 
of  Cornelia  Soulbman, 

P.  R.  Gichhous. 


ill 


Certificate  of  the  Election  of  the  Eight  Men. 

D*  We,  the  undersimned,  do  declare  that  we  have  elected  Joachim  Pietersen,  Jan 

Damen,  Barent  Dircksen.  Abraham  Pietersen,  Isack  Allerton,  Thomas  Hal,  (Jerrit  Wolphertien 

and  Cornells  Melyn,  to  consult  on  and  maturely  to  consider  the  propositions  submitted  to  us 

by  the  Director  and  Council  of  New  Netherland,  approving  hereby  what  the  aforesaid  persons 

shall  treat  and  determine  i'\  the  premises. 

Phlipb  Gravb, 

This  is  the  mark  A       of  AMnHosiua  Lonhbn, 

This  is  the  mark  +       of  Cornblis  Swilwan, 

Bbnjamtn  Pawlby,  William  Gouldbb, 


!•  tb«  B«xt  (iMumtot  thli  dmo*  ii  Ttoali  Ottj. 


•Qh)  HwllA— Kft 


V^'     Cli' 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IlL 


198 


This  is  the  mark 
This  is  the  mark 
This  is  the  mark 
This  is  the  mark 

Albert  Jansen, 
This  is  the  mark 


P       of  Lauhens  Pibt-   sen, 
f  |{      of  Jan  Haer, 
X  '       of  Thomas  Sanderson, 
^^    of  IsACK  DB  Forest, 

Peter  Colet, 
T      of  Teunis  Cray, 
This  is  the  mark    O     I    -mof  Jacob  Stoffelsen, 

COUNELIS    WiLLEMSEN,  PlETER    LiNOB, 

This  is  the  mark       ^R^    of  Claes  Carstersbn, 

John  Pathaway,  Ritchert  Gebbers, 

This  is  the  mark  |        of  Piccis, 

This  is  the  mark  ^ 

Jacob  Couwenhovbn, 


This  is  the  mark 


'^ 


of  Abraham  Jacobsbn, 

Reiner  Jansen, 
Jan  Verbrugh, 

of  WoLPHERT    GirRITSEN, 


GOVERT    LOOCKBMANS, 

This  is  the  mark  B 


WiLLEM    AdRIAENSEN, 

of  QoRis  Bastblaer, 


This  is  the  mark     ^  4-  -V  of  Egbert  Woutersbn, 


And  whereas,  the  aforesaid  elected  men  have  unanimously  resolved,  for  certain  reasons  them 
thereunto  moving,  to  exclude  Jan  Damen,  they  have  unanimously  determined  to  choose,  as 
they  do  hereby  choose,  Jan  Everlsen  Bout  to  consult  with  them,  in  the  stead  of  the  said  Jan 
Damen,  upon  what  they  will  deem  to  appertain  to  the  public  service. 

Petition  for  leave  to  attack  the  Indians. 

B.  To  the  Honorable  William  Kieft,  Director  General  of  New  Netherland,  and 

his  Hon'''*  Council. 

The  whole  of  tha  freemen  respectfully  represent,  that  though  heretofore  much  innocent 
blood  was  spilled  by  the  Savages  without  having  had  any  reason  or  cause  therefor,  yet  your 
Honors  made  peace  on  condition  thui  the  chiefs  should  deliver  the  murderer  into  our  hands, 
(either  dead  or  alive,)  wherein  they  have  failed,  up  to  the  present  lime ;  the  reputation  which 
our  nation  hath  in  othf  r  countries,  has  thus  been  diminished,  even,  notwithstanding  innocent 
blood  calleth  aloud  to  <!o«  foi  vengeance  ;  we  therefore  request  your  Honors  to  be  pleased  to 
authorize  us  to  attack  the  Indians  as  enemies,  whilst  God  hathfully  delivered  them  into  our 
hands,  for  which  purpose  we  offer  our  persons.  This  can  be  effected,  at  the  one  place  by  the 
freemen,  and  at  the  other  by  the  soldiers.  Lower  was  written  :  Your  Hono"  subjects,  and 
was  subscribed, 

Mabtn  Adriabnsxn, 
Jan  JANiiEN  Damkn,  and 
Aukaiiam  Planck. 
Lower  stood !     By  their  authority,       (Signed)        Cornrlis  van  Tbnhovbn,  Secretary. 
Vol.  L  g*? 


i 


194 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANITSCRIPTS. 


Commission  to  Marijn  Adriaensen  to  attack  the  Indians  at  Corlaer's  Hook. 

P.  Whereas  the  good  inhabitants  here  are  obliged  to  reside  on  their  properties  up 

to  the  present  time  in  great  alarm,  and  cultivate  with  caution  the  soil  through  dread  of  the 

Indians  who  now  and  again. have  in  a  cowardly  manner  murdered  some  of  our  nation  (without 

having  any  reason  therefor),  and  we  cannot  obtain  any  satisfaction  for  the  blood  by  peaceable 

means;  therefore  arms  must  be  had  recourse  to,  in  order  to  vindicate  the  justice  of  our  cause, 

80  that  we  may  live  in  peace  here,  with  full  confidence  that  God  will  give  a  blessing  to  our 

resolution,  the  rather,  as  the  good  Commonalty  themselves  solicit  its  execution  ;  wherefore  we 

hereby  authorize  and  empower,  as  we  do  hereby  authorize  and  empower  at  his  request,  Maryn 

Adriaensen  and  associates,  to  attack  a  party  of  Indians  lying   behind  Corlaer's  plantation, 

and  to  act  with  them  as  they  think  proper,  and  time  and  circumstances  will  permit.     The  26'* 

February,  1643. 

(Signed)        WiLLKM  Kieft. 

Agrees  with  the  original,  (Signed)         Coenelis  van  Tibnhoven,  Secretary. 


m 


■3m  al 


If 


Sundry  Declarations  respecting  Conversations  with  Director  Kiejl. 

G.  Before  me  Cornells  van  Tienhoven,  Secretary  of  New  Netherland,  appeared 

Jan  Evertsen  Bout,  aged  about  forty  years,  who  at  the  request  of  Cornelis  Leendertsen, 
deposes,  testifies  and  declares,  as  he  doth  hereby  testify  and  declare  in  the  place,  and  with  the 
promise,  of  a  solemn  oath  if  necessary  and  bo  required ;  that  it  is  true,  that  on  Wednesday, 
being  the  first  day,  he,  the  deponent,  heard  the  Director  Kieft  say,  whilst  sitting  on  a  gun  at 
the  bastion  of  the  fort  where  the  flag  staff"  stands:  "Jan  Eversen,  how  d'ye  do?"  To 
which  the  deponent  answered.  "Well,  but  weak  in  heart  and  courage."  The  Director 
replied,  "  I  have  wherewith  to  defend  my  conscience,  namely  Maryn  Adriaensen,  Jan  Dnmen 
and  the  man  over  there,  your  neighbor,"  and  divers  other  remarks,  all  which  the  deponent 
declares  to  be  true;  also,  that  he  hath  done  this  to  bear  testimony  to  the  truth,  through  love 
or  hatred  of  no  man.     Done  the  27"'  March,  10  43,  in  New  Netherland,  on  the  Island  Manhatans. 

Jan  Evertsen  Bout. 
To  my  knowledge:  Cornbus  van  Tibnhoven,  Secretary. 


4ii 


H.  Before  me  Cornelis  van  Tienhoven,  Secretary  of  New  Netherland,  appeared 

Jacob  Stoffelsen,  aged  about  42  years,  who  at  the  request  of  Cornelis  Leendersen,  deposes  and 
declares  as  he  hereby  doth,  that  it  is  true  that  he,  the  deponent,  coming  in  the  forenoon  of  the 
day  after  the  attack  on  the  Indians,  in  company  with  Cerrit  Dircksen  and  Cornelis  Arensen, 
across  the  bastion  of  the  fort,  this  deponent  said  to  Director  Ki«ft :  "  You  have  done  tine 
work;"  the  Director  gave  for  answer,  "you  must  blame  the  freemen."  All  which  he,  tht 
deponent,  declares  to  be  fact  and  truth;  and  that  he  hath  done  this  to  giro  evidence  of 
the  truth,  for  love  or  hatred  of  no  man,  solely  because  he  hath  been  requested;  thereunto  the 
deponent  adheres.     Done  the  S?'"  March,  1043,  in  New  Netherland,  on  the  Island  Manhatans. 

This  0    i    'f  >"  I''®  '"'"'^  °f  Jacob  STOFrii.mN. 
To  my  knowledge,  Cornbus  van  Tibnhovbn,  SeortUry. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    IIL 


195 


I.  Before  me  Cornells  van  Tienhoven,  Secretary  of  New  Netherland,  appeared 

Cornells  Ariasen,  aged  about  36  years,  who,  at  the  request  of  Cornells  Leendersen,  deposes, 
testifies  and  declares,  in  the  place,  and  with  the  promise  of  solemn  oath,  if  necessary,  that  it  is 
true  that  he  accompanied  Jacob  Stoffelsen  and  Gerrit  Dyrcksen  into  the  fort  on  the  day  after 
the  attack  on  the  Indians,  and  there  heard  the  Director  say:  " 'Tis  the  fault  of  the  freemen 
that  the  Indians  were  attacked — but  your  neighbor,  Abraham  Planck,  was  well  aware  of  it, 
who  might  have  warned  you."  All  which  deponent  declares  to  be  fact  and  truth.  Done  ia 
fort  Amsterdam,  the  28""  March,  1643,  in  New  Netherland. 

This  f    y-f  is  the  mark  of 

V         CORNELIS   ArISSBN. 

To  my  knowledge,     (Signed)        Cornblis  van  Tibnhoven,  Secretary. 


K.  Before  me  Cornelia  van  Tienhoven,  Secretary  of  New  Netherland,  appeared 

Pieter  Cornelissen,  aged  about  36  years,  who,  at  the  request  of  Cornells  Leendersen,  deposes, 
testifies  and  declares,  as  he  doth  hereby  in  place,  and  with  promise  of  a  solemn  oath,  if  necessary, 
that  it  is  true  that  Peter  Cornelissen,  aforesaid,  had  a  conversation  with  the  Director,  respecting 
what  occurred  between  our  Nation  and  the  Indians.  The  deponent  inquired :  "  How  it 
occurred?"  The  Director  answered  :  "  It  was  petitioned  for  in  the  name  of  the  Commonalty, 
by  three  persons,  (without  naming  any  one)  being  three  of  the  Twelve  elected  men."  To 
which  this  deponent  replied  —  "Your  Honor  had  forbidden  them  to  meet  on  pain  of  corporal 
punishment;  how  came  it,  then?"  The  Director  rejoined — "It  is  probably  so."  Which 
the  deponent  declares  to  be  true.     Done,  the  28""  March,  A"  1643,  in  fort  Amsterdam. 

(Signed)         Pieter  Cornelissen. 
To  my  knowledge,     (Signed)        Cornelis  van  Tienhovbn,  Secretary. 

li.  Before  me  Cornelis  van  Tienhoven,  Secretary  of  New  Netherland,  appeared 

Gerrit  Dircksen  Blauw,  who  at  the  request  of  Cornelis  Leendersen,  deposes,  testifies  and 
declares  in  the  place,  and  with  promise  of  a  solemn  oath,  if  necessary  and  required ;  that  it  is 
true  that  he,  with  Cornelis  Arissen  and  Jacob  Stoffelsen,  met  the  Director  in  the  fort,  the  day 
after  the  Indians  were  attacked,  when  he,  the  deponent,  addressed  his  Honor,  saying:  "  You 
have  now  done  fine  work,  in  causing  the  murder  of  Christian  blood;"  alluding  to  his  stepson, 
who  had  been  killed  by  the  Indians.  The  Director  gave  for  answer — "  You  must  put 
the  blame  on  the  freemen,  of  whom  your  neighbor  Abraham  Planck  is  one."  Which  the 
deponent  declares  to  be  true.     Done  the  28"*  March,  A"  1043,  in  New  Netherland. 

(Signed)        Gerrit  Dirckhen  Blauw. 
To  my  knowledge,     (Signed)        Cornelis  van  Tienhovbn,  Secretary. 


m. 


Interrogatorict  to  be  projtoitd  to  F'ucal  Heindrick  van  Dyck, 

Article  1. 
Ts  he  not  well  aware  that  the  late  Director  General  Kieft.  did,  on  the  night 


between  the  84"  and  80'*  February,  in  the  year  1043,  send  a  party  of  Soldiers  over  to  Pavonia 
by  the  bouwery  of  Jan  Kvertzuon,  and  behind  Curler's  plantation  on  the  Islai.d  of  Manhatani 
and  cause  them  to  kill  a  party  of  Indians,  with  women  and  children,  who  lay  there? 


i!» 


\t 


196 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


S. 


Did  Mr.  Kieft  previously  propose  this  expedition  to  the  Council,  and  subsequently 
communicate  it  to  him  as  Officer  of  thq  Soldiers,  which  he  then  was;  and  did  he  vote  for  it? 

3. 
Were  not  the  Indians  much  embittered  by  this  act ;  and  did  not  the  general  war  between 
our  Christians  and  these  Americans  follow  the  next  day,  and  date  its  commencement  from 
that  time  ? 

4. 

Is  it  not  also  true,  that  all  those  Indians  had  fled  to  the  above  described  place  some  days 
before,  through  dread  of  the  Maicanders ;  in  the  hope  of  being  protected  by  our  people  from 
their  enemies? 

6. 

Did  not  we,  the  Dutch,  in  this  country,  live  in  peace  with  these  Indians  before  and  until 
this  cruel  deed  had  been  wrought  on  them  over  at  Pavonia  and  on  the  Island  Manhatans? 

Interrogatoriet  to  be  proposed  to  Mr.  Comelii  van  der  Hoykim. 

-.  Article  1. 

Did  he  approve  the  levying  of  the  contributions  which  the  late  Director  General  Kieft 
imposed  on  those  Americans  in  the  year  1639  ? 

2. 
Was  it  ever  before  proposed  in  Council  by  the  said  Kieft,  and  was  it  approved  by  that  body? 

3. 

Lid  not  he  (the  witness)  well  remark  that  this  tax  had  in  general  excited  great  animosity 
among  those  natives,  so  that  the  Raritans  shortly  after  killed  four  of  our  people  on  Staten 

Island  ? 

4. 

Did  not  Mr.  Kieft  on  the  night  of  the  24th  February,  1643,  cause  a  party  of  Indians,  our 
friends,  to  be  massacred  with  women  and  children  in  their  sleep,  over  at  Pavonia  and  behind 
Corlaer's  plantation  ? 

6. 

Did  Mr.  Kieft  previously  propose  this  expedition  to  the  Council,  and  was  it  approved  by 
witness,  as  fiscal  at  that  time,  and  by  the  other  members  of  the  Council  ? 

6. 
Is  it  not  true  that  the  Indians  were  much  exasperated  against  us  on  account  of  this  murder, 
so  that  the  general  war  between  them  and  our  people  followed  on  the  next  day  ? 


Did  not  the  Dutch  nation  in  this  country  live  in  peace  with  those  Indians  before  this  cru«l 
deed  had  been  committed  against  them  ? 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IIL 


mi 


Did  not  those  Indians  fly  to  those  two  places  above  named  through  fear  of  their  enemies,  in 
full  confidence  of  hiding  among,  and  of  being  protected  by,  us  ? 


Interrogatories  to  be  jiropoud  to  Dr.  Johannes  di  la  Montaigne. 

Article  1. 
Did  he  vote  for,  and  approve  of,  the  maize  tax  in  the  year  1639  ? 

a. 

Was  it  ever  before  proposed  in  their  Council,  and  now  when  Mr.  Kieft  had  imposed 

contributions  on  those  natives,  did  he  (La  M.)  not  say  in  the  presence  of  s<»"eral  persons : — that 

by  those  proceedings,  a  Bridge  had  been  built,  over  which  War  would  soon  stalk  ^  through  the 

country  ? 

3. 

Does  he  know  from  what  cause  originated  the  first  trouble  between  our  people  and  the 

Raritan  Indians? 

4. 

Was  not  that  difficulty  with  the  Raritans,  as  well  as  the  one  with  these  of  Wicguaesgeck 
again  settled,  and  peace  made  in  the  beginning  of  the  year  1643  ? 

6. 

Were  not  we,  the  Dutch,  then  living  in  peace  with  all  those  surrounding  Indians,  the 

Yaccinsack  murderer  excepted  ? 

6. 

Is  it  to  his  knowledge  that  Jan  Clasen  Daem,  Maryn  Adriaensen  and  Abram  Planck  presented 
a  petition  to  the  late  Director  General  Kiell,  and  did  he  approve  of  the  answer  thereto? 

Did  he  not  at  that  time  object  to  the  petitioners  these  and  similar  onsiderations — namely, 
that  such  an  important  matter  ought  tu  be  more  deliberately  weighed  before  it  should  be 
determined  on.  Also,  that  the  peculiarity  of  places  should  be  considered  ;  whether  we  could 
extricate  our  people  who  had  settled  at  a  far  distance ;  also,  the  question  of  force  and  munitions 
of  war ;  whether  we  could  indeed  defend  ourselves  and  continue  the  war  ? 


-^    I' 


m\ 


Is  it  true  that  Director  Kieft  made  answer  to  this  in  his  room,  in  the  presence  of  Jan  Claesen 
Daem,  Abraham  Planck,  and  Maryn  Adriaensen,  who  had  already  obtained  his  written  reply 
to  the  petition — '*  The  word  has  gone  forth ;  it  must  remain  out?" 

9. 

By  whose  order  were  the  Indians,  with  their  wives  and  children,  killed  over  at  Pavcnln,  and 
behind  Corlaer's  hook  on  the  Island  of  Maiihatan?,  between  the  24"'  and  86*  February,  .ii,43? 

10. 
Did  he  vote  for  it  and  was  it  subsequently  reaolvtd  in  tha  lawful  Council  ? 


fe 


198 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


11. 


Were  not  our  surrounding  Indians  and  neighbors  very  much  exasperated  against  us  on  account 
of  this  murder,  so  that  the  general  war  broke  out  the  next  day  ? 

12. 
Did  we  not,  up  to  this  time,  before  this  deed  was  committed,  lire  in  peace  with  all  those 
Americans,  the  Haccinsack  murderer  excepted  ? 

13. 
Is  it  not  true,  that  all  those  Indians  had  fled  to  the  two  places  abovementioned,  through  fear 
of  the  Mahicanderi),  in  the  hope  of  being  protected  by  our  people  from  their  enemies? 


1^ 


ItUenogatoriti  to  be  propoied  to  Secretary  Comelis  van  Tienhoven. 

Article  1. 
Can  he,  the  Secretary,  not  fluently  speak  the  Manbatans  language,  which  was  used  by  the 

Im!ians  hereabout? 

2. 

Did  he  not,  therefore,  act  as  interpreter  to  the  late  Director  General  Kieft,  with  those  Indians? 

3. 
In  what  year  was  he  sent  to  those  Natives  to  collect  the  contribution  of  maize  from  them ; 
if  he  was  not  employed,  who  then  was  ? 

4. 

To  how  many  tribes  was  this  done;  and  how  are  they  named? 


Did    those   Indians  willingly  consent  to   this  contribution;   or   did   they  then   protest 
against  it ;  and  what  were  their  debates  abou*.  it  ? 

Can  he  report  in  writing — if  not,  verbally — the  result  of  this  mission;  which  Mr.  Kieft 
entrusted  to  him  ? 

7. 

In  what  terms  did  he  endeavor  to  persuade  the  Indians  to  consent  to  the  contribution? 

8. 

In  what  year  was  he,  deponent,  sent  by  Mr.  Kieft  to  the  Raritanus ;  and  did  he  not  go 

there  with  a  party  of  armed  soldiers  and  sailors  under  the  command  of  Heindrich,  captain  of 

the  NeptunuB? 

9. 

What  order  did  the  Director  give  him,  the  Secretary,  particularly  in  this  case;  and  how 

did  he  execute  it? 

10. 

Did  Mr.  Kieft  give  any  different  orders  to  the  soldiers  generally,  when  they  stood  in  front  of 
the  Director's  house,  previous  to  setting  out? 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IIL 


199 


11. 


I 


Were  not  similar  expeditions  sent  out  in  the  same  year  against  the  Raritans ;  and  does  he 
know  what  was  the  reason  and  object  of  them ;  and  what  was  then  accomplished? 


13. 


Did  not  the  Raritans  revenge  themselves  the  next  year;  killing  four  Christians,  on  Staten 
Island ;  and  did  they  not  afterwards  destroy  the  houses  of  David  Pietersen  ? 


13. 

Was  not  that  difficulty  sometime  after  entirely  settled  with  the  Raritans ;  so  that  they  have 
remained  quiet,  on  their  side,  to  the  present  time  ? 

14. 

In  what  year  did  he,  the  Secretary,  make  the  peace  with  the  Wicquaesgeckers,  at  the 
house  of  the  late  Jon^s  Bronck? 

16. 

After  the  difficulty  with  the  Raritans  and  with  the  Wicquaesgeckers  had  been  arranged  and 
peace  concluded,  did  not  our  people  live  in  peace,  in  the  year  1642,  with  all  those  surrounding 
Natives,  the  Hackinsack  murderer  exccepted  ? 

16. 

Did  he,  the  Secretary,  not  write  a  petition,  on  24""  February,  1643,  on  the  subject  of  this 
war  with  thos?  Natives  for  Maryn  Adriaensen,  Jan,  Claesen  Daem  and  Abram  Planck;  and 
by  whose  order,  or  at  whose  request,  was  it  sent? 

17. 

Did  he  copy  the  aforesaid  petidon  from  another's  draft,  or  did  he  draw  it  up  himself;  was  it 
conceived  by  himself,  or  did  he,  in  accordance  with  his  duty,  first  submit  the  draft  to  the 
Director  before  it  was  signed  ? 

18. 

For  what  reason,  and  by  whose  authority  did  he,  the  Secretary,  insert  the  words — "  the 
whole  of  the  Commonalty  or  free  people  and  by  their  order" — in  the  petition,  when  he, 
indeed,  well  knew  that  no  person  either  without,  or  on,  the  Manhatans  had  any  knowledge  of 
it  except  Director  Kieft,  he,  the  Secretary,  and  those  three  petitioners ;  also,  that  he  should 
have  considered  that  an  affair  of  such  importance,  so  productive  of  heavy  loai  to  the  Hon**'* 
Company  and  the  inhabitants  in  this  country,  ought  not  to  have  been  undertaken  on  the 
simple  representation  of  those  three  men. 

19. 

Was  not  he,  the  Secretary,  sent  by  Mr.  Kieft,  on  the  24th  February,  in  the  year  1643,  with 
one  Corporal  Hans  Steen,  over  to  Pavonia,  to  the  Indians  who  lay  near  Jan  Evertsen 
Bout's  bouwery  ? 

80. 


For  what  purpose  and  with  what  instructions  did  they  go  there? 


m 


~-     '! 


M 


tm 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


21. 
Did  they  faithfully  report  at  that  time  to  Mr.  Keift,  how  many  different  tribes  of  Indians 
were  then  together  there ;  and  can  he  enumerate  them  ? 

29. 

Did  not  these  Indians  fly  thither  through  dread  of  the  Maykanders,  who  were  at  that  time 
their  enemies,  in  the  hope  of  being  protected  by  our  people? 

23. 

Is  it  not  true,  that  a  troop  of  armed  soldiers  were  sent  by  order  of  Mr.  Kieft,  on  the  next 

night  to  the  aforesaid  place,  and  a  party  of  freemen  behind  Corlear's  plantation  on  the 

Manhatans,  who  slew  a  large  number  of  these  Indian  refugees,  and  afterwards  burnt  all 

their  huts  ? 

S4. 

Is  it  not  true  also,  that  the  general  war  between  us,  the  Dutch,  and  those  Americans,  here 

around  the  Manhatans,  first  originated  from  this  r^ffense  ? 

36. 

Does  he,  the  deponent,  also  know  whether  the  scheme  of  the  contributions  and  of  this 
expedition  was  ever  approved  and  set  on  foot  in  the  regular  Council  ? 

Interrogatoriet  for  iht  Reveretid  Everardtu  Bogardut,  Minister  of  the  flock  of  Jesus  Christ  here  on 

the  Manhatans. 

Article  1. 
Was  not  your  Reverence  in  the  room  with  the  late  Director  General  Kieft  when  the  three 
men,  namely,  Maryn,  Adriaensen,  Jan  Ciaessen  Daem,  and  Abram  Planck,  presented  their 
petition  respecting  the  demand  for  the  war  against  the  Natives? 

2. 

Is  the  conversation  between  Mr.  Kieft  and  the  three  men  on  that  occasion  still  fresh  in  your 

Reverence's  memory? 

3. 

Can  he,  the  witness,  conscientiously  and  solemnly  declare  before  God,  verbally  or  in  writing, 
all  that  then  transpired  in  the  room,  between  these  five  persons,  respecting  the  War? 


I    :i 


Interrogatories  for  Jan  C'  'k»  Dnem  and  Abram  Planck,  freemen  at  the  Manhatans. 

Article  1. 
Did  not  they,  the  witnesses,  in  company  with  one  Maryn  Adriaensen,  present  to  Mr.  Kiefl, 
in  February,  1643,  a  certain  petition  respecting  the  war  against  our  Americans? 

2. 
By  whose  order  and  by  what  authority  did  they  do  so,  and  who  prompted  them  thereunto, 
that  they  inserted  in  the  petition  the  words — Of  the  whole  of  the  freemen. 


.il-ill 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IIL 


201 


Was  there  any  other  person  in  the  room  with  Mr.  Kieft  when  they  presented  the  aforesaid 
petition  ? 

4. 

By  whom  was  the  petition  drawn,  or  did  they  request  the  writer  to  doit;  or  was  he 
authorized  by  any  person  to  that  effect  ? 

6. 

Do  they,  the  witnesses,  lii^ewise  know  that  the  aforesaid  petition  was  copied  by  another,  or 
did  the  writer  draw  it  up  of  himself? 

6. 
Did  they,  the  witnesses,  get  an  answer  from  Mr.  Kleft  on  the  same  day,  or  was  it  when 
Councillor  Johan  de  la  Montaigne  came  from  his  bouwery  to  Mr.  Kieft? 


!  • ; 


Did  not  Councillor  de  In  Montaigne  remark,  on  their  petition,  that  they  ought  to  reflect 
well  before  beginning  the  war,  whether  we  could  undertake  by  ourselves  to  protect  those  who 
were  dwelling  afar  off;  also,  if  we  had  men  and  ammunition  enough  to  defend  ourselves,  and 
to  continue  until  help  be  received  from  Holland  ? 

8. 
Also,  is  it  not  true,  that  Mr.  Kieft  replied  to  this — •' The  word  has  gone  forth ;  it  must 
remain  so" — and  had  they  not  then  already  obtained  in  writing  Mr.  Kieft's  answer  to  the 
petition? 


.^ 


Petition  of  the  Twelve  Men  and  the  Annoer  thereto. 


Tothe  Hon""  Willem  Kieft,  Director  General 
and    the    Council    residing    in    New 
N«       Netherland  on  the  behalf  of  the  General 
Incorporated  West  India  Company. 


We,  the  undersigned,  Selectmen  on  behalf 
of  the  Commonalty  of  New  Netherland, 
respectfully  represent  that  it  is  highly  necessary 
that  your  Honors  do  order  a  general  Muster  to 
take  place  once  every  year,  under  arms,  on 
condition  that  at  the  muster  half  a  pound  of 
powder  shall  be  given  each  man  on  the  part 
of  the  Company. 


Orders  shall  be  issued  for  an  Annual  muster, 
for  which  a  plan  was  agreed  on  long  ago ;  but 
i  pound  of  powder  to  each  man  can  be  ill 
alTorded,  as  provision  must  be  made  for  the 
day  of  need,  for  which  we  must,  above  all 
things,  prepare.  Each  i'atroon's  establishment 
must  provide  for  its  own  defence. 


9.  9. 

The  petitioners  respectfully  request    that  Weshould  willingly  consent,  but  it  is  indirect 

every  freeman  be  at    liberty,  once   for  all,  opposition  to  superior  orders,  as  many  of  the 
Vol.  I.                                              2G 


^  If 


i  i 


202 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


1^1 


without  any  one's  consent,  to  visit,  on  their 
arrival,  all  ships,  yachts  and  sloops,  coming 
here  from  sea,  wrhether  they  be  Dutch, 
English  or  French,  &c.,  after  the  fiscal  shall 
have  been  on  hi.  ;S|  ;<.!;ordlug  to  tiie  custom 
in  Holland. 

Also,  that  the  Council  of  New  Netherland 
shall  Irom  this  time  be  rendered  complete  in 
members,  especially  as  the  council  of  a  small 
village  in  Fatherliind  consists  of  five  (Sx  seven 
Schepens  ;  also,  that  from  nos"  1.  ii.  '  ri  fhe 
Director  and  Council  do  not  try  any  criminals 
unless  five  councillors  be  present,  inasmuch 
as  the  Commonalty  talk  considerably  about  it. 

Also  if  your  Honors  please  to  choose  four 
persons  who  shall  have  access  to  the  Council 
here,  as  your  Honors  formerly  proposed,  we 
should  be  much  gratified,  so  that  taxes  may 
not  be  imposed  on  the  country  in  the  absence 
of  the  Twelve. 


Also  that  every  inhabitant  of  New 
Netherland,  be  he  who  he  may,  shall  be 
henceforward  at  liberty  to  resort,  go  to  and 
return  from  all  places  in  this  neighborhood 
and  to  our  friends,  and  allies  without  notifying 
or  asking  any  one ;  and  to  repair  to  all  such 
places  as  he  shall  derive  most  advantage  from, 
on  condition  of  first  receiving  a  regular  pass 
and  clearance  from  your  Honors  and  paying 
therefor  all  such  duties  as  to  the  Hon*''* 
Company  shall  appertain. 

In  case  your  Honors  choose  four  of  the  fittest 
to  appear  m  your  Council,  as  stated,  it  remains 
to  be  noted  that  two  of  the  four  retire  every 
year  and  two  others  be  chosen  in  their  stead 
out  of  the  12. 


Company's  ships  will  probably  come  here  with 
prizes,  and  it  would  create  great  disorder.  If 
application  for  the  purpose  he  made,  once  for 
all,  to  the  Director  or  Fiscal,  permission  will 
be  granted  unless  weighty  objections  exist. 


Letters  have  been  sent  to  Holland,  so  that  we 
expect  to  receive  some  persons  of  rank  by  the 
first  ships,  and  thus  have  a  complete  Council. 

That  the  Commonalty  should  comment 
considerably  on  the  smallness  of  the  Council 
can  well  be,  but  we  wish  very  much  to  know 
whether  any  one  has  cause  tocomplainof  unjust 
decisions,  and  who  tho.se  are  who  talk 
considerably  thereof? 

We  are  fully  satisfied  to  choose  4  persons, 
to  assist  in  maintaining  the  Commonalty  in  their 
right,  and  whom  we  will  invite  to  our  Council, 
when  necessity  requires ;  also  to  fix  upon 
certain  periods  of  the  year  to  meet  together  on 
public  business  and  to  conclude  on  some 
articles  as  to  the  extent  of  their  powers.  As 
regards  the  12  men,  we  are  not  aware  that 
they  receivtd  fuller  powers  from  the 
Commonalty  than  simply  to  give  their  advice 
respecting  the  murder  of  the  late  Claes  Swits. 

Granted,  provided  the  Hon"'  Company 
receive  their  dues  and  that  the  goods  be  not 
sent  to  an  enemy. 


We  are  fully  content  that  two  of  the  four 
be  annually  changed. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    III. 


208 


Likewise,  as  v  <•  all  aim  at  and  expect,  with 
God's  blessing,  the  increase  of  the  cattle,  so  it 
is,  that  hertiofore  the  English  have  sold  cows, 
bulls  and  goats,  whereby  ours  have  fallen  into 
disrepute  and  are  not  as  much  valued  as 
formerly.  It  is  therefore  solicited  that 
henceforth  no  cows  or  goats  be  sold  here  by 
the  English  ;  only  oxen  and  he  goats. 

Also,  that  the  value  of  money  be  raised  in 
order  that  it  be  retained  here  and  not  exported 
hence  by  foreign  nations.  All  which  we  the 
petitioners  pray  may  be  duly  considered  by 
your  Honors,  and  trust  that  herein  shall  be 
done  what  will  be  most  beneficial  for  the 
Inhabitants.  Done  the  21  January,  1642. 
Was  subscribed  by  divers  persons. 


We  shall  prevent,  as  much  as  possible,  the 
sale  here  of  any  English  cows  or  goats. 


We  shall  raise  the  currency;  the  placards 
are  prepared  for  that  purpose. 


Ordo-  dissolving  the  Board  of  Twelve  Men, 

And  whereas  the  Commonalty  at  our  request  appointed  and  instructed  these  12  men  to 
communicate  their  good  counsel  and  advice  on  the  subject  of  the  murder  of  the  late  Claes 
Cornelisaen  Swits,  which  was  committed  by  the  Indians;  this  being  now  completed  by  them, 
we  do  hereby  thank  them  for  the  trouble  they  have  taken,  and  shall,  with  God's  help,  make 
use  of  their  rendered  written  advice  in  its  own  time.  The  said  Twelve  men  shall  now, 
henceforth  hold  no  further  meeting,  as  the  same  tends  to  a  dangerous  consequence,  and  to  the 
great  injury  both  of  the  country  and  of  our  authority.  We  therefore,  hereby  forbid  them 
calling  any  manner  of  assemblage  or  meeting,  except  by  our  express  order,  on  pain  of  being 
punished  as  disobedient  subjects.  Done  in  fort  Amsterdam,  this  eighth  of  February,  1642,  in 
New  Netherland. 

By  order  of  the  Hon*''  Director  and  Council  of  New  Netherland, 

(Signed)        Cornelis  van  Tibnhovbn,  Secretary. 

Ex-Director  Kiejl  to  Director  Stuyvetant. 

To  Myn  Heer  General  and  the  Hon"'  Council. 

O.  Hon""'"  gentlemen.  Whereas  Jochem  Pietersen  and  CormUs  Melyn  have  sent  some 
letters  to  Holliinil  to  the  Directors,  in  the  name  of  the  Eight  men  ;  amongst  others,  one  dated 
25""  October,  1644,  containing  nothing  but  libels  and  lies.  To  point  out  all  these  here,  would 
take  up  loo  much  space.     I  shall  enumerate  only  some  few: 

1. 

First:  they  say,  we  could  bring  into  the  field  400  men  on  the  arrival  of  the  Blue  Cock,  and 
that  we  neglected  the  opportunity  to  attack  the  Indians. 


S04 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Secondly:  that  they  have  not  been  able  to  obtain  a  single  mnu  for  defence. 

3. 
That  no  care  is  taken  any  more  of  the  country. 

4. 

That  princely  power  was  usurped. 

5. 

That  the  Eight  men  received  foul  taunts  and  reproaches  when  assembled,  and  that  they 

scarcely  dare  open  their  mouths. 

6. 

That  they  conceded  our  proposal  of  the  excise. 

7. 
That  the  little  Book  treating  of  the  war,  contained  as  many  lies  as  lines. 

8. 
That  the  Indians  were  previously  like  lambs,  and  that  men  were  seized  with  a  rash  hankering 
for  war,  and  by  an  accursed  act  had  murdered  the  Indians. 


That  2,600  pounds  of  powder  had  been  received  in  store,  and  not  500  pounds  used  against 

the  Indians. 

10. 

That  skipper  Laurens  could  not  defend  his  case,  in  consequence  of  the  Director's  authority,  etc. 

We  are  prepared  to  prove  that  these  are  all  false  calumnies  and  lies.  Your  Hon"  can  well 
infer  what  the  rest  are.  We  have,  in  the  writing  hereunto  annexed,  answered  in  all  respects 
these  two  fine  gentlemen  of  whom  the  Directors  have  warned  us,  according  to  their  letters 
exhibited  to  your  Honors. 

They  dispatched  in  an  irregular  manner  and  clandestinely  sent  off,  that  libellous  letter; 

deceived  the  good  people  whose  names  they  used;  who,  according  to  their  own  declarations, 

were  not  aware  that  it  contained  such  scandalous  things.    Jacob  Stoffelse  and  isack.  Allerton 

principally  implored  the  people  to  sign — yea.  even  after  the  letter  was  off  to  Holland,  they 

suborned,  according  to  Melyn's  own  acknowledgment,  the  Secretary's  clerk,  and  caused  him 

also  to  sign,  thus  abusing  our  Lords  Patroons,  making  them  believe  that  the  original  letter  was 

subscribed  by  the  Eight  men,  cheating  the  good  people,  and  endeavoring  with  false  and  bitter 

poison,  to  calumniate  their  magistrates  and  to  bring  them  into  difficulty;  wherefore  we  demand 

justice,  in  order  that  our  innocence  may  be  known  both   here  and  in  Holland,  and  their 

falsehood    punished,  that  the  Fiscal  may  prosecute  them    according  to  the  heinousness  of 

their  crimes;  also,  that  they  be  required  to  prove  said  letter,  and  to  exhibit  the  copy  of  it 

which  they  sent  off  by  the  Blue  Cock,  and  to  which  the  Directors  refer.     Which  hoping.   Ady 

IS"  June,  1647,  New  Amsterdam. 

Your  Hon"  ever  ready  servant, 

(Signed)         Willem  Kieft. 

This  is  found,  on  collating,  to  agree  with  the  original,  the  19"*  June,  Anno,  1C47. 

(Signed)        Cornelis  van  Tienhoven,  Secretary. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    III. 


Mcsirs,  Jochem  'FieUricn  Kuyter  and  Cornclis  Mehjn  to  Director  Stuyvetant. 


205 


P,  To  the  Hon''''  Peter  Stuyvesant,  Director  General  of  New  Netherland,  Cura5ao 

and  the  Islands  thereabout,  and  to  the  Hon''''  Council. 

Hon"^'  Gentlemen ! 

The  written  demand  of  the  late  Director  General  Kieft  was  sent  to  us  by  the  Court  messenger 
about  9  o'clock  on  the  19""  June  of  this  year,  1644,  with  express  orders  to  answer  thereunto 
within  twice  24  hours.     Coming  then  to  the  point  — 

Mr.  Kieft  says  in  his  first  statement  that  .lochem  Pietersen  and  Cornelis  Melyn  sent  some 
letters  to  the  Honorable  Directors  in  Holland  in  the  name  of  the  Eight  men,  containing  nothing 
but  libels  and  lies,  etc. 

It  was  not  under,  nor  in  the  name  of  the  Eight  men,  but  by  their  previously  determined 
counsel  and  resolution,  word  for  word,  conjointly  approved  and  signed  by  them.  We  shall, 
therefore,  without  any  glossing  or  circumlocution,  simply  answer  according  to  our  ability  his 
Hon"  proposed  articles. 

1.  Your  Honors  will  pleasp  to  know,  as  regards  the  400  men  who  could  be  brought  into  the 
field  on  the  arrivfil  of  the  Blue  Cock,  that  we  doubt  not  but  we  were  informed  of  it  by  his 
Honor  himself  and  Captain  de  Vries  told  us  so.  They  admit  first,  that  130  soldiers  had  come 
in  the  Blue  Cock,  commanded  by  the  aforesaid  Captain.  2°.  There  were  yet  also  at  that 
time  between  40  and  60  old  soldiers,  exclusive  of  the  English  who,  according  to  our  best 
judgment,  were  full  50  strong.  There  were,  likewise,  at  this  time,  between  50  and  CO  sailors 
or  seafaring  people,  who  were  willing  to,  as  they  sometime  afterwards  did,  serve  the 
commonwealth.  We  do  not  include  the  crew  of  the  Blue  Cock.  3°.  The  Hon'"'"  Mr.  Kieft 
also  allowed,  in  two  places,  as  is  to  be  seen  in  Carta  A.  B.,  for  two  hundred  freemen  and 
Company's  servants,  and  thus,  whenever  a  calculation  in  gross  is  made  from  what  we  have 
enumerated,  it  will,  without  making  a  very  strict  examination,  be  found  that  probably  between 
3  and  400  men  could  be  brought  before  many  days  into  the  field  against  the  enemy,  as  stated 
in  the  letter;  and  yet  they  could  miss  the  few  opportunities  which  they  still  possessed  to 
restore,  through  God's  mercy,  a  desirable  peace  to  this  country;  as  Mr.  Kieft  himself  hath 
written  in  a  letter  of  the  21  July,  1G44,  (marked  C.)  And  whilst  that  was  neglected,  our 
people  were  killed  and  murdered  within  a  few  weeks,  at  divers  places  without  the  Fort,  by  the 
Indians  who,  for  all  that,  gathered  in  safety  their  maize  and  other  necessaries  in  the  meantime. 
We,  on  the  other  hand,  continued  in  the  greatest  terror,  with  the  cattle  which  still  remained  ; 
and  in  the  heat  of  the  war  complained,  and  do  still  complain,  to  our  Lords  Patroons,  to  wit: 
to  the  Noble  Lords  Majors,  but  not  to  foreigners,  nor  to  the  enemies  of  the  United  Netherlands. 

2.  Your  Honors  will  please  to  observe  in  the  two  remonstrances  or  protests  of  Thomas  Hall 
and  the  late  liarent  Dircksen,  what  defence  or  assistance  was  furnished  to  any  of  ours  at 
that  time. 

3.  The  piles  of  ashes  from  the  burnt  houses,  barns,  barracks  and  other  buildings,  and  the 
bones  of  the  cattle,  more  than  sufiiciently  demonstrate  the  ordinary  care  that  was  bestowed 
on  the  country,  God  help  it,  particularly  during  the  war.  We  respectfully  request  your  Honors 
to  institute  a  rigid  inquiry  into  this  matter:  How  many  first  class  Bouweries  and  plantations 
were  abandoned  in  the  war  by  our  Dutch  and  English,  whose  houses  were  burnt,  as  has  been 


l| 


206 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


'^W 


stated,  and  what  number  of  cattle  ha?  each  individually  lost?  It  is  cur  opinion  those  will 
amount  to  between  40  and  60,  and  had  they  been  all  preserved,  might  have  been  doubled  at 
this  day,  and  the  cattle  quadrupled,  so  that  a  considerable  tenth  would  yearly  accrue  to  the 
Hon''"  Company,  <ind  ourselves  obtain  annually  overflowing  returns  of  produce,  with  which  not 
only  the  Hon''''  Company's  ships — yea,  were  the  whole  fleet  to  amount  30  to  40  in  number — 
but  also  the  Islands  in  the  West  Indies  and  the  Brazil,  could  be  supplied  with  grain,  flour,  peas, 
pork,  beef  and  other  necessaries,  which  now  must  be  had  from  the  English  at  the  North  at  a 
great  expense. 

4.  That  relative  to  princely  power  is  questioned.  Thereunto  we  say,  that  Mr.  Arent  van  Curler 
verbally  communicated  that  information  to  us  as  worthy  of  belief;  and  that  the  aforesaid 
Curler  declared,  at  the  house  of  the  Minister,  Everhardus  Bogardus,  in  the  presence  of  Captain 
de  Vries,  that  he  had  heard  Mons'  de  la  Montaigne  complain  in  the  tavern  to  Martin  Krygier, 
that  Mr.  Kiefl's  power  in  this  country  was  greater  and  more  extensive,  as  regards  his 
commission,  than  was  that  of  his  Highness  of  Orange  in  the  Netherlands  ;  and  though,  through 
lapse  of  time,  it  being  some  years  ago,  it  has  slipped  our  memory  who  were  the  others 
present  when  this  argument  occurred,  yet  we  think  that  he  named,  among  the  rest,  Willem  de 
Key,  Jan  Jaiisen  Daeu),  who  also  should  have  heard  it.  Therefore,  we  respectfully  request 
your  Honors  to  be  pleased  to  take  the  trouble  to  examine  the  Minister  aforesaid.  Captain  de 
Vries,  and  the  other  persons,  touching  this  matter.  3.  This  assertion  can  also  be  somewhat 
corroborated  by  the  certiticate,  Cnr/a,  D.;  also,  by  the  fact  itself,  that  his  Honor  commenced 
this  bloody  and  disastrous  war  of  his  own  authority,  independent  of  his  Council. 

6.  Tiiat  the  Eight  men  were  treated  with  contempt  and  disregard,  we,  the  undersigned 
experienced  in  company  with  Tlionias  Hall.  On  the  last  of  .June,  1014,  Mr.  Kielt  sent  for  us 
on  the  8ul)ject  of  the  demanded  toll,  and  left  us  sitting  in  the  room  from  eight  o'clock  until 
noon,  without  asking  us  a  question  notwithstanding  we  frequently  notified  him  by  the 
messenger  of  our  arrival  and  of  our  being  there  in  waiting  to  hear  what  liis  Honor  would 
please  to  submit  to  us,  but  not  a  word  in  explanation  did  his  Honor  send  us,  and  leaving  the 
business  unfinished  we  were  under  the  necessity  of  returning  as  wise  as  we  went.  Was  not 
this,  now  mocking  and  scofling  them  1  Be  it  borne  in  mind  that  his  Honor  had  sent  for  us  by 
his  messenger.  We  tlius  consider  our  statement  uncontradicted.  It  is  also  corroborated  in 
Curia,  D.,  the  &"■  June,  1044. 

6.  The  agreeing  to  the  Excise  is  seen  by  3  letteis,  E.  F.  G.;  by  the  Acts  of  the  IS,  21,  23 
June,  1011,  and  therefore  no  further  declaration  is  necessary. 

7.  The  misstatements  of  the  Little  Book  on  the  suhject  of  the  war,  which  are  referred  to  in 
the  letter.  We  wibh,  in  regard  to  Mr.  Kieft,  that  we  had  committed  an  error  on  tins  po' it 
in  nur  communication;  but  'tis  to  be  feared  that,  when  compared  with  other  declarations, 
something  strange  will  lie  found  in  it.  But  we  leavt!  this  on  one  side,  and  refer  to  our  Minister 
and  Coriu'lis  van  Tienhoven,  the  Secretary,  both  of  whom  read  it  lor  the  purpose  o''  punctuating 
it,  and  who  flung  it  from  the  table  on  account  of  the  nonsense  they  found  in  it  in  regard  to 
the  war,  so  that  your  Ilcmors  will  please  to  hear  the  Minister  aforesaid  and  Secretary  van 
Tienhoven  iiereupon.  Also,  if  his  Ilniior  please,  this  Little  Book  must  be  produced  in  order 
to  look  in  it  for  what,  through  lapse  of  time,  has  been  forgotten. 

8.  It  is  chiefly  manifest  from  their  own  act,  that  the  Indians  ronducled  themselves  like  Iambs, 
before  the  melancholy  spectacle  of  which  they  were  the  victims  in  the  year  1043  over  at 
I'avonia  and  on  the  Island  Manhatas.     Be  it  remarked,  that  they  allowed  theintelveB,  their 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IIL 


207 


wives  and  children  to  be  slaughtered  at  that  time  like  sheep,  and  came  (so  to  speak)  like  lambs 
to  lie  in  our  arms.  We  appeal  in  this  case  to  the  entire  Commonalty  and  to  each  member  of 
it  individually,  who  hath  survived  that  time,  to  say  how  murderously  the  Indians  were  then 
treated.  Would  to  God  we  may  be  found  to  be  liars  on  this  point.  But  the  truth  thereof  shall 
be  more  than  sufBciently  established  hereafter  before  their  High  Mightinesses. 

9.  That  there  was  at  the  time  a  supply  of  2,500  pounds  of  powder.  We  shall  not  assert 
precisely  if  there  were  2  or  300  pounds  more  or  less,  but  merely  say,  that  there  ought  to 
have  been  a  good  portion  according  to  Monsieur  la  Montaigne's  own  ackn  wledgment 
which  he  made  on  the  19  February  1G45,  in  presence  of  Mr.  Kieft  and  Captain  de  Vries.  So 
that  de  la  Montaigne,  and  the  Captain  will  be  able  to  furnish  full  explanation  why  and  wherefore 
there  was  a  conversation  at  that  time  about  powder.  Mr.  Kieft  also  knows  how  much  powder 
was  seized  from  Peter  Wynkoop,  and  how  much  received  from  the  Seven  Stars  and 
elsewhere. 

10.  That  Skipper  Laurens  Cornelis^en  could  not  defend  his  ca^e  in  consequence  of  Director 
Kieft's  authority.  On  this  point,  the  above  named  Skipper  complained  in  presence  of  divers 
persons;  to  wit,  that  he  would  indeed  have  obtained  declarations  from  some  persons  in  his  suit 
regarding  pearls,  but,  through  fear  and  in  consequence  of  the  high  station  of  Mr.  Kieft,  they 
dare  not  give  them  except  two,  who,  however,  had  made  so  bold  and  gave  him  a  certificate. 
We  do  not  corroborate  the  whole  of  this  matter  in  our  letters;  we  merely  say,  that  we  believe 
it.  2.  As  this  point  has  no  relation  to  the  general  oHiiirs  of  the  country,  but  merely  regards  the 
difficulty  between  Mr.  Kieft  and  the  above  named  skipper,  we  shall  therefore  refrain  from  it 
and  pass  to  the  conclusion. 

His  Honor  says,  first,  that  all  these  points  of  our  letter  are  false  libels  and  lies;  also,  that 
he  hath  replied  to  all  the  other  contents  of  the  letter.  We,  therefore,  respeclfully  request  to 
be  furnished  with  a  copy  thereof;  Item,  he  hath  warned  the  Directors  of  the  above  named  five 
gentlemen;  we  wish  also  to  see  that  letter.  We  cacnot  comprehend  how  we  ever  deceived  the 
Directors  by  impertinent  papers  ;  on  the  contrary  we  show  that  we  have  been  esteemed  and 
respected  by  them  in  consequence  of  ihe  large  cargo  of  live  stock  which,  with  the  Directors, 
we  brought  iiither  to  New  Netherland  in  the  ship  the  Brum  van  Troym;  Wherefore,  they  most 
particularly  instructed  Mr.  Kieft  (to  use  their  own  words)  to  treat  us  well  in  order  the  better 
to  encourage  others.  Jicin.  They,  especially  Jacob  SloH'elsen  and  Isack  Allerlon,  cheated  the 
good  people  whose  names  they  dishonestly  made  use  of,  and  whom  they  imploringly  besought 
to  sign,  thus  deceiving  the  Lords  I'alroons,  inducing  them  to  believe  that  the  original  letter  wap 
signed  by  the  Light  men.  This  appear?,  indeed,  clear,  be  it  remarked,  that  when  the  letter 
was  exhibited  to  ihem  they  acknowledged  here  before  your  Honors  in  Council  that  they  signed. 
Jiem.  They  threatened  the  good  people  and  sought  with  bitter  poison  to  calumniate  their 
magistrates,  wherefore  bin  Honor  demands  justice,  so  that  his  innocence  may  be  known  both 
here  and  in  Holland,  etc* 

We  have  already  answered  in  the  8'*  article  and  again  repeat,  that  as  respects  Mr.  Kieft  we 
heartily  wish  his  Honor  may  establish  his  ii  ocenie  before  their  High  Mighlinesses  touching 
this  war  with  ihe  Americans.  We  arecontent  to  be,  then,  esteemed  such  as  his  Honor  descril>ed 
us  in  hii  letter,  and  shall  willingly  sutler  and  take  it  with  an  honest  face;  for  the  wisest  man 
teaches  that  the  feeble  mudt  not  speiik  evil,  as  an^.r  is  not  excited  against  the  silent  man. 
It  is  said  that  Diogenes  was  once  asked  how  he  could  contrive  to  live  so  many  years  at  court? 
To  which  the  philosopher  answered  :  I  had  to  bear  and  endure  much  injury  at  court  from  the 


208 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


King,  and  I  always  in  return  said,  Thank  you.  We  willingly  confess  tliet  we  have  not 
experienced  what  the  philosopher  here  represents,  for  not  an  unkind  word  was  exchanged 
between  us  and  Mr.  Kieft  in  our  intercourso  with  that  gentleman. 

His  Honor  must  prove  that  the  Eight  chosen  men,  who  were  elected  by  the  Commonalty 
and  approved  and  authorized  by  his  Honor  and  his  Council,  acted  unlawfully  in  communicating 
to  their  High  Mightinesses  and  Lords  Majors,  the  general  ruin  and  necessity  of  the  country,  in 
order  thereby  to  obtain  earlier  aid  and  assistance,  as  is,  God  be  praised  !  now  evident.  Were 
this  true,  as  we  trust  it  is,  we  think,  under  correction,  that  we  have  not  injured  Mr.  Kieft 
.T  general  nor  in  particular ;  and  that  his  Honor  ought  not  so  sharply  and  so  severely  censure 
aid  reprimand  us;  for  the  ancient  Sage  was  of  opinion  that  a  person  high  in  station  could  not 
C'/mmit  a  graver  fault  than  to  insult  those  who  durst  not  answer  him.  But  it  had  been  better 
t.iatlhis  matter  had  been  referred  to  those  by  whom  it  could  have  been  brought  to  a  final  decision; 
for  it  Mr.  Kieft  has  yet  to  prove  that  his  Honor  lawfully  and  of  a  necessity,  commenced  the  war 
in  question  against  those  Natives.  If  lawfully,  his  Honor  will  rejoice,  and  we,  on  the  other  hand, 
shall  remain  in  shame  and  disgrace  ;  if  the  contrary  be  established,  to  wit,  that  it  was  urged 
forward  through  his  own  fancy,  let  us  then  once  see  what  the  law  of  nations  thinks  of  it;  for 
in  the  exacting  of  pun'shment,  this  law  must  lirst  of  all  be  observed,  so  that  no  war  be  ever 
again  undertaken,  unless  men  are  stronger  than  the  opposite  party.  For  not  only  doth  prudence, 
or  the  love  of  one's  own,  but  even  frequently  those  also  who  administer  justice,  demand  that 
people  abstain  from  a  hazardous  war,  as,  from  the  nature  of  government,  the  sovereign  is 
bound  by  justice  to  care  for  the  subject,  no  less  than  the  subject  to  obey;  so  that  even  a 
King,  who  undertakes  a  war  for  a  trilling  cause,  or  to  exact  unnecessary  punishment,  which 
is  very  hazardous,  is  bound  to  indemnify  the  subject  for  all  damage  incurred  thereby;  having, 
by  that  means,  done  him  wrong  and,  for  insufficient  cause,  brought  down  on  him  such  serious 
difficulties.  For  this  reason  Linius  says  —  "  That  is  a  just  war,  which  is  a  necessary  one." 
James,  King  of  Great  Britain,  in  his  lifetime  admitted  this;  and  Prcpertius  says — "  A  soldier 
must  bear  arms  in  order  thereby  to  control  arms." 

Moreover,  even  just  cause,  does  not  oblige  rulers  to  undertake  war  for  their  subjects,  except 
it  can  be  done  without  damage  to  all,  or  the  majority  of  them.  For  the  office  of  governor 
extends  rather  over  the  whole,  than  over  a  part ;  and  where  a  part  is  greater,  there  it 
approximates  more  closely  to  the  nature  of  the  whole;  and  in  regard  to  Christ's  precept,  which 
wills  that  we  be  ready  to  lay  aside  all  contention  and  discord;  consequently,  still  more  does  it 
discountenance  war;  and,  therefore,  says  Ambrose — "  It  is  not  only  generosity  in  a  prudent  man 
to  desist  somewhat  from  his  right ;  but  it  is  also  profitable  and  advantageous."  In  like  manner 
Aristides  — "  Men  must  quietly  yield  and  grant  a  little,  for  those  are  prized  who  will  rather 
suffer  wrong  than  contention."  Xenophon  :  —  •'  It  becometh  even  the  wise  not  to  commence 
a  war  (or  a  great  cause."  From  all  that  has  been  here  slated  on  the  subject  of  war,  it  can 
readily  be  concluded  how  prudently  we  must  proceed  in  the  matter;  and  how  hazardous  it  is 
to  engage  in  it,  especially  with  so  rude  and  barbarous  p  people  ns  these  Indians  are. 
This  being  now  laid  aside,  let  us  conclude. 

As  regards  the  letter  to  the  XiX.  by  the  Blue  Cock,  we  cannot  produce  it,  inasmuch  as  wo 
sent  it  by  Govert  Loockemans  to  Holland,  enclosed  to  a  person  whose  nnme  we,  for  cause, 
would  not  willingly  disclose  ;  we  cannot  for  certainty  say  whe'her  Andries  Hudden,  who  drew 
up  that  letter  and  who  also  subscribed  it  with  his  own  hand,  still  retains  the  draft  or  minute 
ofi*. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:     III. 


209 


It  appears,  then,  from  what  we  have  answered  in  this  our  declaration,  that  we  did  not  act 
as  Mr.  Kieft  is  pleased  to  lay  to  our  charge ;  but  submit  all  this  to  tho  discretion  of  your 
Honors'  wise  and  mature  judgment.  It  is  remarked,  that  Mr.  Kieft  demands  in  his  declaration, 
which  was  read  to  us  in  your  Honor's  court  on  the  IS""  instant,  that  we  be  sent  to  Holland  as 
pests  and  seditious  persons.  We,  therefore,  respectfully  request  of  your  Honors  that  it  be 
granted  to  us,  not  to  go  as  pestilent  and  seditious  persons,  as  his  Honor  represents,  but  as  good 
patriots  and  proprietors  of  New  Netherland ;  this,  it  is  manifest  we  are,  from  what  we  have 
expended  in  the  country;  and  which,  in  this  war,  was  in  a  moment  laid  in  ashes,  whereby  we 
have  lost  all  our  property.  Whereunto  we  call  God,  the  Lords  Majors  and  the  entire 
Commonalty,  to  witness.  Also,  that  the  other  four  out  of  the  Eight  chosen  men,  may  be 
likewise  sent  with  us,  in  order  that  they  may  acknowledge  their  signatures  before  their  High 
Mightinesses;  moreover,  that  all  who  are  on  their  interrogatories  may  be  summoned  before 
your  Honors  for  the  IS""  instant. 

Finally  and  lastly,  we  respectfully  pray  the  General  and  Council  to  be  pleased  to  legally  call 
together,  before  the  departure  of  the  Princess,  all  the  freemen  and  Company's  servants,  who 
have  survived  the  war,  and  ask  them  conjointly  the  following  question,  to  wit:  If  we  did  not 
live  in  peace  with  these  surrounding  Indians  before  they  were  slaughtered,  in  February,  1643, 
on  Jan  de  Lacher's  hook,  near  Jan  Evertscn's  bouwery  at  Pavonia,  and  behind  Curler's 
plantation  on  the  Island  of  Miii.hattans ;  also  whether  each  of  them,  individually,  could  not 
a(  the  time,  uninterruptedly  pursue  their  outdoor  labor  in  the  hush,  as  well  as  in  the  field,  and 
live  safely  in  their  houses  with  their  wives  and  children,  without  any  fear  of  the  Indians. 
Expecting  this,  &c.,  remaining  your  Hon"  faithful  iniiabitants  of  New  Netherlard. 


Done  at  the  Manhutans,  Ady,  this  SQ**  June,  1U47. 


(Signed)         JocHiEM  Piet  :  Cuttbr, 

CORNELIS    MeLYN. 


The  Eight  Men  to  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  tiie  JVcit  India  Company. 

^.     To  the  Honorable,  Wise,  Prudent  General  Directors  of  the  Incorporated  West  India 
Company,  Chamber  at  Amsterdam. 

Honorable  Sirs. 

We  gratefully  learned  by  your  letters  per  the  Marht  van  Knckhtujzen,  your  Honors'  dispositioa 
to  extend  assistance  lo  us  in  this  our  truly  most  unfortunate  pliglil;  we  also  trust  and  pray  to 
God  that  it  he  done  by  the  earliest  opportunity. 

We  afterwards  again  respectfully  dispatched  by  the  ship  Blue  Cock,  our  general  necessity  to 
the  Hon''''  XiX.  We  nope  your  Honors  will  have  favorably  regarded  the  contents  thereof,  in 
which  wp,  in  n  superficial  nianner,  briefly  yet  truly,  submitted  the  first  origin  whence  this  war 
arote,  to  our  universal  ruin.     Would  to  (iod  it  had  not  been  meddled  with. 

We  were  greatly  rejoiced  at  the  miraculous  arrival  of  the  Blue  Cock  here  wit'-,  so  many  of 
the  Company's  people,  and  therefore  hoped  that  the  field  would  be  taken  with  between  ihree 
and  four  hundred  men,  (not  including  the  sailors  and  settlers,)  divided  into  three  companies  of 
one  hundred  and  thirty  men  each,  and  by  this  force,  the  neighboring  savages  for  I  '>  ^li.  20  miles 
around,  would  have  find  their  crops  destroyed,  and  themselves  stripped  of  all  their  support  for 
the  winter,  whereby  great  injury  might  have  been  inflicted  on  the  enemy,  in  order  with  a  view 

Viit..  I.  y? 


S    'f 


li 


210 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


ii 


to  their  easier  reduction  hereafter  to  terms.     But  nothing  in  the  least  has  been  done  therein. 
In  all  that  time,  scarce  a  foot  has  been  moved  in  the  matter,  nor  an  oar  laid  in  the  water. 

The  captured  Indians  who  might  have  been  of  considerable  use  to  us  as  guides,  have  been 
given  to  the  soldiers  as  presents,  and  allowed  to  go  to  Holland  ;  the  others  have  been  sent  oflf 
to  the  Bermudas  aa  a  present  to  the  Knglish  governor.  The  oldest  and  most  experienced 
soldiers,  who  for  several  years  were  acquainted  with  all  the  paths  here,  have  obtained  their 
passport  and  been  allowed  to  return  home.  In  the  meanwhile  the  Indians  secreted  without 
molestation  their  fish  caught  this  lasS  summer  on  the  river,  of  which  they  had  uninterrupted 
use  at  their  pleasure. 

Our  fields  lie  fallow  and  waste;  our  dwellings  and  other  buildings  are  burnt;  not  a  handful 
can  be  planted  or  sown  this  fall  on  all  the  abandoned  places.  The  crop,  which  God  the  Lord 
permitted  to  come  forth  during  the  past  summer,  remains  on  the  held,  as  well  as  the  hay, 
standing  and  rotting  in  divers  places ;  whilst  we  poor  people  have  not  been  able  to  obtain  a 
single  man  for  our  defence.  We  are  burdened  with  heavy  families;  have  no  means  to  provide 
necessaries  any  longer  for  our  wives  or  children.  We  are  sealed  here  in  the  midst  of 
thousands  of  Indians  and  barbarians,  from  whom  is  to  be  experienced  neither  peace  nor 
pity.  We  have  left  our  Fatherland,  und  had  not  the  Lord  our  God  been  our  comfort,  must 
have  perished  in  our  wretchedness. 

There  are  amongst  us,  who  by  the  sweat  and  labor  of  their  hands,  have  been  endeavoring 
at  great  expense,  to  improve  their  lands  and  gardens;  others  with  their  own  capital,  have 
equipped  with  every  necessr.ry  their  own  ships,  which  have  been  captured  by  the  enemy  in 
coming  hither,  though  they  have  continued  the  voyage  with  equal  zeal,  and  at  considerable 
cost.  Some,  again,  independent  of  liie  Company,  ha.e  brought  hither  large  numbers  of 
families  in  vessels  of  as  great  burden,  freighted  with  a  large  stock  of  cattle,  and  have  erected 
handsome  buildings  on  the  spots  selected  for  their  people ;  cleared  the  forest  and  the 
wilderness,  enclosed  and  brought  their  plantations  under  the  plough,  so  as  to  be  an  ornament 
to  the  country  and  a  profit  to  the  proprietors,  after  their  long  laborious  toil. 

All  these  ore  now  laid  in  ashes  through  a  foolish  hankering  after  war  ;  for  it  is  known  to  all 
right  thinking  men  here,  that  these  Indians  have  lived  as  lambs  among  us  until  a  few  years 
ago,  injuring  no  one,  affording  every  assistance  to  our  nation,  and  had  in  Director  van  Twiller's 
iitn",  (when  supplies  had  not  been  sent  for  several  months),  furnishad  provisions  to  several 
of  the  Company's  servants,  as  they  state,  until  supplies  were  received.  The  Director  hath,  by 
various  uncalled  for  proceedings,  from  time  to  time  so  estranged  them  frcm  us,  and  so 
embittered  them  against  the  Dutch  nation,  that  we  do  not  believe  any  thing  will  bring  them 
back,  unless  the  Lord  God,  who  bends  all  men's  hearts  to  his  will,  propitiate  them.  Thus 
hath  the  Anlient  vi  y  truly  observed  :  "\ny  man  can  create  turmoil,  and  set  the  people  one 
against  the  other;  but  to  establish  harmony  again,  is  in  the  power  of  Ood  alone." 

A  semblance  of  peace  was  attempted  to  be  patched  up  last  spring  with  one  or  two  tribeii  of 
Savages  towards  the  North  by  ».  foreigner  '  whom  we,  for  cause,  shall  not  now  name,  without 
one  of  the  Company's  servantt  tiaviiig  been  present,  whilst  our  principal  enemies  are  led 
unmolested.  This  place  hath  borne  little  fruit  for  the  Commonwealth  and  our  Lords'  reputation, 
and  we  now  daily  experience  what  we  observed  in  the  S""  article  oi  our  previous  letter  to  ii;« 
Hod*'*  XIX.     For  these  savages  had  no  sooner  their  maize  in  pits  but  lh»  y  beg.in  In  murder 


'  C«|iL  John  t'nderliill  —  Kb. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    TIT. 


211 


our  people  in  various  directions.  They  continually  rove  around  in  parties,  niglit  and  day,  on 
the  Island  of  Manhattans,  killing  our  people  not  a  thousand  paces  from  the  Fort ;  and  things 
have  now  arrived  at  ^uch  a  pass,  that  no  one  dare  move  a  foot  to  fetch  a  stick  of  fire  wood 
without  an  escort. 

The  two  bouweries  in  the  Bay,  and  the  three  on  this  Island,  one  of  which  belongs  to  the 
Hon"'  Company,  are  in  great  danger  of  being  burnt  this  winter,  for  never  have  these  Savages 
shown  themselves  so  boW  and  insolent.  The  cause  of  this  is,  that  they  have  not  experienced 
any  opposition  from  us  this  summer,  nor  lost  any  of  their  crops.  And,  thus,  have  they 
circumvented  us  by  a  strategem  under  p.  .tense  of  peace.  Had  diligence  which  is  most 
necessary  in  time  of  war,  been  used,  as  we  requested,  with  the  force  of  the  Blue  Cock,  during 
this  season,  the  Indians  would,  beyond  a  peradventure,  have  made  advances  themselves,  and 
some  hope  would  exist  of  enjoying,  against  the  arrival  of  a  new  Govtrnor,  a  general  peace. 

But  to  dtia  very  little  attention  has  been  paid.  The  favorable  season  has  been  allowed  to 
go  by,  and  paople  have  busied  Ihemselves  with  private  quarrels  and  law  suits,  with  this  one 
and  that,  especially  about  sending  pearls  by  Louwrens  Corneliesen,  skipper  of  the  Maecht  mn 
Enrkhuyzcn,  which  lasted  six  weeks,  and  who  on  that  account  has  been  banished.  Through 
respect  for  the  Director,  've  shall  not  rightly  speak  of  the  matter  which  finally  appertains  to  the 
Lords  only  to  pass  on,  but  so  much  is  said  und  heard  here,  and  it  is  our  opinion,  that  had  it 
not  been  for  the  authority  of  the  Director  the  poor  nkipper  might  have  fortified  himself  with 
divers  most  respectable  certificates ;  not  i  liy  with  those  which  were  sent  with  him  but 
also  with  divers  others. 

Two  guides  have  recently  been  called  from  the  North  with  whom  Captain  De  Vries  was 
sent,  on  the  22''  instant,  with  a  party  on  an  expedition  in  that  direction.  They  killed  eight  5 
but  as  the  saying  is — 

'■  Whenever  we  lay  one  enemy  low, 
Un  the  morrow  another  returns  the  blow." 

With  those  raw  and  naked  soldiers  who  have  resided  for  so  many  years  in  warm  climates,  we 
Bi.all  have  to  wade  in  frost  and  snow  through  rivers  and  creeks ;  but  shall  probably  survive 
this  and  sneak  back    gain  into  our  shells  from  the  winter. 

We  are  again  ii.  want  of  po-vder.  Including  that  of  i'eter  Wynkoop,  it  is  estimated  that 
2500  weight  was  received  in  the  cellar  up  to  this  date,  tiv  hundred  pounds  of  which  ha- .;  not 
been  useU  in  that  period,  against  tiie  enemy. 

The  country  here  is  no  longer  of  any  or  much  account.  Every  place  is  going  to  ruin  ; 
neither  counsel  nor  advice  is  taken  ;  the  only  talk  here  is  of  princely  power  and  so  ereignty. 
about  which  La  Montaigne  argued  a  few  days  ago  in  the  tavern,  maintaining  that  the  power  of 
the  Director  here  wiih  great-r,  as  regards  his  olHce  and  commission,  than  that  of  his  Highness 
of  Orange  in  the  iN'etherliinds. 

For  the  sake  of  appearances.  Twelve  men  were  called  together  here,  in  November,  1642, 
on  the  subject  of  the  murder  of  Claes,  the  wheelwright;  the  Director  submitted  to  them 
whether  the  blood  of  the  aforesaid  wheelwright  should  not  bo  avenged?  Whereupon  divers 
deltates  arose  on  the  one  side  and  the  other,  as  the  document  will  show;  for  at  this  time  a 
liiinkering  alter  war  had  wholly  seized  on  the  Director.  But  the  aforesaid  12  men  could 
not  continue  to  meet  any  longer  than  the  b'S.f  February  following ;  (or  such  wa«  (()rhidden 
on  pain  of  corporal  punishment.  Shortly  after,  he  commenced  the  war  against  those  of 
Weiquecqueck,  on  his  own  mere  motion,  as  appears  by  the  petition  of  the  Twelve  men. 


212 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


At  the  request  of  the  Director,  the  Commonalty  again  elected  S  men,  in  September,  1613; 
but  this  was  6  @^  7  months  after  the  Director  liad  authorized  the  execution  of  the  cruel  deed 
over  at  Pavonia.  They  did,  indeed,  draw  up  some  good  and  suitable  regulations;  forbidding 
taverns  and  all  other  improprieties ;  appointed  a  week's  preaching  instead,  as  can  be  seen  by 
the  order;  but  it  was  not  executed  by  tiie  officer. 

These  Eight  men,  aforesaid,  were  never  called  together  again  on  public  business,  from  the 
4"  November,  1643,  to  the  18""  June,  1644;  though  in  that  period  many  things  occurred.  It 
was,  indeed,  sufficiently  manifest  how  little  were  these  Eight  men  respected,  for  no  sooner  did 
they  open  their  mouths  to  propose  anything  tending  in  their  judgment  to  the  public  good,  than 
the  Director  met  them  with  sundry  biting  and  scoffing  taunts ;  and  sometimes  had  them 
summoned,  without  asking  them  a  question,  thus  obliging  them  to  return  amidst  jeers  and 
sneers,  as  wise  as  they  went. 

We  were  finally  again  convoked,  on  the  IS"'  June,  1644,  as  above  slated,  when  the  Director 
demanded  that  some  new  taxes  and  excise  should  be  imposed  on  the  Commonalty,  or  he  should 
discharge  the  Engliisi)  soldiers.  Whereupon  we  remonstrated,  that  it  was  impossible  for  us  to 
raise  means  from  tha  people,  as  those  outside  (de  buijtcn  hmjs  Iwjdrn)  were  reduced  to  the 
extremest  necessiiy  by  this  war;  and  we  did  not  conceive  that  our  powers  extended  so  far  as 
to  impose  new  taxes;  but  that  such  must  first  be  considered  by  a  higher  authority  (to  wit,  by 
the  Lords  Majors). 

Hceat  the  Director  became  much  enraged:  and  with  an  altered  mien  said  to  us,  in  presence 
of  lh(.  Fiscal  and  Moniaigne :  I  have  more  power  here  than  the  Company ;  therefore  I  may  do 
whatever  )  jslease.  He  further  added  :  for  I  have  my  commission  not  from  the  Company,  but 
from  tiie  Lords  the  States:  as  by  ilie  certificate  further  can  be  seen. 

We  nevertheless  consented  to  the  Director's  proposition  ;  but  submitted  to  his  Honor  that 
there  was  a  more  suitable  means  devisable,  by  which  the  poor  Commonalty  could  he  spart-d 
(to  wit),  that  the  private  traders,  who  had  drawn  excessive  profits  from  the  country,  by  their 
injurious  usury,  should  contribute  something  to  the  public  service.  And  what  further  followed 
is  seen  ir  two  difl'erent  Remonstrances;  but  the  Director  was  pleased  to  disregard  this; 
rejected  it,  as  utterly  unworthy,  anil  allowed  (ierrit  Vastrick  to  depart  with  sc  -e  thousand 
skins,  without  taking  a  penny  from  hmi;  from  what  motive  is  unknown  to  us. 

With  all  that,  the  Director,  a  few  days  before  the  Blue  Cock  sailed,  had  a  placard  published 
without  our  knowledge,  wherein  the  aforesaid  duty  was  demanded  from  others,  and  laid  at  16 
stuyvers  per  ber.ver ;  and  'i  guilders  for  every  tun  of  beer,  from  the  brewers  as  well  as  from 
the  tapsters;  but  the  former  were  allowed  in  return  to  charge  tiie  burgher  a  guilder  more; 
and  the  tapster  to  charge  one  stiver  (more)  per  pot ;  so  that  this  will  probably  have  to  be 
paid  by  the  poor,  who  are  unable  to  procure  beer  for  the  sick  and  wounded,  except  by  the  can. 
We  understand  here,  that  the  Director  sent  to  the  Lords,  by  the  IJlue  Cock,  a  Book 
ornamented  with  various  pictures  in  water  colors,  in  which  he  dilates  at  length  on  the  origin 
of  the  war.  On  that  subject  it  contains  as  many  lies  as  lines;  as  we  are  informed  by  the 
Minister  and  others  who  have  re^td  it;  and  from  our  time  to  his,  bs  ffw  facts  as  leaves.  It  ia 
to  be  embellished  with  an  oil  painting.  We  shall  not  question  what  sort  of  birds  are  in  the 
woods,  nor  what  species  offish  resort  the  rivers  here;  nor  the  h-nglh  and  breadth  of  the  land. 
All  this  is  mere  copy,  and  has  beea  long  aj;o  described  oy  others.  It  may,  indeeci,  be  asked, 
how  it  comes  that  the  Director  can  so  aptly  describe  all  localities  and  the  nature  of  the 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IIL 


218 


animals,  since  iiis  Honor  in  tlie  six  or  seven  years  he  lias  been  residing  at  the  Manhatans,  has 
never  been,  in  this  country,  farther  from  his  iiitchen  and  bedchamber  than  half  way  up  the 
aforesaid  Island. 

But  laying  all  the  preceding  aside,  we  shall  still  have  to  inquire,  namely — Were  we  not  at 
peace  with  all  those  surrounding  Indians  on  the  24'''  February,  1643,  at  the  time,  we  say, 
when  the  Director  kept  Shrovetide  with  three  of  his  cronies  at  one  of  their  houses,  on  which 
occasion  Jan  Dam  proposed  a  mysterious  toast,  and  a  few  days  after  which,  this  accurst  i  deed 
was  executed  by  the  murder  of  so  many  innocent  Indians  at  Pavonia  and  at  the  Manatans. 
Should  we  relate  all  the  circumstances  that  have  occurred  in  this  country  in  six  @.  seven  years, 
time  would  fail  us,  and  the  perusal  would  fatigue  jour  Honors.  But  with  your  permission  we 
shall  postpone  it  to  a  more  appropriate  time. 

Honored  Lords  !  This  is  what  we  have,  in  the  sorrow  of  our  hearts,  to  complain  of;  that 
one  man,  who  has  been  sent  out,  sworn  and  instructed  by  his  Lords  and  masters,  to  whom  he 
is  responsible,  should  dispose  here  of  our  lives  and  properties  at  his  will  and  pleasure,  in  a 
manner  so  arbitrary  that  a  King  dare  not  legally  do  the  like. 

We  shall  terminate  here,  and  commit  the  matter  wholly  to  our  God ;  who,  we  pray  and 
heartily  trust,  will  move  your  hearts  and  bless  your  deliberations,  so  that  one  of  these  two 
things  may  happen  ;  that  a  Governor  may  be  speedily  sent  with  a  beloved  peace  to  us ;  or,  that 
your  Honors  will  be  pleased  to  permit  us  to  return,  with  wives  and  children  to  our  dear 
Fatherland.  For  it  is  impossible  ever  to  settle  this  country  until  a  different  system  be 
introduced  here,  and  a  new  (Jovernor  sent  out  with  more  people,  who  will  settle  in  suitable 
places,  one  near  the  other,  in  the  form  of  villages  or  hamlets,  and  elect  from  among  themselves 
a  Bailiff  or  Sellout  and  Schepens,  who  will  be  empowered  to  send  their  deputies  and  give  their 
votes  on  public  affairs  with  the  Director  and  Council ;  so  that  the  entire  count.y  may  not  be 
hereafter,  at  the  whim  of  one  man,  again  reduced  to  similar  danger.  So  long  as  this  is  not 
done,  we  say,  the  rural  districts  can  never  be  cultivated.  We  respectfully  request  that  the 
aforesaid  may  be  taken  into  consideration.  We  remain,  as  we  are,  your  Honors'  faithful,  poor 
and  distressed  inhabitants  of  New  Netherland. 

Done  Manatans  this  26"'  October,  A"  1644. 

We  should  have  postponed  these  our  multitudinous  complaints  were  we  assured  that  our 
previous  letter  to  the  Hon''"  the  XIX.,  by  the  Blue  Cock,  bad  safely  arrived. 

(Signed)         JocHEM  T"  Civ-irR,  The  mark  ©—/—m  of 

IsACK  Allerton, 

This  ic  the  mark  —i  y  of 

Gerkit  Wolfkersen, 

made  by  himself. 
Cornelis  Melyn, 


Jacob  Stoffelsen, 

Thomas  Hall, 

Jan  Evertsbn  Bout, 
The  mark         p  of 

Barent  Dircksen, 
made  by  himself. 


U. 


Judgment  jtronounccd  by  Director  iituyvctant  on  Jochem  Pictcrscn  Kuyttr. 
1G47.  The  10  August  this  was  sent  to  my  house  by  the  clerk,  Jacob  Kieft. 


Whereas,  Jocliim  I'ietersen  Kuyter,  aged  60  years,  a  native  of  Ditmersen,  hath  presumed 
and  undertaken  to  threaten  with  the  finger  the  Hon"*'*  Director,  his  Chief,  here  in  the  meeting 


^ 


ft.    ;■ 


214 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


of  the  Eight  men,  who  were  assembled  as  a  Board,  and  to  say — When  he  had  doffed  the  coal 
with  which  his  Lords  and  Masters  had  cloathed  him,  he  will  then  certainly  have  him :  witness 
his  own  confession  dated  IG***  July  last,  when  he  said,  in  Our  court,  that  he  gave  some 
explanations  to  this  effect :  That  this  could  happen  only  when  Mynheer  had  taken  off  the  coat 
his  Lords  and  Masters  had  put  on  him  ;  and  the  abovenamed  Jochem  Pieterseu,  in  company 
with  one  Cornelis  Melyn,  drew  up,  prepared  and  wrote  a  false  and  libelous  letter,  dated  37 
October,  1644,  which  he  signed  with  Melyn  and  sent  over  in  the  name  of  the  Eight  chosen 
men,  to  the  Hon**''  Directors  of  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at 
Amsterdam,  wherein  they  clandestinely  and  most  scandalously  accuse,  injure,  criminate  and 
charge  the  late  Director  Kieft,  then  their  lawful  Governor  and  Chief,  with  divers  criminal 
misdeeds  as  is  and  can  still  be  more  fully  seen  and  read  in  the  original  and  authentic 
copy  thereof.  We  and  Our  Council  having  inquired  and  taken  testimony  as  to  the  truth  thereof, 
at  the  request  of  said  Director  Kieft,  it  is,  accordingly,  found  that  such  libelous  letter  is  in 
many  parts,  false,  lying  and  defamatory,  as  appears  and  is  proved  by  experience  and  by  the 
evidence  of  others  heard  to  the  number  of  fifteen ;  also,  by  the  confession  and  answers  of 
the  co-signers;  Therefore,  the  Fiscal  instituting  criminal  suit  and  process,  accuses  and 
convicts  the  aforesaid  Jochem  Pietersen  of  having  offended  against  the  Director's  quality 
and  falsely  injured  him  in  writing.  All  which  being  fully  examined,  weighed  and  every  thing 
being  maturely  observed  and  considered  by  the  Hon  Director  General  and  Council,  the 
aforesaid  perpetrated  offence  is  found  to  be  of  great  and  serious  importance,  and  not  to  be 
tolerated  or  endured  in  a  well  orutred  and  governed  Republic,  it  being  a  matter  of  very  evil 
consequence.  Therefore  the  Hon'"'*  Director  General  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  with  the  advice  of 
his  Hon'"'*  Council,  administering  justice  in  the  name  of  their  High  Mightinesses,  the  Lords 
States  General,  his  Serene  Highness,  the  Hoii'''«  Directors  of  the  incorporateu  West  India 
Company,  hath  condemned,  as  he  hereby  doth  condemn,  the  abovenamed  Jochem  Pietersen, 
to  a  banishment  of  three  consecutive  years,  and  to  depart  with  the  earliest  opportunity,  and  in 
addition,  to  pay  a  One  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  guilderp,  to  be  applied  one-third  for  the  Fisc, 
one-third  for  the  Church,  and  one-third  for  the  Poor.  Dismissing  the  Fiscal's  further  demand. 
Thus  done  and  enacted  at  the  Court  in  fort  Amsterdam,  in  .^ew  Netherland.  the  26"'  July, 
1647. 

Agrees  with  the  Book  of  Resolutions. 

( Signed )         Counelis  van  Tienhoven,  Secretary. 

All  the  abovewritten   Letters,  Declarations,  &c.,  are,  after  due,  careful  collation,  found  to 
agree  with  the  Originals  and  principals.     At  the  Hague,  the  17"  February,  1650. 

To  my  knowledge,     (Signed)     M.  Beeck.m an.  Notary  Public. 


<■■»..  ^ 


Jtesolutioiis  of  the  States  General  on  the  opening  of  Trade  in  New  Netherland, 

[  Vrom  ibe  Brgutor  of  Wot  India  AITdra,  1  ^S«— iSSl,  In  Ihe  Rojit\  ArrblfM  u  lh>  Uague.  ] 

Saturday,  IS'-  January,  1648. 
NewT!i^.mi        '^^^  seventh  and  last  section  of  the  Management  of  the  Company  which  treats 
i)7ife«n'''.''l'»?iJl'o  ^^  ^^^  Netherland,  is  taken  up,  and  resolved  to  open  the  trade  to  that  quarter, 
ullu'"""*"'"'""'  and  to  permit  individuals  to  export  thence  in  their  own  ships,  their  country 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:     IlL 


215 


produce,  grain,  flour,  fish,  -^nd  other  supplies.  But  innsmuch  as  some  discrepancy  exists 
between  the  members,  as  to  whether  this  exportation  shall  be  granted  alone  to  Brazil,  or 
indeed  to  all  of  the  Company's  districts,  except  Guinea  and  St.  Thomas,  they  are  requested  to 
consider  the  same  unt',1  next  Monday,  and  to  come  to  a  mutual  understanding. 


Folio  834. 


Monday,  20  January,  1648. 
Again  the  seventh  section  of  the  Management  is  taken  into  consideration,  and 
ex'i^ri  ihf"''OTuui'  it  is  icsolved  that  private  inhabitants  of  New  Netherland  shall  be  allowed  to 

Uy  prwiuce  to  Bra- 

zi!  *Dd  Angola.  export  their  country  produce  under  suitable  duty,  in  their  own  or  chartered  ships, 
to  Brazil  and  Angola,  on  these  following  conditions:  '  -st,  that  the  afoiesaid  ships,  when  in 
Brazil,  shall  not  be  at  liberty  to  return  back  with  sugars  to  New  Netherland  aforesaid,  but  shall 
let  themselves  be  chartered  directly  hither.  Secondly,  that  the  permit  to  proceed  to  Angola 
above  menti  .led,  shall  only  be  provisionally  granted,  and  that  for  the  time  that  the 
dispensation  sha'l  continue  in  regard  to  the  exportation  of  Slaves,  which  was  b' corded  on 
Thursday  last.  Thirdly,  that  those  willing  to  go  to  Angola,  shall,  previous  to  their  departure 
from  New  Netherland,  take  out  commission  and  permit  from  here,  and  also  give  security, 
similar  to  all  other  persons  trading  from  this  coi  ntry.  Mr.  Mortamer  alone  requested,  that 
before  the  passing  of  this  resolution,  he  may  communicate  its  contents  to  his  Chamber,  and 
learn  their  opinion  thereon. 


Wednesday,  6  February,  1648. 
Mr.  Mortamer  being  called  on  respecting  the  business  of  New  Netherland, 
he    consents    to    the    resolution    adopted    on    the    20"" 


Folio  827. 
The   retolutlDD  r*-    ,      , .        .       ,  ,        ... 

srHH^ting        New  hath    declared,    that 

Netherland,        ap- 

prored  by  Zwund.  January  last. 


Resolution  of  tlie  States  General  on  the  openint;  of  Trade  in  New  Netherland. 

[  rram  Um  BegMar  of  'rat  ladla  AIMn,  1688— tWI,  In  tha  Bojtl  ircbWaa  at  Iba  Ba(ua.  ] 

Monday,  10  February,  164S. 
Folio  is«.  The  considerations  of  the  Directors  and  principal  partners  of  the  Zealand 

Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company,  being  now  submitted  to  their  High  Mightineues, 


»     H 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  Complaints  against  Directors  Kieft  and 

Stuyvesant 

[  From  tba  Haglalar  of  Weat  India  AITWre,  1888-1661,  la  Iba  Boyal  AroliWaa  at  Iba  Hafaa.] 

Friday,  7""  February,  1648. 
rrirat."  ^mpiainu       ^^^ad   two    petitions   of  Jochem  JPieters"   C.  Melyn,  and    Michiel   Bu  quet, 
Tn"w  NethlTS^  complaining  of  the  Directors  Kieft;  and  Stuyvesant,  in  New  Netherland,  which 
are  referred  to  the  Directors  [of  the  West  India  Company,]  to  give  information  thereon. 


i      'y 


l! 


S16 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPXa 


pursuant  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  order  nnd  letters  diUed  xxx.  March,  1647,  on  the  subject 
of  the  redress,  management  nnd  trade  of  the  Directors,  for  thf  preserv  ition  nnd  maintenance  of 
the  aforesaid  Company.  With  a  view  to  grant  the  said  C  .npany,  with  the  newly  concedeii 
charter,  the  following  to  be  executed  and  maintained  according  to  order.  And  first  the  most 
principal  work,  etc. 

Foil.  m.  Tt  should  be  also  understood,  that  individuals  shall  be  at  liberty  to  export  to 

New  Neiheri«Dd.  Brazil,  lu  their  own  ships,  fish,  flour  nnd  country  produce,  the  growth  ot  that 
country  and  no  other,  in  the  manner  and  form  granted  in  the  next  preceding  article,  as 
stipulated  of  wines  and  oil,  on  such  duty  ns  is  paid  in  th>'  country  to  the  Company  on  he 
exportation  thereof,  on  condition  that  the  shins  from  Brazil  must  not  return  to  New  Netherland 
with  any  cargo,  but  come  directly  hither  with  their  freight ;  all  with  this  understanding,  that 
rotation  shall  be  observed  among  the  respective  Chambers  in  the  fitting  out  for  the  places 
within  the  Company's  charter:  whereunto  proper  rules  shall  be  also  enacted  here  to  the 
satisfaction  of  the  members. 


Monday,  10  February,  1648. 
RepiMln'r^iwt-  New  Netherland  can  never  be  a  source  of  profit  for  the  l  mpnny,  until  the 
jsfiheliMdf '"'*"'  population  from  our  country  be  encouraged  more  than  it  has  hilli.rto  been,  which 
can  be  effected  by  allowing  them,  in  addition  to  their  present  privilege,  to  export  their  fish, 
flour  and  produce,  the  growth  of  that  country  and  no  other,  to  Brazil,  in  private  or  the 
Company's  ships,  under  the  supervision  of  a  commissary,  to  be  placed  by  the  Company  on  board 
the  ships,  on  the  usual  Brazilian  duly  payable  at  the  lleciff  to  those  o!  the  Company  who  are 
to  be  ordered  to  allow  the  said  goods  to  be  disposed  of  there,  and  in  return  to  export,  at 
certain  duty,  from  Brazil  to  New  Netherland  and  not  elsewhere,  as  much  merchandise,  such  as 
Slaves,  by  direction  of  the  government,  so  that  the  sugar  trade  may  not,  by  that  means,  be 
diverted,  it  being  well  understood  that  in  loading  and  unloading,  they  shall  be  bound  to  b  ag 
the  goods  to  the  Company's  store. 


Report  on  the  Affairs  of  the  West  India  Company. 

[  From  tti«  Regltler  of  WmI  Indlm  Affaln,  1(188—1661,  in  Ihe  Royal  Arehlret  at  lh«  Hagti*.  J 

Summary  Report  of  what  has  been  done  for  the  improvement  of  the  declining 
ah'airs  of  the  West  India  Company  in  January  1C48. 

Folio  818.  Messrs.  van  der  Capellen  tho  Ryssel,  Beveren,  Bruininx,  Vett,  van  der  Hooick, 

HSSVIhi^'wi!;  Andree,  appointed  in  the  place  of  Mr.  Houbois,  van  der  Eyben, 

'"'"•  co^P""-  Commissioners  on  the  Redress  of  the  declining  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company, 
have  reported  in  virtue  of,  and  pursuant  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  resolution  of  the  22''  March 
1647,  adopted  before  granting  the  Charter  of  the  West  India  Company,  and  made  on  your  High 
Mightinesses'  letters  to  the  respective  Chambers  dated  }\  December  1647,  to  send  their  respective 
deputies  to  the  Hague  by  the  7""  January,  in  order  to  make  a  beginning  of  the  aforesaid  iiedress ; 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    III. 


817 


commenced  the  conference  on  the  g"-  of  January  with  the  Directors,  and  demanded  of  their 
deputies  the  condition  of  the  Company,  as  well  in  receipts  as  disbursements,  with  their  respective 
opinions  upon  the  reparation  of  the  decline  experienced  therein ;  and  thereupon  the  five 
Chambers  of  Amsterdam,  Zealand,  Maaze,  North  Quarter  and  Groeningen  delivered  in  their 
respective  opinions,  but  they  said  that  the  pertinent  statement  of  the  receipts  and  expenditure 
of  the  Company,  both  domestic  and  foreign,  was  not  ready. 

And  thereupon  we  requested  the  deputed  Accountants  Bloemert  and  Altingh  to  make  up  the 
Company's  aforesaid  statement,  and,  meanwhile,  the  said  opinions  of  the  respective  Chambers 
were  read. 

On  the  4"'  February  the  Accountant  Altingh  delivered  in  a  statement  of  the  Company's 
expenditures  and  income  in  Bra3il  from  January  1647  to  January  1648,  from  which  it  appears 
that  the  Company's  expenses  for  that  year  were  Eleven  to  Twelve  Tons  of  Gold,'  and  the 
income,  on  the  other  hand,  from  an  uncertain  source  io  provisionally  estimated  at  four  tons  of 
Gold  N"  1 ;  from  which  the  total  ruin  and  decline  of  the  Company  is  to  be  expected,  if  prompt 
provision  be  not  immediately  made  against  it. 

And  whereas  the  present  statement  was  made  up  at  the  time  of  the  Portuguese  rebellion  in 
Brazil,  in  the  lowest  condition  of  that  conquest,  your  High  Mightinesses'  Commissioners  also 
-•nquested  of  the  Accountants  the  statement  of  the  Company's  receipts  and  expenditure  in  Brazil, 
previous  to  the  rebellion,  in  order  to  ascertain  whether,  in  case  of  the  re-establishment  of 
Brazil,  means  are  to  be  found  for  the  support  of  the  Military,  w  Inch  are  needed  for  the 
preservation  of  that  conquest,  and  the  annexed  statement  No.  2,  was  delivered  in  by 
the  Accountants.  It  appears  therefrom,  that  the  public  expenses  for  the  re-establishment  of 
Brazil  were  not  incurred  in  vain ;  especially  as  that  statement  does  not  include  considerable 
returns  yet  to  arrive  from  Angola,  Guinea,  and  St.  Thomas,  if  these  coasts  are  properly  traded. 

Besides  that,  the  Provinces  have  no  better  guarantee  for  the  maintenance  of  peace  with  the 
King  of  Spain,  than  in  the  preservation  of  the  conquests  in  Brazil ;  because,  from  that  point  can 
be  invaded  and  ravaged  the  King  of  Spain's  possessions  in  the  West  Indies  and  South  Sea, 
from  whence  he  yearly  derives  his  greatest  supplies  of  Gold  and  Silver;  so  that  he  could  not 
have  suflScient  power  to  molest  or  endanger  these  United  Provinces  with  a  numerous  army. 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  Commissioners  have  held  divers  Conferences  on  the  subject  of  the 
redress  of  the  decline  and  the  arrest  of  the  farther  decay,  and  thereunto  examined  the 
management  of  the  Company  in  the  matter  of 

1"  Trade. 

S""*  Retrenchment. 

3"*  Support,  or  regular  finance  of  receipts  and  expenses  for  subsistence. 

4"'  Government,  foreign  and  domestic,  for  the  establishment  of  a  good  police,  and  a  regular 
force  by  land  and  water. 

And,  hereupon,  were  divers  good  opinions  brought  in,  as  is  to  be  seen  from  the  report 
(No.  3)  of  the  business  transacted  thereupon,  from  the  9  January  to  the  ll""  February;  the 
opinions  of  the  five  Chambers  of  Amsterdam,  Zealand,  Maaze,  North  Quarter  and  Groningen 
No.  4 :  with,  likewise,  the  general  report  ( No.  6 )  drawn  up  from  the  aforesaid  opinions  of  the 
five  Chambers,  and  of  the  delegates  from  Holland,  with  the  considerations  of  the  actual 


'  A  toD  of  gold  is  equal  to  on<  hundrad  thouund  guilden  ($10,000)  —  Siwau. 


Vol.  I. 


28 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


// 


/A'//  /  ^°  ^4§ 


1.0 


I^IM    12.5 


■10 


i^  IIM 


=     1^  1^    111112.2 


I.I 


SB.  ft 

t   ^    1112.0 


u 


18 


1.25 


iii  11114 


V. 


/# 


7 


c* 


X-^ 


e 


:^  > 


^J>.^ 


<SS*v, 


/A 


S^'S"        'f  ''^^ 


.<  .^  '  m 


Photographic 

Sriences 
Corporation 


w 


V 


^ 


m^ 


\ 


;\ 


13  WIST  MAIN  STfillT 

WnSTIR.N.Y    14SB0 

(716)  172-4503 


'^ 


p  ^^ 


% 


^/. 


Itf! 


218 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


%^\ 


deputed  Directors  (No.  6)  entered  in  the  margin  thereof,  and  the  opinion  of  ihe  Company's 
Chamber  of  Accounts,  No.  7. 

But  inasmuch  as  *he  execution  of  the  orders  in  said  relation  contained,  requires  length  or 
lapse  of  time,  your  High  Mightinesses'  Commissioners  therefore  would  sub.nit  whether  some 
prompt  means  ought  not  to  be  provided,  in  consequence  of  this  unfavorable  condition  of 
Brazil,  to  prevent  the  further  unnecessary  and  unprofitable  decline  of  the  Company. 

And  in  order  that  the  Military,  which  have  now  been  sent  out  at  great  public  expense 
for  the  recovery  of  Brazil,  may  have  the  means  of  maintaining  their  lives,  and  thus  be  the 
more  encouraged  and  strengthened,  in  order,  with  the  help  of  God  the  Lord,  bravely  to  execute, 
with  the  old  soldiery,  what  they  are  sent  out  for. 

And  your  High  Mightinesses'  Commissioners  hereunto  would  propose,  as  prompt  means:— 

1°  A  reduction  of  expenses  both  at  home  and  abroad,  and  with  this  view,  the  stoppage 
and  cessation  of  the  yearly  allowance  of  Eighty-eight  Directors  and  their  attendants  (suppootten), 
which  amounts  to  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  guilders,  according  to  the  return  of 
the  Accountants  Oenernl,  No.  8. 

And  in  order  that  the  Company  may  not  remain,  in  the  meanwhile,  without  a  government, 
the  places  of  the  Accountants  ought  to  be  increased  (tuppleren)  to  six  in  number,  agreeably 
to  the  plan.  No.  9,  of  an  honorable  Patriot  who  has  long  served  the  Company  as  Director  and 
is  well  acquainted  with  its  condition. 

And  to  carry  out  the  said  plan  it  will  be  necessary  to  depute,  in  place  of  twelve,  nineteen 
Directors,  to  wnom,  with  the  six  accountants,  the  management  should  be  provisionally 
committed  for  a  year  or  two,  with  such  instruction  as  will  be  found  necessary  lor  the  redress 
and  removal  of  abuses  and  the  maintenance  of  order. 

And  hereunto  m:ght  be  appointed,  from  the  Amsterdam  Chamber,  six  Directors,  including 
two  from  the  outside  chambers. 

From  the  Zealand  Chamber,  four  Directors;  three  from  thatof  Maaze;  three  from  the  North 
quarter,  and  three  from  Groeningen. 

The  Amsterdam  Chamber  ought  to  have  the  Advocate  with  two  clerks,  one  porter  and  two 
messengers. 

Each  of  the  other  Chambers  might  have  one  clerk,  acting  also  as  Book-keeper,  one  porter 
and  one  messenger,  the  expense  of  which  would  amount  yearly,  according  to  the  rate  of  pay 
now  given,  as  by  the  specification,  No.  8,  is  to  be  seen. 

These  six  Accountants  and  nineteen  Directors  should  have  the  management  and  control  in 
matters  of  trade,  finance,  returns,  munitions  of  war  and  stores,  etc.,  and  be  bound  to  render 
an  account  always  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  or  the  Commissioner  whom  your  High 
Mightinesses,  from  time  to  time,  may  nominate  thereunto,  of  their  Administration  as  well  as 
of  what  may  be  further  commanded  them. 

Of  the  lesser  number  of  Nineteen  Directors,  six  ought  to  reside  at  the  Hague  for  the  space 
of  three  months,  and  then  six  others,  which  Directors  shall  have  to  communicate  and  deliberate 
with  your  High  Mightinesses'  Commissioners  upon  all  that  is  resolved  to  repair  the  Company's 
decay,  so  that  by  the  continual  suggestions  of  the  six  Directors,  the  power  of  the  country  may 
be  used  in  execution  of  all  that  is  concluded  for  the  Company's  advantage. 

But  if  the  continued  residence  of  the  Directors  should  not  be  found  necessary,  they  cou'd 
be  notified  thereof. 


HOLLAND  DOCtMENTS:    UI. 


£19 


And  when  deliberating  on  future  important  affairs,  the  aforesaid  nineteen  Directors  could  be 
summoned  to  the  Hague,  in  order  provisionally  for  one,  two  or  three  years  to  do  the  business 
which  the  Assembly  of  the  Nineteen  is  wont  to  transact. 

The  reduction  of  the  Company's  foreign  expenses  in  Brazil  and  other  countries,  could  be 
effected  according  as  your  High  Mightine^jes  shall  resolve  upon  the  preceding  advice  of  these 
Accountants  and  Directors,  and  hereunto  appertains  the  plan,  No.  10,  laid  by  the  Chamber 
of  Accounts  in  June,  1645,  before  the  Assembly  of  the  Nineteen  at  Amsterdam.  It  appears, 
therefrom,  that  the  Company  at  home  and  abroad  might  save  yearly  Ten  tons  of  Gold. 

Atid  in  the  matter  of  the  reduction  of  unnecessary  foreign  expenses,  the  plan  is  important 
which  Director  Morthamer  submitted  at  the  request  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  Commissioners, 
whereby  the  Company  could  effect  a  yearly  saving  of  ninety-nine  thousand  guilders  by  the 
discharge  of  useless  servants  in  Brazil. 

The  best  and  greatest  oeconomy  consists  in  rendering  the  Company's  servants,  high  and  low, 
accountabfe  for  their  respective  offices,  so  that  they  shall  be  bound  to  vindicate  the  same,  and 
to  send  over  to  the  Chamber  of  Accounts  their  written  return  wiihin  one  month  after  the 
expiration  of  the  year,  to  be  examined,  balanced  and  corrected,  according  to  their  respective 
commissions,  for  the  settlement  of  the  same ;  which,  up  to  the  present  time,  has  not  been 
done  either  at  hums  or  abroad  according  to  order.  Thereby  has  the  Compaiy  got  into  this 
desolate  condition. 

2"  The  second  means  is,  that  the  Chambers  be  disposed  to  forthwith  undertake  their  eighteen 
turns  a  year,  according  to  the  regulation  of  the  Sg"-  April,  1038,  lying  in  your  High  Mightinesses' 
office,  and  send  to  Brazil  the  ships  thereunto  required  ;  and  this  in  conformity  to  the  agreement 
entered  into  between  the  Chambers,  at  the  Hague,  on  the  sixth  July,  1647. 

And  the  bett>?r  to  attract  provisions  and  other  necessaries  to  Brazil,  the  freights  ought  to  be 
reduced  one-third  for  the  tirst  two  months,  and  afterwards  one-fourth  for  the  two  succeeding 
monlhi. 

The  duties  on  the  goods  might  be  left  provisionally,  at  their  present  rates. 

It  is  necessary  that  there  be  added  to  the  turns  in  rotation,  two  Galiots  at  Land's  end,  to 
convey  hither  tne  advices  respecting,  and  from,  Brazil  during  the  employment  of  the  Military 
for  the  recovery  of  that  place. 

3.  The  third  means  is,  that  an  effort  be  made  to  promote  trade  to  the  Caribbean  islands, 
according  to  the  regulation  concluded  thereupon,  and  as  it  is  hoped  three  or  four  tons  of  gold 
will  be  yearly  realized  from  such  trade,  that  the  proceeds  be  applied  to  the  interest  of  the 
principal  and  obligations  which  have  been  raised  in  ready  money  for  the  Company.  In  this 
way  new  credit  is  established  for  the  Company,  and  in  consideration  of  payment  of  the 
interest,  no  pledges  of  wares,  salaries.  Sec.,  of  whatever  description  will  follow.  The 
Accountant  ought  to  make  distinct  lists  of  all  thrse  obligations. 

4.  The  fourth  means:  It  will  contribute  essentially  to  the  support  of  the  Company  to  create 
a  commercial  stock,  in  conformity  with  your  High  Mightinesses'  resolution  of  the  87**  February 
1637;  whereunto  the  partners  ought  to  be  invited  to  subscribe  the  sum  of  Ten  hundred 
thousand  guilders,  for  the  purpose  of  trading  to  the  coast  of  Guinea,  St.  Thomas,  and  the  north 
coast  o(  Africa,  both  in  consideration  of  the  return  which,  through  God's  blessing,  is  to  be 
expected,  whenever  [means]  are  employed  according  vO  the  annexed  plan  of  the  Directors 
No.  18,  and  in  regard  of  the  great  assistance  afforded  by  your  High  Mightinesses  for  the 
restoration  of  Brazil. 


8 


';»l 


290 


NEW-yORK  COLONUL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


The  trade  and  commerce  to  Angola  is  with  the  special  permission  of  the  Chambers,  laid  open 
pursuant  to  a  certain  regulation,  for  two  years.  From  this  source  a  good  return  may  also  be 
expected  for  the  support  of  the  Company. 

The  trade  to  New  Netherlend  is  in  like  manner  opened,  in  order  that  the  grain  and  produce 
of  that  country  may  be  exported  to  other  places;  the  regulation  whereof,  as  well  as  of  the  trade 
to  Angola,  is  contained  in  the  gr-ieral  advice  of  the  respective  Chambers  under  No.  4. 

5.  The  fifth  means  is :  Assisting  the  Company  in  supporting  the  expenses  of  the  war  in  Brazil 
for  one,  two,  or  three  years.  For  this  purpose,  it  would  be  expedient  to  invite  the  Provinces 
to  aid  the  Company  in  this  difficulty  and  dilemma,  and  for  that  purpose  to  cause,  through  the 
Council  of  State,  the  Military  to  be  paid  from  the  subsidies  which  your  High  Mightinesses 
promised  the  Company  to  defray  the  heavy  war  expenses  both  by  land  and  water ;  and  which 
are  still  in  arrears,  according  to  the  statement  (No.  13)  delivered  in  by  the  Accountants,  to  the 
amount  of  seventy-four  tons  of  gold,  and  fifty-one  thousand  six  hundred  and  fifty-nine  guilders ; 
on  which  promise,  the  capital  was  increased  by  the  stockholders. 

And  this  will  not  fall  so  heavily  on  the  Provinces  as  did  the  million  of  money  which  wa« 
paid  in  various  years  for  the  execution  of  the  designs  of  the  army. 

And  the  aforesaid  subsidies  would  tend  to  the  r-^covery  and  preservation  of  a  mighty  Kingdom, 
to  the  security  of  this  state  against  all  hostile  machinations,  and  to  the  enlarging  of  a  wished 
for  trade  in  sugars,  Brazil  wood  and  other  costly  wares. 

Which  Military  could  afterwards,  when  Brazil,  through  the  blessing  of  God  the  Lord,  shall  be 
reduced,  be  paid  out  of  the  tenths  and  the  proceeds  from  the  farming  of  the  revenues  accruing 
in  brazil,  as  is  to  be  seen  by  the  balance  sheet  of  the  Brazil  receipts  and  expenses  for  the 
year  1643,  No.  2,  previously  mentioned.  From  which  balance  sheet  it  is  to  be  seen  that 
the  revenue  of  Brazil  was  eight  tons  of  gold  and  sixty  thoueand  guilders,  more  than  the 
expenses  of  that  year. 

6.  The  sixth  means  is  :  The  collection  which  the  Directors  have  to  make  from  time  to  time, 
of  the  Company's  old  outstanding  debts  in  Brazil;  these,  by  rough  computation  of  the 
Chambers,  should  amount  to  between  sixty  and  seventy  tons  of  gold ;  and  by  the  extractor 
Pieler  van  der  Hagen,  late  councillor  in  Brazil,  were  estimated  at  seventy-nine  tons  of  gold 
( No.  14).  The  AccountanU  can  inquire  into,  and  make  pertinent  report  hereupon,  according  to 
the  evidence  of  those  who  are  acquainted  therewith,  so  that  such  collection  may  be  made  from 
time  to  time,  when  Brazil  is  restored,  and  further  abuses  therein  be  prevented  at  the  fight  time. 
The  required  indemnity  for  damages  committed  in  Brazil  by  the  Portuguese  and  Rebel 
inhabitants  in  sugars,  houses,  mills,  gold,  silver,  cattle,  etc.,  since  the  year  1646.  estimated 
by  the  Directors  in  the  conference  with  the  Ambassador  of  Portugal,  at  over  one  hundred 
tons  of  gold,  will  also  help,  in  its  time,  as  far  as  its  amount  goes,  to  the  diminution  of  the 
Company's  burdens. 

And  the  undertaken  recovery  of  Brazil  being  successful,  a  portion  of  the  Company's  old  debt 
could  be  paid  from  this  income. 

But  in  order  to  maintain  the  Company's  credit  by  some  provisional  payment  of  the  more 
urgent  debts,  those  of  the  Provinces  might  demand  five  tons  of  gold  in  diminution  of  the 
arrears  of  the  aforesaid  promised  subsidy,  menti(  ned.  No.  13. 

And  from  the  stockholders  might,  also,  be  demanded  a  like  five  tons  of  gold ;  which  aforesaid 
five  tons  of  gold,  with  the  ten  before  mentioned  for  the  .rade,  might  be  raised  by  an  installment 
from  the  stockholders  of  nice  per  cent. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS  t    Ul. 


221 


7.  The  seventh  means  is:  The  prosecution  of  the  Salt  trade  at  Punto  del  Rey.  which  might 
by  inductive  means,  be  facilitated  by  the  Spanish  plenipotentiaries  before  the  ratification  by 
our  plenipotentiaries,  of  the  Treaty  of  Peace  at  Munster;  the  rather,  as  the  inhabitants  of 
Spain  do  not  draw  any  salt  from  Punto  del  Rey. 

It  is  necessary  that  the  cultivation  of  wheat  and  other  produce  be  promoted  for  the  support 
of  the  inhabitants  and  soldiers  of  Brazil,  as  soon  as  any  provinces  shall  be  reduced  ;  and  it  will 
be  expedient  that  the  Supreme  Council  be  written  to  immediately  on  the  subject,  so  an  to 
advance,  as  much  as  possible,  the  cultivation  of  the  soil,  according  to  the  previous  resolution 
of  the  XIX. 

In  like  manner,  the  Directors  ought  now  and  again  pay  attention  that  agriculture  and 
population  be,  from  time  to  time,  encouraged  in  New  Netherland  as  well  as  in  Brazil;  pursuant 
to  the  resolution  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  as  the  same  will  tend  to  the  public  advantage 
and  special  prevention  of  the  decay  of  the  Company,  and  relieve  the  latter  from  sendinir 
over  provisions. 

The  Commissioners,  with  this  report,  deliver  the  papers  therein  mentioned,  with  the 
commissions  from  the  respective  Chambers,  to  the  deputed  Directors  with  whom  they  have 
acted,  as  is  to  be  seen  by  the  annexed  register. 

or»."S.'«.f;i^  Which  being  taken  into  consideration,  their  High  Mightinesses  have  thanked 
«dinga.p«u  the  above  mentioned,  their  Commissioners,  for  and  on  account  of  the  trouble 
taken  in  the  aforesaid  business,  and  the  Deputies  of  the  respective  Provinces  have  requested 
copy  of  the  foregoing  Report  and  papers  thereunto  appertaining,  which  is  hereby  accorded; 
and  it  18  unanimously  recommended  in  an  especial  manner,  that  they  take  the  trouble  to 
exert  themselves  and  use  al.  their  influence,  either  verbally,  or  in  writing,  with  the  Lords 
their  respective  principals,  in  order  most  speedily  to  effect  the  same  and  to  receive  favorable 
provincial  opinions  from  their  respective  principals. 

Inventory  of  the  Papers  delivered  in  with  the  Report  on  the  redress  of  the  West 
India  Company.    ( Thus  •  marked,  have  not  been  copied.) 

N»  !.•  Balance  sheet  for  Brazil,  from  the  year  1647,  to  the  year  1648. 
N"  2.»  Statement  of  the  year  1643,  in  Brazil. 

N"  3.*  Report  of  the  business  from  the  9""  January,  to  the  11*  February. 
N"  4.»  Opinion  of  five  Chambers,  to  wit.  Amsterdam,  N«  1 ;  Zealand,  9 ;  the  Maaze,  3 ;  North 
Quarter.  4;  Groningen,  5. 
N-  6.  General  Report  drawn  up  from  the  aforesaid  opinions  of  the  five  Chambers. 
N»  6.  Advice  of  the  Lords  of  Holland,  with  remarks  of  the  respective  Chambers  in  the  margin. 
N"  7.  Advice  of  the  Company's  Chamber  of  Accounts, 

N»  8.»  Statement  of  the  Chamber  of  Accounts,  respecting  the  salaries  of  Directors  and 
their  attendants. 

N°  9.»  Plan  of  an  honorable  Patriot  en  the  reduction  of  the  Directors. 

N"  10.«  Plan  of  the  Chamber  of  Accounts  for  the  saving  of  ten  tons  of  grid;  rendered  in 
June,  1646. 

N°  H.«  Plan  of  Director  Morlhamer,  for  saving  ninety-nine  thousand  guilders,  in  unnecessary 
services  in  Brazil.  ' 

N-  12.»  Plan  of  the  Directors  for  the  trade  to  Guinea,  St.  Thomas  and  the  North  coast  of  Africa. 
N"  13.»  Statement  of  the  Arrears  of  the  subiidies  amounting  to  seventy-four  tons  of  gold  and 
fifty-one  thousand,  six  hundred  and  fifty-nine  guilders. 


^'ili 


roMo  8<S. 
6«B«nl  B<port. 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRlPTa 

N»  14.»  Extract  of  Pieter  van  der  Hagen's  account  of  debts  due  the  Company,  to  the  amount 
of  seventy-nine  tons  of  gold. 

N»  15.»  Commissions  of  the  respective  Chambers  for  the  business  respecting  the  redress  of 
the  West  India  Company. 

(No.  5.)  Memoir  to  serve  for  a  general  Report  of  the  Directors  deputed  by  the  respective 
Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company,  in  the  matter  of  Superintendencey 
Retrenchment,  Reform  and  Support  of  said  Company,  compiled  from  the 
special  opinions  rendered  by  said  Chambers,  and  some  resolutions  adopted 
since  the  delivery  of  the  same. 

The  business  transacted  and  returned  by  the  aforesaid  respective  Chambers, 
is  founded  on  a  certain  letter  of  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General, 
dated  3"*  March,  1S47,  and  referring,  according  to  the  tenor  thereof,  to  three  points  especially: 
Bnp«rinifnrt«D<!y,     First  point.  Of  supcrintendance ;    second  point.  Of  retrenchment  and  reform : 

•oonomj  and  i*"  ,  .     «         ,  >-^ « 

*«•  third  point.  Of  support. 

First  point — Of  Supbrintendencb. 

What  relates  to  superintendence.  It  vras  heretofore  considered,  that  it  had  reference 
particularly  and  exclusively  to  the  the  trade  and  commerce  prosecuted  by  the  Company,  or  by 
individuals  with  the  Company's  permission,  within  the  limits  and  districts  of  the  charter, 
whence  have  arisen  a  great  many  disputes  up  to  this  time  among  the  Chambers;  but  such 
order  has  at  present  been  provisionally  made  therein,  as  can  be  deduced  'rom  tiie  following. 

The  principal  place  of  trade  is  Brazil,  respecting  which,  the  deputed  Directors  resolved  on 
the  6""  July,  1647,  that  said  coast  shall  continue  to  be  frequented  and  traded  to,  in  the  manner 
and  order  heretofore  in  force,  to  wit :  that  the  trade  shall  be  free  and  open  to  all,  on  condition, 
however,  that  all  wares  and  merchandisps  shall  have  to  be  brought  into  the  Company's  stores, 
and  exported  in  ships  owned  or  chartered  by  the  Company,  subject  to  the  duties  and  freights 
thereon,  ail  by  the  respective  Chambers  in  rotation ;  it  is,  however,  to  be  here  observed,  that 
the  Chember  of  Westfriesland  and  North  Quarter  submitted  divers  sound  considerations  on 
this  point,  which  can  be  further  examined  at  a  proper  time,  and  also  be  taken  up  and  put  into 
practice  according  to  circumstances. 

Order  and  Reg  lation  of  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  made 
at  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX,  with  the  approbation  of  the  High  and  Mighty 
Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherip  „  by  and  pursuant  to  which 
each  and  every  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Lnited  Provinces  shall  be  at 
liberty  to  trade  to  certain  parts  hereinafter  mentioned,  within  the  limits  of 
the  above  named  Company's  charter,  whether  to  attack  or  injure  the 
enemy,  or  to  export  salt,  timber,  tobacco,  cotton,  &c.,  as  well  as  other  wares 
or  merchandises,  the  growth  thereof. 

1. 
roHoSM.  First,  we  hereby  declare  that  we  annul   and  quash  ell  former  orders  and 

Rrfnlfillnn   of    ihe  .      .  ,  ,  .  .    i         ., 

r"?m'uie'i'"1IP'"  '^Ku"*''"""'  hy  and  pursuant  to  which   all  ships  iu  the  respective   provinces, 
ofuieir.d..  whether  armed  or  unarmed,  offensive  or  defensive,  or  engaged  in  private  trade, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS!    III. 


238 


!:1  'S    'JLi 


carrying  timher,  salt,  tobacco,  cotton  or  other  fruits  and  wares,  the  growth  thereof,  were 
empowered  to  resort  to  certain  parts  within  the  charter  of  the  West  India  Company,  howsoever, 
and  at  whatever  time  they  might  have  been  enacted,  published  and  executed ;  and  do  enact, 
decree  and  ordain  anew,  that  the  ships  of  the  aforesaid  inhabitants  shall  be  at  liberty 
henceforth  to  sail  in  the  West  Indies,  to  wit,  from  the  River  Oronoco,  westward  along  the  coast 
of  Paria,  Cumana,  Venezuela,  Carthagena,  Porto  Bello,  Honduras,  Campeachy,  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico  and  the  coast  of  Florida ;  also,  between  and  around  all  the  Islands  situate  within  the 
said  district,  even  to  Curasao,  Buenaire  and  Aruba,  without  being  at  liberty  to  go  further 
eastward  on  the  Wild  Coast,  much  less  to  the  Amasons  or  Maraigum,  nor  more  northerly  than 
Cape  Florida,  nor  for  any  cause  or  in  any  wise,  to  be  at  liberty  to  resort  to  the  Virginias, 
New  Netherland,  New  France,  and  other  places  lying  thereabout,  or  to  be  able  to  go  to  or  on 
the  coasts  of  Africa,  Brazil  or  elsewhere,  wheresoever  it  may  be,  where  the  Company  trades, 
under  a  penalty,  for  whomsor  tot  shall  infringe  or  act  contrary  to  the  same,  of  forfeiting  ship 
and  goods,  which  everywhere,  even  without  previous  prosecution,  shall  be  seized  and  held  as 
forfeit  for  the  Company's  behoof;  and  in  case  such  ships  or  goods  be  sold,  or  run  into  other 
countries  or  harbors,  the  "kipperp,  owners  or  charter-party,  shall  have  execution  issue  against 
them  for  the  value  of  said  ships  and  goods,  according  to  the  first  article  of  the  charter. 

S. 

The  ships  which  will  repair  to  the  before  mentioned  permitted  parts  within  the  charter,  must 
be  provided  with  clearance  and  authority  from  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company, 
at  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX,  which  shall  be  issued  to  the  skippers,  owners  or  charter-party,  in 
the  Chamber  from  which  they  shall  conclude  to  send  out  their  respective  ships,  under  the 
penalty  that  those  who  let  their  ship  or  ships  sail  without  the  aforesaid  clearance  and  authority, 
shall  fall  within  the  meaning  of  the  first  article  of  the  charter  granted  to  the  West  India 
Company,  and  be  accordingly  forthwith  treated  as  contraveners ;  and,  also,  before  obtaining 
such  permit,  a  pertinent  return  must  be  made  of  the  name  of  the  captain  or  skipper,  also  the 
name  and  tonnage  of  the  ships,  with  their  guns  and  men ;  and  as  it  is  not  intended  to  license 
the  ship  or  ships,  returned  in  manner  as  aforuiaid,  merely  to  trade  in  or  carry  timber,  salt, 
tobacco  or  cotton,  and  all  other  wares  and  merchandises,  the  growth  of  the  aforesaid  limits, 
but  it  is,  also,  designed  to  commit  offensively  and  defensively,  every  hostility  and  damage  on 
the  King  of  Castile's  subjects,  they  shall  be  also  obliged  to  take  with  them  a  commission  from 
his  Highness  the  Lord  Prince  of  Orange,  as  Captain  Admiral  General  together  with  the  permit 
of  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  and  for  further  ecurity  of  their  precise 
observance  of  the  tenor  of  the  obtained  commission  and  of  this  regulation,  they  shall  be 
bound,  in  addition  to  the  obligation  stated  in  the  preceding  article,  to  enter  sufficient  bail 
at  the  Chamber  where  they  will  receive  the  permit  in  the  prescribed  form,  on  pain,  if  found 
neglecting  so  to  do,  of  being  debarred  from  all  license,  in  the  same  manner  as  if  none  had  ever 
been  granted  them,  and  of  being  subject  to  the  fine  and  forfeit  hereinbefore  mentioned. 


B 


*. 


And  the  aforesaid  ships  shall  be  bound  to  take  on  board  one  Supercargo  to  whom,  pursuant 
to  the  resolution  of  the  XIX.  adopted  the  4  October  1643,  shall  be  given  instruction  and 

commission  at  the  Chamber  where  the  aforesaid  ships  , who  shall  have  his  berth 

and  table  ia  the  cabin,  at  ths  expense  of  the  ship  and  her  owners,  his  monthly  wages  being 


if4 


NEW-YORK  COLOr^IAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


a  km 


paid  by  the  Company,  and  the  aforesaid  Siupercargo  shall  be  treated  with  due  respect  and 
propriety  as  well  by  the  skippers  as  their  officers  and  crew;  and  if  any  ill  treat  him  in 
any  wise  either  by  word  or  deed,  the  skippers  and  their  officers  promise  to  be  aiding  unto  him 
for  his  protection. 

4. 

The  skippers  being  desirous  to  take  with  them,  in  the  outward  voyage,  any  good.,  wares  or 
merchandise  in  the  aforesaid  ships,  whether  as  their  own  freight,  or  on  commission,  shall  make 
true  entry  thereof  to  the  Company  by  notice  under  their  hand,  and  afterwards  break  bulk  in 
their  stores,  that  such  goods  may  be  inspected  and  marked  with  the  Company's  mark,  and  pay 
therefor  the  amount  of  the  public  convoy  according  to  the  list,  before  they  can  take  such  gooda 
on  ship  board. 

6. 

The  aforesaid  ships,  on  perceiving  or  meeting  any  vessels  belonging  to  the  King  of  Castile's 
subjects  and  adherents,  may  attack  and  master  them  either  offensively  or  defensively, 
but  shall  not  be  at  liberty  to  attack  or  injure  any  of  the  Allies,  or  Inhabitants  of  the  United 
Provinces  ;  they  shall  be  obliged  to  observe  strictly  their  aforesaid  Commissions  from  the  Lord 
Prince  of  Orange,  as  they  are  especially  bound,  in  the  aforesaid  bailbonds  to  do. 

6. 
They  shall  be  also  bound  to  strike  on  meeting  with  the  West  India  Company's  ships,  and 
to  exhibit  their  permit,  authority,  and  commission,  and  as  long  as  they  remain  with  the  latter 
they  must  submit  to  the  flag,  without  setting  up  any  claim  to  either  part  or  portion  of  the 
prizes  which  may  be  captured  in  their  presence,  unless  they  be,  by  the  Admiral  General  or 
Commander  of  the  said  Company's  ships,  expressly  requested  to  assist,  in  which  case  the  prizes 
which  shall  have  been  captured  by  the  Company's  ships  and  them  conjointly,  shall  be  equally 
divided  according  to  the  ship's  equipment,  guns  and  force,  and  from  their  portion  shall  moreover 
be  paid  the  Company's  share,  according  to  the  rate  of  profit  they  shall  happen  to  derive  from 
such  prizes,  as  hereinafter  according  to  Articles  ten  and  twelve. 


And  in  case  any  of  the  Company's  ships  propose  to  make  an  attack  on  any  of  the  enemy's 
places  or  ships,  and  find  some  privateers  also  desirous  to  make  the  attempt,  the  said  privateers 
must  desist  and  permit  the  Company's  ships  to  proceed  uninterrupted  with  their  expedition  ; 
or  if  acting  contrary,  shall  be  subject  to  a  forfeit  of  ship  and  goods,  to  be  confiscated  for  the 
Company's  benefit. 

8. 

Item ;  the  aforesaid  ships  will  be  at  liberty  to  sell  and  dispose,  within  the  before  described 
limits  of  the  charter,  the  goods,  wares  and  merchandise  they  take  with  them,  and  in  return  to 
buy,  obtain  and  take  in  others  such  as  Timber,  Salt,  Tobacco,  Cotton,  Hides  etc.,  the  produce 
of  those  parts,  either  on  their  own  account,  or  as  freight  or  on  commission,  and  bring  them 
over  held  in  their  ships. 

9. 

Further,  the  skippers,  or  in  their  stead  the  owners  anJ  freighters,  shall  be  bound,  at  the 
time  of  the  return  of  tb"  ships,  before  they  break  bulk,  to  address  the  Directors  at  the  Chamber 
or  place  from  which  they  sailed,  and  by  manifest  under  their  signature  must  correctly  return 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IIL 


S25 


the  quantity  or  quality  of  the  prizes  or  goods,  wares  and  merchandises  which  they  will  have  taken, 
traded,  or  received  on  charter  during  the  voyage,  and  then  with  the  consent  of  said  Directors 
discharge  the  aforesaid  goods  and  bring  them  into  the  Company's  stores  to  be  inspected, 
computed  and  weighed,  and  shall  not  be  at  liberty  to  remove  them  thence  before  the  duties 
and  other  the  Company's  dues  shall  be  satisfied  in  kind  or  money,  at  the  choice  of  the  Company, 
on  pain,  if  failing  herein,  to  be  treated  according  to  the  tenor  of  the  first  article. 

10. 

From  all  prizes  they  will  have  captured  from  the  enemy,  South  or  North  of  the  Tropic  of 
Cancer,  either  in  their  voyage  out  or  home,  which  shall  be  declared  good  prizes  by  the  Court 
of  Admiralty,  and  that  as  well  in  ships,  cannon,  as  in  goods,  without  any  exception,  they  shall 
pay,  as  a  recognition,  to  the  Company,  in  addition  to  his  Higlmess'  right,  twenty  per  cent, 
besides  all  rights  to  which  the  same  shall  be  bound  and  rated  as  Company's  prizes,  and  that 
from  the  nett  proceeds  to  he  realized  by  sale,  without  deducting  any  expenses  of  equipment 
or  otherwise ;  and  the  sale  of  the  captured  property,  munitions  of  war,  with  their  appurtenances, 
as  well  as  of  the  cargo,  must  be  effected  at  the  privateer's  expense. 

11. 

On  the  cargo,  whether  purchased  on  their  own  account,  taken  on  freight,  or  on  commission, 
there  shall,  in  addition  to  the  right  of  convoy  granted  by  the  public  tr  tiie  Company,  be  paid 
in  kind  or  money  at  the  Company's  choice  at  the  Chamber  or  place  as  aforesaid  from  which 
they  cleared,  as  stated  hereinbefore  in  article  ten. 

And  on  all  sorts  of  Red  dyewood.  Dried  Codfish,  Campeachy  wood,  ten  per  centum. 

Brazil  wood,  seven  and  a  half  per  cent. 

Lignum  vitre,  yellow  wood,  five  per  cent. 

On  Sugars,  one-third  part  shall  be  paid  in  kind. 

Imported  tobacco  shall  not  pay  for  convoy  and  recognition  any  more  than  sixty  stivers  per 
hundre''  pounds,  from  which  one-fourth  shall  be  deducted  as  allowance  for  stems,  rottenness, 
dampness  or  other  damage ;  but  the  foreign  tobacco  of  Marocive  shall  pay  twenty  guilders  per  " 
pound,  with  like  allowance. 

12. 

On  Salt  no  more  shall  be  paid  than  is  granted  to  all  inhabitants  of  this  province  by  agreement 
entered  into  (respecting  the  difference)  between  some  cities  of  the  North  Quarter  and  the 
Company,  with  this  understanding,  that  they  shall  pay  on  the  Salt  taken  from  places  where 
the  Company  hath  establishments,  according  to  the  order  already  made  and  hereafter  to  be 
concluded  thereupon. 

13. 

Cotton,  Hides,  and  all  other  wares  and  produce,  the  growth  of  the  West  Indies,  eight  per  cent. 

14. 
And  in  order  that  the  Inhabitants  of  these  United  Countries  may  be  at  liberty  to  trade  and 
sail  with  strange  and  foreign  ships,  so  shall,  likewise,  all  strange  and  foreign  vessels  bringing 
into  these  countries  Timber,  Salt,  Tobacco,  and  all  other  the  aforesaid  wares,  fruits  and 
merchandises  from  the  West  Indies  or  the  Limits  of  the  Charter  granted  to  the  Company, 
whether  on  their  own  account,  on  freight  or  on  commission,  convey  and  bring  the  same  into 
Vol.  I.  89 


226 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


the  Company's  stores  in  manner  as  in  article  ten  is  Jiereinbefore  recited,  and  accordingly 
pay  the  above  named  Company  the  convoy  and  such  other  duties  as  the  Inhabitants  and  ships 
of  these  countries  are  bound  to  do,  whether  such  foreign  and  strange  ships  come  direct  to  this 
country  from  the  West  Indies  and  limits  of  the  charter  in  order  that  their  freight  may  be 
brought  to  other  countries  or  kingdoms,  from  what  cause  soever  that  may  happen,  unless  the 
goods  were  obtained  in  exchange  from  the  owner  where  they  grew,  and  had  paid  the  duty 
there  imposed;  which  any  one  alleging,  he  shall  be  bound  sufficiently  to  prove  on  the 
importation  of  the  goods,  in  order  that  the  intention  of  the  State  and  the  Company  may  not 
be  frustrated  herein. 

15. 

All  skippers,  owners  and  freighters  of  ships  belonging  to  these  countries  trading  to  the 
aforesaid  permitted  Limits  of  the  Charter,  shall  be  bound  to  return  with  their  ships  and  all 
their  cargo,  and  captured  prizes  or  prize  goods,  to  this  country  to  the  Chamber  whence  they 
sailed,  under  the  penalty  of  the  ship  and  goods,  or  the  value  thereof,  to  be  recovered  as  in 
Articles  one  and  two,  without  being  allowed  to  discharge,  diminish,  trade  or  barter  by  the  way 
any  of  the  freighted  or  captured  goods,  wares  or  merchandises,  much  less  to  bring  them  over 
as  freight  for  others  to  any  where  else  than  this  country. 

16. 

It  is  further  resolved,  that  the  respective  Chambers,  each  among  themselves,  shall  be  at 
liberty  to  commission  one  or  more  persons  to  visit  and  search  the  outgoing  and  incoming 
vessels  ;  for  which  visit  and  search  the  general  Inspectors  in  the  public  service,  and  each  and 
every  of  them,  shall  be  also  qualified,  on  application  to  the  Company,  and  are  hereby  qualified, 
with  authority  on  finding  any  unentered  goods,  to  send  them  up  to  be  declared  seized  or 
confiscated  by  the  respective  Magistrates  of  the  Cities,  or  the  Court  of  Admiralty  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Company. 

17. 

Which  aforesaid  deputies  shall  have  power  to  search  any  ship  or  ships  entering  any  of  the 
ports  in  this  country,  to  place  on  board  at  least  two  trust-worthy  persons  as  watchmen,  so  that 
the  Company  may  not  be  defrauded  on  the  way  between  the  aforesaid  ports  and  the  destined 
places  of  unloading,  and  the  skippers,  officers  or  crew  shall  not  embarrass  the  afoiesaid 
watchmen  either  by  word  or  deed,  nor  obstruct  them  in  the  proper  discharge  of  Iheir  duty, 
under  a  penalty  of  ^50  flemish,  to  be  received,  one  half  by  the  officer  of  the  place  who  shall 
levy  execution,  and  the  other  half  by  the  injured  watchman,  and  the  skipper  shall  be 
responsible  for  his  men. 

18. 
And  in  order  that  each  and  every  one  shall  receive  information  and  notice  hereof,  we  have 
resolved  to  cause  the  same  to  be  notified  by  handbills  affixed  at  every  place  interested  therein, 
and  to  have  the  skippers,  owners  or  freighters  furnished,  for  their  information,  with  a  printed 
copy  of  this  Regulation,  signed  by  the  Directors,  together  with  the  Company's  permit  and 
authority,  at  the  Chamber,  where  the  latter  are  obtained,  receipt  whereof  the  skippers,  owners 
or  freigiiters  shall  acknowledge  on  the  Bailbond,  also  under  their  signature. 


HOLLAND  DOCtTMBNTSi    111. 


227 


19. 

On  the  return  of  the  ships  from  the  voyage,  the  skipper,  owner  or  freighter  shall  be  bound 
to  surrender  the  permit  or  authority  obtained  from  the  said  Incorporated  West  India  Company, 
together  with  the  commission  of  his  Highness,  the  Prince  of  Orange,  if  any  he  has  had,  back 
to  the  Chamber  whence  it  was  received  within  the  space  of  six  days,  on  pain,  in  case  of  failing 
herein,  of  paying  a  sum  of  three  hundred  guilders  of  XL.  groots  for  the  benefit  of  the  poor. 

20. 

Moreover,  in  order  that  this  Regulation  be  observed  and  enforced  by  those  of  the  West 
India  Company,  and  that  no  license  or  authority  to  trade  within  the  limits  of  the  Charter  be 
granted  except  by  those  of  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company  at  the  Assembly  of  the 
XIX.,  it  is  expressly  declared,  that  all  those  who  shall  sail  with  their  authority  to  the  permitted 
Limits  of  the  Charts/,  shall  be  instructed  and  authorized  to  demand  from  all  (ihipa  belonging 
to  this  country,  which  will  be  met  with,  in  those  parts,  their  license  and  commission,  and 
finding  them  without  that  of  the  General  Company  to  be  furnished  at  the  Assembly  of  the 
XIX.,  the  ships  provided  therewith  shall  be  empowered  to  drive  them  from  the  loading  or 
trading  places,  in  addition  to  the  penalty  incurred  by  them  for  the  Company's  benefit,  which 
the  skippers,  owners  or  freighters  thereof  shall  be  empowered  to  demand  again  from  those 
by  whom  such  were  licensed  and  commissioned. 

Thus  provisionally  enacted  and  resolved  by  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company 
at  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  with  the  approbation  of  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States 
General  of  the  United  Netherlands,  at  Middelburgh,  in  Zealand,  the  U*  October,  1646. 

f™.  t™*,.  7.  The  seventh  and  last  place  is  New  Netherland,  which  the  majority  consider 

will  be  best  benefited  by  granting  individuals  there  the  liberty  to  convey,  in  their  own  ships, 
their  country  produce,  grain,  flour,  fish  and  other  provisions,  from  thence  to  other  places  situate 
within  the  Company's  Charter,  on  proper  recognitions ;  which  liberty  some  members  restrict 
to  Brazil,  others  to  all  the  places  of  the  Charter,  except  Guinea  and  St  Thomas. 

Second  point — Op  Retrenchment  and  Reform. 
In  treating  of  the  second  point,  the  Chambers  unanimously  declare  they  are 
not  aware  but  this  has  been  studied  as  much  as  possible ;  yet  should  your  High  Mightinesses 
be  conscious  of  any  thing  to  the  contrary,  they  are  most  willing  to  submit  to  your  High 
Mightinesses'  discretion.  In  order,  however,  to  afford  some  opportunity  for  such  action,  these 
following  points  were,  by  one  and  the  other  Chamber,  submitted  for  consideration : 

1.  Whether  the  Company's  own  large  ships  ought  not  to  be  sold,  or  only  a  certain  number 
of  them  retained  ? 

2.  Ought  not  the  Company  disembarrass  itself  of  the  large  quantity  of  cannon,  &c.,  which 
is  still  here  and  there  among  the  Chambrrs  ? 

3.  Ought  not  the  dock  yards,  rope-walks  and  drug  stores  be  sold  ? 

4.  Could  not  the  number  of  Directors  be  reduced ;  or  salaries  which  they  receive,  diminished  ? 

5.  Ought  not  the  Provincial  and  City  Directors  be  domiciled  at  the  place  where  the 
Chambers  to  which  they  belong  are  located  ? 

6.  Could  not  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  be  held  less  frequently ;  and  would  it  not  be  better 
attended  here  ia  the  Hague  than  at  Amsterdam  and  Zealand  ? 


Retnncbment  ud 
Be  form. 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 

7.  Ought  it  not  be  resolved  that  all  goods  be  sold  for  current  silver  money? 

5.  Can  any  better  order  be  made  for  increasing  the  gold  from  Guinea  f 

9.  Must  the  defective  Chambers  supply  their  lists? 

10.  Ought  not  equalization  be  introduced  between  the  respective  Chambers? 

The  third  •point — Of  Ways  and  Means. 
8uM*t»iice.  In  order  to  allow  the  Company  to  recuperate,  and  to  subsist  for  the  future,  the 

respective  Chambers  consider  these  two  means  necessary. 

1.  First,  that  the  Brazilian  conquests  be  purged  at  the  public  charge  and  by  the  public  force; 
the  petition  for  six  thousand  men  is  to  that  effect. 

2.  Secondly,  that  it  ojght  to  receive  the  East  India  Company's  duties  to  the  amount  of 
fifteen  hundred  thousand  guilders,  pursuant  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  resolution.  In  addition 
to  these  general  means,  the  majority  of  the  Chambers  add  some  special  liieans  as  follows : — 

oa  neoiMitieritioa,      3.  Those  of  Zealand — that  the  public  ought  to  pay  the  arrears  of  the  subsidy 

the    DepiIlM   rwim  .  ,  I,        ,  ,  ' 

z««iu(f  Mj,  that  amounting  to  about  seventy  tons  of  sold. 

IhtiT  a>k  Ihe  afora-  °  JO 

"n«i  Z''crn,^nT      *'  ^^^  ^ote  a  now  additional  supply  of  seven  hundred  thousand  guilders  yearly 
ouaobaiatbyiudi  fo^  ^^6  term  of  the  new  charter. 

6.  Amsterdam. — That  the  State  ought  to  be  solicited  to  assume  the  responsibility  of  the 
Company's  obligations. 

6.  Maaze — That  in  addition  to  the  two  general  means,  the  State  ought  to  be  requested  to 
aid  the  Company  with  a  yearly  subsidy  of  three  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  guilders  for  the 
new  Charter,  on  account  of  the  old  subsidies;  and  these  three  means  being  realized, 
the  stockholders  ought  to  be  persuaded  to  advance  ten  per  cent  in  order  to  pay  the  old  debts 
and  to  liave  a  trading  fund. 

7.  West  Friesland  and  the  North  Quarter  are  of  opinion,  if  affairs  be  redressed  and  brought 
in  train  according  to  their  advice,  that  the  Company  will  be  sufficiently  able  to  exist  of  itself. 

8.  Stadt  en  Land '  requires  only  payment  of  the  subsidies  in  arrear,  in  addition  to  the 
general  means  hereinbefore  mentioned. 

These  are,  in  fact,  three  points  whereupon  run  the  opinions  of  the  respective  Chambers  each 
in  an  especial  manner ;  except  that  the  Zealand  Chamber  gave,  in  addition,  its  opinion  on 
the  articles  of  the  old  Charter,  as  they  ou^ht,  in  their  estimation,  be  altered  and  improved. 


Advice  of  the  Deputies  of  Holland,  with  the  opiniont  of  the  several  Chambers. 
N"»  6.  Advice  of  the  Deputies  of  Holland. 

Redress,     Retrenchment,    Subsistence 
and  Trade. 

To  the  Noble,  Great  and  Mighty  Lords,  the 
States  of  Holland  and  Westfriesland. 

Noble,  great  and  Mighty  Lords ! 

1. 

The  Members  deputed  at  the  Meeting  of  your        The    present    deputed    Directors    of    the 
Great  Mightinesses  by  your  resolution  of  the    respective    Chambers   of    the    West    India 


'  See  Note,  tupra,  p.  188. —  Ed. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    HI. 


329 


l'«  July,  1647,  to  attend  to  the  establishment 
of  good  and  proper  order  in  the  government  of 
the  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  and 
the  redresf.  of  all  such  matters  and  abuses  as 
might  have  been  found  to  exist  to  the  prejudice 
of  said  Company,  having  heard  the  verbal 
information  of  the  present  deputed  Directors 
of  the  aforesaid  Company,  and  read  and 
examined  the  written  remonstrance  to  them 
delivered — Item,  the  respective  written 
opinions  of  each  of  the  five  Chambers  of  said 
Company  in  particular,  and  of  all  its  Chambers 
conjointly  or  in  common;  also  of  the  deputies 
of  the  General  Chamber  of  accounts  of  the 
abovementioned  Company,  all  delivered  in  to 
the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of 
these  United  Netherlands  in  pursuance  of  their 
High  Mightinesses'  order  and  letter  of  the  30'* 
March,  1647 ;  Find,  that  for  the  restoration  of 
the  West  India  Company,  three  chief  points 
are  principally  to  be  considered,  to  wit.  First, 
the  Management  in  regard  to  Navigation 
and  Trade. 


Company,  having  pursuant  to  the  order  of  the 
deputies  of  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  Scates 
General,  examined  the  annexed  advice,  have 
adjoined  thereunto,  as  their  opinions,  what 
stands  noted  in  the  mnrgin  on  each  point 
thereof. 


^1 


Secondly,  Retrenchment  and  redress ;  and 
Thirdly,  Means  of  support;  and  that  upon  all 
these  points  very  good  suggestions  have  been 
made  in  the  written  Memoir  of  the  aforesaid 
joint  or  general  advice  of  the  deputed  Directors 
of  the  respective  Companies  whereunto  they 
refer,  except  that  certain  articles  relating  to 
hostility  or  enmity  shall  cease  in  time  of  peace. 


But,  under  correction  of  your  Great 
Mightinesses,  they  are  moreover  of  opinion, 
that  the  following  would  be  also  beneficial  and 
advantageous  to  the  aforesaid  Direction  :  That 
individuals  trading  to  Brazil  shall  cause  the 
duties,  freights  and  convoys  to  be  paid  in 
Brazil  to  six  Commissaries  to  be  appointed 
by  the  respective  Chambers,  with  certain 
instruction  to  be  drawn  up  for  said  Commis- 
saries, and  on  the  plan  more  fully  detailed  in 


u. 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCaiPTS. 


the  adv>^  of  t!ie  Chamber  cf  Westfriesland 
And  North  Quarter. 

4. 

Which  Commissaries  shall  pay  the  Military 
in  Brazil  on  the  footing,  and  according  to  the 
regulation,  laid  down  in  the  aforesaid  advice 
of  the  Chamber  of  Westfriesitnd  and  North 
Quarte:,  out  of  the  duties,  freights  and 
convoys;  also,  out  of  about  three  hundred 
thousand  guilders  to  be  seut  them  from 
Fatherl.^nd,  in  flour  and  other  dry  goods; 
out  of  the  recognitions  and  convoys  of  the 
country  produce  exported  by  permission  in 
private  vessels  fiom  New  Netherland  to  Brazil, 
and  out  of  the  Spanish  wines  and  oils  imported 
from  the  Islands,  also  out  of  the  three  per  cent 
on  the  goods  from  Angola,  pent  from  then^re 
to  Brazil,  in  consequence  of  want  of  sale,  and 
fro  /I  i.ie  30  and  50  florins  per  h^ad,  od  each 
slave  respectively. 

0. 

Your  Great  Mightinesses'  deputies  being  of 
opinion  that  for  the  tenths  of  the  sugars,  duty, 
freight  and  convoy,  the  Chambers  in  this 
country  shall  receive,  ut  the  lowest  calculation, 
one  naif  in  kind ;  that  is,  of  two  chests,  one. 

6. 

Also,  that  30  wet  wares  shall  be  sent  on  the 
Company's  account,  but  only  fiour,  beef,  perk, 
oil,  butter,  dried  codfish  and  cheese,  leaving  the 
aforesaid  wet  goods  exclusively  to  individuals 
who  will  be  at  liberty,  on  permissioii,  or  on 
excusable  reasons  and  immediate  notice,  to 
export  from  the  Islands  aforesaid,  Spaui?h 
wines  and  oib  in  their  own  or  private  ships, 
on  paying  Ihe  duty  and  convoy  in  Brazil  to 
he  aforesaid  Commissaries  of  the  respective 
Chan.bers. 


7. 


That  the  -Slave  trade  at  Ar.1-a  and  Calbri.ye,  The  Directors  are  of  opinion,  that  the  trad« 
ought  to  be  reserved  to  th«  aforesaid  Company,  here  menlir.ned,  ought  to  be  pursued  on  a  plan 
on  the  regulation  made  thereupon.  there  laid  down. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    III. 


231 


8. 
That  the  north  coast  of  Africa  can  be 
resorted  to  by  the  joint  vesgels  bringing  the 
proceeds  of  their  trada  to  the  Castle  Del  Mina, 
in  order  that  it  may  vome  ■pro  rata  to  the 
respective  Chambers. 

9. 

That  the  inhabitants  of  New  Netherland 
only,  ought  to  be  at  liberty  to  export  the 
produce  growing  there  to  all  the  Company's 
conquests,  except  Guinea  and  St.  Thomas,  and 
♦hat  OT  payment  of  the  duty  and  convoy  in 
manner  as  before  mentioned. 

10. 

That  noChamber  nor  anyindividual  Director 
shall  have  power  to  reduce  any  duty,  nor  to 
rate  any  goods  at  less  than  laid  down  in  the 
general  list  thereof,  under  the  penalty,  for  the 
Directors  so  doing,  of  making  good  the  same 
themselves,  and  of  being,  moreover,  removed 
from  their  employment. 

11. 

That  the  Directors  of  the  respective  Cham- 
bers shall  not,  either  directly  nor  indirectly, 
endeavor  to  overreach  one  another  with  the 
crew,  nor  seek  to  draw  trade  away  from  one 
city  to  the  other. 

12. 

That  their    High    Mightinesses'    approval        And  the  approval  of  the  regulation  respecting 
ought  to  be  requested  for  the  regulation  more     the  Caribbean  traders,  which  is  requested. 
fully    contained    in    the   aforesaid     Memoir, 
respecting  the  Caribbean  Traders. 


The  coast  of  Guinea  ought,  according  to  the 
enacted  regulation,  be  frequented  in  turns  by 
the  respective  Chambers,  but  what  regards  the 
remainder  of  the  north  coast,  the  management 
thereof  shall  remain  provisionally  as  it  is. 

The  trude  of  the  inhabitants  of  New 
Netherland  ought  to  be  permitted  to  Brazil  and 
Angola,  in  manner  as  mentioned  on  the 
opposite  side. 


The  order  and  penalty  enacted  on  the  other 
side,  ought  to  be  observed; 


As  well  as  what  is  here  enacted. 


13. 
What  now  regards  the  aforesaid  second  point, 
of  retrenchment  and  redress,  the  aforesaid, 
your  Great  Mightinesses'  deputies  are,  with 
submission.ofopinionthatallold,  unserviceable, 
unnecessary  v»ggels  and  yachts,  together  with 
th«  heavy  guns,  also  the  Company's  store- 
houses, ship  yards,  rope  walks  and  drug 
fciores,  ought  to  be  sctd  and  got  rid  of  for  its 
advantage. 


The  unnecessary  ships,  yachts  and  guns,  are, 
for  the  most  part,  already  sold ;  but  what 
regards  the  disposing  of  the  store-houses,  ship 
yards,  rope  walks  and  drug  stores,  that  concerns 
exclusively  the  Amsterdam  Chamber,  which 
hath  promised  to  examine  into  and  give  orders 
respecting  the  same. 


m 


232 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


14. 


• 

d 

Also,  that  all  the  Company's  unnecessary         The    respective    Chambers    undertake    to 
servants,    both    in   this   country   and   abroad,     dismiss  ail  useless  servants, 
ought  to  be  dismissed. 


In  like  manner  no  more  factors  shall  be 
employed  at  AmsterdaTi  by  the  Chambers, 
except  by  Zealand  and  StaJt  en  Lande,  on 
account  of  the  distance  of  their  places. 


15. 
That,  in  like  manner,  the  factors  whom 
the  outer  Chambers  have  introduced  into 
Amsterdam,  contrary  to  the  26"'  Article  of  the 
Charter,  ought  to  be  dispensed  with,  because 
they  draw  wages  from  said  Ciiambers,  and  pay 
separate  store  rent;  and  there  ougiit  to  be  such 
good  correspondence  between  the  respective 
Chambers  and  Directors,  that  the  one  transact 
the  other's  business,  as  is  the  case  with  the 
East  India  Company. 

16. 
That   no   moneys    shall    be   borrowed    on 
interest  for  the  West  India  Company,  except 
with     the    knowledge    and    consent    of   the 
Nineteen. 

17. 
That  in  matters  of  taxation,  &c.,  conflicting 
with  the  Charter,  there  shall  be  no  plurality 
voting. 

18. 

That  the  aforesaid  XIX.  ihull  assemble 
ordinarily  but  once  a  year,  and  if  necessity 
require,  shall  hold  an  extraordinary  meeting 
within  the  City  of  Amsterdam  if  accommoda>  • 

tion  only  can  be  obtained. 

19. 

Moreover,  said  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  at  its        TheCommissionersought  indeed  be  nppoint- 
adjournment,  shall  appoint  certain  Commis-     ed  by  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  but  in  regard 
■loners  from  among  the  Directors,  each  in  the     to,  and  in  correspondence   with,  the  general 
city  where  his  Chamber  is  established,  which     Board  of  accounts,  to  which  alone,  and  nccor- 
Cnmmissioi    rs  shall,  each  in   his  place,  take     ding  to  their  instruction,  belongs  the  superin- 
cnre  and  see  that  the  resolutions  of  the  XIX.     tendence  here  mentioned, 
(hnll  be   well   and    punctually  executed   and 
obeyed,    and    this    without    expense   to    the 
Company,  except  tlieir  bout  and  carriage  hire, 
which  shall  be  charged  to  the  said  Company. 


The  adjoining  article  ought  to  be,  in  future, 
enforced. 


In  the  matter  of  the   plurality  voting,  the 
tenor  of  the  charter  ought  to  be  observed. 


The  place  of  meeting  of  the  XIX.  shall  be 
as  heretofore,  and  must  not  be  as  stated  in  the 
annexed  article. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IIL 


333 


Reaolutioii  hereupon  ought  tc  be  requested 
from  their  High  Mightinesses. 


The  annexed  article  is  found  very  useful, 
but  is  as  yet  impracticable  in  consequence  of 
the  unfavorable  condition  of  the  Company. 


20. 

That  the  Commissioners  who  appear  in  the 
Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  on  behalf  of  their  High 
Mightinesses,  shall  henceforth  travel,  board, 
and  attend  at  the  expense  of  the  State,  and 
not  of  the  Company. 

«1. 

That  the  Military  or  soldiers  in  the  Com- 
pany's service  shall  be  paid  in  money  in  this 
manner,  to  wit:  of  each  year  on  foreign 
service,  six  months  shall  be  retained  ;  two  for 
the  wives  and  children,  and  the  remaining 
four  months  shall  remain  until  the  return  of 
the  aforesaid  men  ;  but  those  who  have  neither 
wives  nor  children,  shall  be  at  liberty  to 
dispose  of  the  aforesaid  two  months'  pay  for 
the  benefit  of  such  other  persons  as  they  shall 
think  proper,  and  this  fo'  the  term  of  three 
years,  according  to  the  articles  of  enlistment. 

22. 
That  the  number  in  the  Board  of  Directors 
ought  to  be  reduced  on  the  occasion  of  death 
and  of  the  change  which  must  take  place 
according  to  the  Charter;  and  that  to  such 
amount  as  the  members  of  the  Board  shall 
agree  upon  among  themselves. 

98. 

And  that  each  of  said  Directors  shall 
henceforth  serve  nine  years  instead  of  six. 

24. 

And  be  obliged  continually  to  reside  within 
the  cities  where  their  Chambers  are  estab- 
lished. 

Sfi. 

And  as  regards  the  premised  Chief  point 
respecting  the  aforesaid  means  of  subsistence, 
your  great  Mightinesses'  Commissioners  are, 
under  correction,  of  opinion  — 

28. 
That  besides  the  provisional  aid  required        fl.  7,800"  to  wit:  fl.  6,300»  of  money  bor- 

for  the   Company,  and  what    is    connected     rowed  on  interest,  and  fl.  1.600- of  current  and 
Vol.  1.  fQ 


The  Commissioners  have  no  objection  to  the 
diminution  of  the  Directors,  and  hereby  leave 
this  to  the  discretion  of  the  Board. 


As  well  as  the  order  which  ought  to  be 
enacted  respecting  these  two  points. 


SS4 


NEW.YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


there^'th,  the  aforesaid  general  Board  of 
Accounts  ought  to  prepare  and  deliver  in  a  just, 
subscribed  statement  of  debits  and  credits ; 
alsojof  the  efiects  which  the  Company  possesses 
at  home  and  abroad. 

27. 

And  the  deputed  Members  submit  to  your 
Great  Mightinesses,  whether  the  Board  ought 
not  seasonably  to  consider  how  and  in  what 
manner  its  debts  shall  best  be  paid. 

as. 

And  moreover,  a  pertinent  statement  ought 
to  be  prepared  and  exhibited  by  their  High 
Mightinesses'  Secretary  and  by  the  aforesaid 
General  Board  of  accounts,  also  by  all  the  Cham- 
bers of  the  West  India  Company,  respectively, 
of  the  subsidies  voted  the  aforesaid  Company 
by  the  Provinces,  and  of  the  sum  paid  thereon, 
and  consequently  of  the  amount  of  subsidies 
still  due  by  the  State  or  the  Provinces. 

29. 
That  further  efforts  ought  to  be  made  in 
order  that  the  provi  es,  in  consequence  of 
their  neglect  to  pay  respectively  the  aforesaid 
voted  subsidies,  may  undertake  to  discharge  or 
relieve  the  Company  from  the  moneys  borrowed 
on  interest  on  their  account. 

80. 

That  in  the  foregoing  required  statement 
ought  to  be  noted,  what  provinces  have  not 
thus  far  voted  subsidies  for  the  Company,  nor 
paid  these  when  voted  as  Holland  has  done  ; 
and  the  provinces  in  arrears  ought  Ihen  to  be 
admonished,  to  clear  up  their  deficiency  so  far 
as  to  be  on  a  par,  in  votes  and  payments,  with 
Holland  and  Weslfrietiliind. 


accruing  debts ;  the  credits  in  the  country, 
independent  of  the  property  in  storehouses, 
yards,  ships  and  cannon,  are  few  or  nonr>,. 
Those  of  Brazil  were  included  in  them. 


Yes ;  the  Board  ought  to  be  requested  to 
consider  how  the  Company  shall  best  be 
relieved  of  its  debts. 


The  votes  of  subsidies  ought  to  be  taken 
according  to  the  estimate  of  the  increase  and 
the  petitions  of  the  Council  of  State  consequent 
thereupon,  that  is  up  to  the  close  and  last  of 
the  year  of  the  old  Charter,  being  in  ten  years 
7,000'  guilders ;  what  portion  thereof  has  been 
paid  by  the  one  or  the  other  province  can  be 
seen  by  the  last  statement  of  the  General  Board 
of  Accounts. 


The  Company  in  general  ought  to  request 
simply  to  be  relieved  from  all  money  taken  li 
deposito. 


The  first  part  of  the  annexed  article  has  been 
complied  with, and  what  regards  the  remainder 
the  Board  will  act  as  it  deems  most  proper. 


\h,k: 


31. 


That  further  the  Provinces  all  together  ought  Instead    of  the   proposed   new  subsidy  of 

to  be  requested,  by  petition,  to  continue  lieiu-c-  fl.  700'  a  year  as  long  as  the  war  in    Brazil 

forward  the  votes  and  payments  of  the  subBidy  continues,  the  State  ought  to  be  requested  to 

of  seven  hundred  thousand  guilders  a  year  for  support  the  entire  army  there  and  to  pay  its 


HOLLAl^'D  DOCUMENTS:     III, 


235 


the  Company  so  long  as  the  war  in  Brazil 
shall  ladt,  and  until  the  Company's  afTairs 
there  shall  be  reestablished,  and  that  such 
order  be  given  in  the  provincb  that  the  moneys 
of  each  voted  instalment  be  as  promptly 
furnished. 

3S. 

That  finally,  the  stockholders  of  the  West 
India  Company  ought  to  be  required  and 
obliged  to  increase  their  stock  in  said  Company 
twelve  per  cent ;  one-thy-d  part  of  said  increase 
payable  six  weeks  afler  having  received  notice 
so  to  do ;  the  second  instalment  in  six  months 
afterwards,  and  the  last  instalment  six  months 
subsequently. 

33. 

That  one-half  the  proceeds  of  this  increrse 
shall  be  applied  to  the  trade  or  comnierce  of 
said  Company. 

34. 

Your  Great  Mightinesses'  Commissioners  are 
further  of  opinion  that  the  Plenipotentiaries 
deputed  from  this  State  to  negotiate  the  peace, 
ought  to  be  instructed  to  urge,  when  opportu- 
nity  offers,  on  the  Spanish  Plenipotentiaries, 
for  the  benefit  of  the  West  India  Company  of 
this  country,  the  free  trade  to  Ponto  del  Rey, 
or  the  Salt  point,  according  to  said  Company's 
Charter. 


wages  and  food  until  it  can  be  paid  from  the 
tenths  and  other  revenues  there. 


The  Directors  trust  that  on  the  adoption  of 
a  resolution  to  the  effect  aforesaid  by  the  Board, 
for  the  advantage  of  the  Company,  the  worthy 
Stockholders  will  be  disposed  to  add  a  oew 
clause  for  the  negotiation  and  contents  hereof. 


fc      % 


Advice  of  the  Chamber  of  Accounti  of  tlie  West  India  Company. 

Considerations  of  the  Board  of  Audit  of  the  W^est  India  Company  regarding 
the  reform  of  srid  Company,  drawn  up  pursuant  to  the  order  of  the  High 
and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands  and  delivered 
to  their  High  Mightinesses'  Commissioners  at  the  Hague,  the  27  May,  1647. 


Ra.T.    AilTlwoftk* 
Ch>iiilwrur*m>iinlt 


The  decline  of  the  Company's  affairs  and  the  difficulty  in  which  they  are  at 
Rr.irew.  present  placed,  arise  on  the  one  hand  from  divers  disorders  in  this  country  and  bad 

management  in  the  foreign  conquests  (which  have  for  a  longtime  past  impaired  the  Company), 
and  on  the  other,  from  some  unfortunate  occurrences  in  Brazil,  Angola  and  elsewhere,  which  have 
completely  prostrated  and   ruined  it.     Two-fold  means  of  redress   must  consequently  be 


tn 


886 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


discovered  and  applied.  First :  to  reestablish  the  Company  in  its  lost  or  disturbed  possessions. 
Secondly :  to  enact  such  firm  and  good  orders  that  the  Company  will  not  only  be  maintained 
in  its  ordinary  course,  and  continue  to  subsist,  but  may  in  time  be  brought  to  a  flourishing  state. 
In  regard  to  the  recovery  of  the  conquest  of  Brazil,  we  see  no  other  means  of  accomplishing 
that,  than  what  has  lately  been  submitted  by  the  committee  of  the  Directors  of  the  respective 
Chambers  to  your  High  Mightinesses  at  the  Hague,  to  wit :  that  in  addition  to  the  aid 
already  dispatched,  (which  was  not  found  sufficient  against  such  a  united  body  of  Portuguese 
rebels, )  a  competent  and  combined  military  force  be  voted  anew  by  the  State,  and  conveyed 
to  Brazil  with  ships,  ammunition  and  other  necessaries,  not  only  to  recover  and  c'ear  our 
frontiers,  but  also  to  prosecute  further  designs  either  against  Bahia,  as  the  chief  seat  of  the 
war  and  of  the  piratical  practices  of  the  Portuguese,  or  elsewhere.  The  Company,  once 
relieved  by  these  means,  of  its  treacherous  neighbors,  could  disembarrass  itself  of  the  onerous 
charge  of  the  military,  and  of  the  support  of  several  fortresses;  the  freemen  would  be  induced 
to  establish  themselves  p-jaceably  in  said  conquests,  without  fearing  to  be  again  stripped  of  their 
plantations  (ingenhos)  and  goods,  and  by  the  increase  of  population  and  agriculture,  the 
Company  would  be  at  once  set  on  its  legs.  Short  of  this,  we  see  no  remedy  for  the  reparation 
of  the  damages  the  Company  has  already  suffered,  except  by  indemnifying  ourselves  with  the 
enemy's  full  and  flourishing  plantations  ftngenAo*;  and  lands;  inasmuch  as  it  is  to  be  feared 
that  our  entire  and  wasted  district,  if  not  soon  redressed,  will  not  supply  as  much  produce  and 
revenue  as  will  equal  the  Company's  expenses. 

Respecting  Angola:  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  our  people  do  no  not  fare  much  better 
there  than  in  Brazil,  inasmuch  as  we  are  advised  by  the  latest  letters,  dated  last  May,  that  the 
Portuguese  in  the  interiorhaving  received  a  great  accession  of  force,  had,  after  a  victory 
obtained  over  the  Queen  Donna  Anna  Ciuga,  united  with  some  tribes  of  Blacks,  to  drive  our 
people  wholly  from  that  country.  Our  folks  in  Loando  are  too  weak  to  act  in  company  with 
them  ;  and  are  very  poorly  supplied  with  provisions,  and  especially  munitions  of  war,  none  of 
which  has  been  now  sent  them  for  over  a  year.  Cut  off,  also,  on  the  land  side,  and  blockaded  in 
their  forts  and  in  the  city  of  Loando,  they  probably  can  not  make  a  long  s»and,  but  will  at  last 
be  forced  either  to  treat  with  the  enemy,  or  indeed  wholly  to  abandon  the  country,  (as  was 
the  case  with  Maranhao  in  the  year  1644,)  unless  they  receive  prompt  succor  in  provisions  and 
other  necessaries,  in  order  temporarily  to  maintain  these  conquests.  A  plan  could  be  considered, 
and  arrangements  made  to  dislodge  the  Portuguese  governor,  Sotto  Mayor,  with  .his  troops 
either  by  stratagem  or  force;  for  which  purpose  three  or  four  hundred  men  ought  to  be 
transported  from  Brazil  after  they  had  completed  their  designs  there. 

The  recovery  of  both  these  conquests  is  particularly  important,  as  they  are  partially  the 
foundation  on  which  ihe  Company  must  hereafter  rest;  the  commerce  with  Guinea,  St.  Thomas 
and  adjoining  trading  places,  not  being  sufficient  to  feed  so  huge  a  body.  Moreover,  they 
have  cost  the  Company  anJ  individuals  so  many  millions,  and  can  contribute  so  essentially  to 
the  damage  of  the  general  entmy  and  the  security  of  this  State,  that  your  High  Mightinesses 
will  be  induced  in  your  wisdom  ano  generosity  to  contribute  further  aid,  and  to  vote  for  a  short 
period,  the  oil  requested  succor,  which  indeed  ought  to  be  done  early,  if  possible,  considering 
that  the  number  of  soldiers  and  sailors  already  in  Brazil,  at  great  expense  to  the  Company, 
will  otherwise  remain  useless  and  ineffective,  and  the  most  favorable  season  and  opportunity 
for  the  execution  of  any  thing  worth  mentioning,  would  have  passed  away,  not  to  be  uflerwardi 
retrieved,  except  at  double  the  outlay. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IIL 


287 


ie^ 


The  aforesaid  conquesU  being  tlius,  with  the  assistance  of  God,  recovered,  further  means  of 
redress,  in  the  matter  of  superintendence,  retrenchment  and  trade  of  said  Company,  could  be 
takea  in  hand  and  promoted  as  follows;— 

First — Respecting  Soperintenibncb. 
8up«rinieD<ieno«.         The  government  of  the  Company  consists  as  well  in  supervision  by  the  Directors 
in  this  country,  as  in  the  good  order  and  adminl6tration  to  be  maintained  by  the  officers  and 
servants  in  foreign  conquests. 

In  this  country  we  must  treat,  first,  Of  the  election  of  the  Board  of  Directors ;  secondly.  Of 
their  management  and  administration.  As  Directors,  ought  to  be  chosen  not  only  men 
conversant,  active  and  vigilant  in  business,  but  also  those  who  can  properly  attend  to  it,  and 
are  not  too  much  engaged  in  private  trade,  by  means  whereof  it  happens  that  they  frequently 
absent  themselves  from  ordinary  meetings,  and,  excusing  themselves  from  duty,  the  burthen 
devolves  on  some  few  persons. 
Anniordwn,....  87      Hereupou  It  is  to  be  duly  considered,  that  the  number  of  Directors,  which  with 

Zealand* IT      ,        ^  ,  . 

N.XQi;^V,';  14  supernumeraries,  consists  at  present  of  89  persons,  could  be  diminished  at 
Gro«Bing«n,.;..  u  least  onc-third,  and  reduced  to  two-thirds  without  prejudice  to  the  business  to  be 
^  transacted  by  the  Company,  provided  that  the  Supernumeraries  be  obliged  to 
remove  their  domicil  to  the  place  where  the  Chambers  are  established,  and  render  effectual 
service  like  the  rest,  and  this  particularly,  with  a  view  tr  furnish  their  respective  superiors 
and  stockholders  with  information  and  a  knowledge  of  the  Company's  condition.  And  this 
reduction  should  be  effected,  not  only  because  the  great  number  of  Directors  frequently  produces 
confusion  and  lack  of  «eal  among  themselves,  but  also  to  save  a  portion  of  the  salaries  received 
by  thg  Directors,  which,  likewise,  according  to  the  present  condition  of  the  Company,  can  be 
lessened,  as  will  hereafter  be  stated  in  the  section  on  Retrenchment.  It  could  be  gradually 
introduced  and  put  into  practice  according  as  the  Directors  retire,  on  the  expiration  of  thoir 
term,  or  upon  their  death,  provided  no  new  ones  be  chosen  in  their  places,  until  reduced  to 
the  appointed  number. 

In  order  to  encourage  the  Directors  the  more  in  their  duties  in  this  regard,  and  that  the 
Company  may  not  experience  any  inconvenience  from  the  too  rapid  change  thereof,  the  term 
of  their  office  ought  to  be  extended  somewhat  longer  than  by  the  old  charter;  or  the  retiring 
Directors  ought  to  be  at  least  reeligible  after  the  expiration  of  their  term,  the  same  as  if  they 
were  nominated  anew  by  the  chief  stockholders,  in  addition  to  those  whom  they  by  triple 
number  may  put  on  the  ticket ;  this  would  have  a  tendency  to  excite  the  vigilance  qnd  zeal 
of  the  good,  which  on  the  other  hand  oftentimes  becomes  faint  towards  the  close  of  their  term. 

The  administration  of  the  Board  of  Directors  consists  either  in  particular  Chambers,  or  in 
the  general  meeting  of  the  entire,  or  of  the  half,  of  the  Nineteen. 

The  Charter  fixes  the  number  of  Chambers  at  five ;  of  these  Amsterdam  hath  the  management 
of  four-ninth  parts;  Zealand,  of  two;  and  Maaze,  North  Quarter  and  Groeningen,  each  of  i 
part.  Again,  the  Maaze  Chamber  is  divided,  after  the  I'  ee  cities,'  into  three  Boards;  those 
of  the  North  Quarter  into  two;»  each  of  which,  as  well  as  each  Chamber,  of  4,  2,  and  i,  has 
its  separate  government,  with  little  direct  communication  with  tho  others;  each  in  particular 
hath,  also,  its  own  Bookkeepers,  Cashiers,  storekeepers,  houses,  yards,  stores  and  whatever 


'  Rotterdam,  DorJreeht,  D«lft 


*  Ugorn,  EnokbuywD.  —  Ed. 


!r 


fc     c5 


238 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


else  appertains  thereunto,  not  without  confusion  and  burthensomeness  to  the  Company. 
Therefore,  it  would  be  well,  if  the  three  cities  were  thereunto  disposed,  that  the  three  Boards 
of  the  Maaze  were  united  into  one,  and  the  two  of  the  North  Quarter  brought  into  one 
Chamber,  which  should  be  ambulatory  in  their  respective  districts  according  to  the  years  the 
Charter  is  continued.  For  example,  residing  alternately  in  each  of  the  three  cities  on  the  Maaze 
for  the  term  of  four  years,  and  each  term  would  come  around  twice ;  and  alternating  in  like 
manner  every  four  years  in  the  two  cities  of  the  North  Qurter,  so  that  each  city  would  have 
to  arranflre  its  turn  by  lot  or  otherwise;  and  when  the  Chamber  resides  in  the  one  city  for 
four  years,  the  Bookkeeper,  clerks,  storekeeper,  with  all  the  adjuncts,  must  live  there ;  and 
the  Directors  of  the  cities  in  which  the  Chamber  was  not,  at  the  then  present  time  established, 
or  at  least  some  of  them,  must  also  remove  their  residence  thither,  on  condition  that  such 
Directors  receive  a  larger  stipend  than  their  associates  who  do  not  change  residence;  and  the 
others  must  attend  as  often  as  summoned  by  the  Chambers.  The  ships  should  also  be 
equipped  and  fitted  out  during  the  aforesaid  term  of  four  years,  in  that  city  where  the  Chamber 
resides;  but  the  purchase  of  the  cargoes  and  necessaries,  as  far  as  it  could  be  effected 
advantageously  for  the  Company,  might  be  ordered  to  be  done  in  the  cities  where  the 
remaining  Directors  reside.  And  on  the  expiration  of  the  first  four  years,  they  should  remove, 
with  all  the  attendants,  to  the  second  place ;  in  the  same  manner  as  the  Board  of  Admiralty 
is  in  the  habit  of  doing  in  the  two  cities  of  Hoorn  and  Enckhuyzen. 

Moreover,  the  Directors  must  be  obliged  to  attend  the  weekly  meeting,  on  pain  of  a 
reasonable  fine,  or  the  deduction  of  so  much  of  their  salary  as  that  day  shall  amount  to, 
inasmuch  as  it  has  otherwise  occurred  that  they  frequently  absent  themselves,  according  to  their 
own  convenience;  acquiring  no  thorough  nor  connected  knowledge  of  affairs,  nor  being  able  to 
advise  fundamentally  on  any  business  that  may  arise.  The  details  of  each  Chamber  may 
be  distributed  within  itself,  among  different  Commissaries,  to  wit:  to  take  charge  of  accounts 
and  the  office,  the  cash;  the  merchandise;  the  stores;  the  wet  and  dry  provicions.  In  regard 
to  their  administration,  they  ought  to  keep  a  register  and  books,  in  order  to  render  an  account 
at  the  Assembly,  and  to  furnish  at  all  times  a  statement  without  hiring  bookkeepers  and  clerks, 
particularly  for  that  purpose,  or  increasing  unnecessarily  the  number  of  dependents.  This  will 
be  also  referred  to  in  the  section — Of  Retrenchment. 

In  order  that  one  Commissary  may  have  a  knowledge  of  the  other's  work,  and  a  thorough 
acquaintance  with  the  Company's  affairs,  it  would  be  useful  to  change  the  clerks,  sometimes; 
nay,  without  giving  notice,  in  order  that  the  one  may  not  conceal  any  thing  from  the  other,  but 
that  it  may  lie  plain  and  open  before  every  one  of  the  Directors.  The  trouble  and  commission 
imposed  on  each  by  his  Chamber,  especially  such  as  being  deputed  by  the  general  vote  of  the 
Board  to  repair  to  the  XIX.,  or  beyond  the  city,  ought  to  be  undertaken  and  attended  to  by 
every  one,  without  exception,  so  that  each  work  may  be  performed  by  those  who  are 
considered  best  adapted  for  it ;  should  such  be  declined,  without  sufficient  cause,  the  person  so 
declining  ought,  in  like  manner  be  mulcted  in  a  portion  of  his  salary,  'vhich  shall  be 
pppropriated  to  the  benefit  of  such  other  as  executes  his  commission;  on  returning  home, each 
ought  to  render  a  report  in  writing  of  what  he  hath  done,  in  order  that  it  may  always  be  seen 
in  what  condition  the  matter  stands,  so  as  to  be  regulated  accortlingly  in  the  sequel  of  the 
affair.  These  and  similar  regulations,  which  are  enforced  in  the  beginning,  and  afterwards 
fallen  into  desuetude,  ought  to  be  introduced  and  kept  up  in  each  Chamber  according  to  the 
constitution  and  administration  it  may  have,  so  that  all  may  be  henceforth  directed  therein, 
with  increiiRcd  knowledge  and  order. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    III. 


289 


The  ABsembly  of  the  XIX.,  wherein  all  matters  ippertaining  to  the  Company  must  be 
treated  and  concluded,  has  not  for  a  considerable  time,  had  such  speedy  despatch  and  expedition 
a8«the  Company's  service  indeed  required:  for,  first,  the  points  of  reference  being  drawn  up 
according  to  the  resolution  of  a  Chamber,  which  temporarily  presides,  and  frequently  not 
including  all  the  important  points,  the  members,  do  not  always  come  instructed  thereupon 
with  thorough  knowledge  of  affairs,  nor  provided  with  complete  directions  from  their  Board, 
and  do  not  appear  at  the  appointed  time  ;  but  leave  the  one  waiting  in  vain  for  the  other,  to 
the  injury  and  great  expense  of  the  Company.  On  proceeding  to  business,  the  points  are  not 
finally  disposed  of,  but  frequently  referred  to  the  next  meeting;  incidental  matters  and  mutual 
disputes  consume  the  most  of  the  time ;  and  what  has  been  resolved  on  there,  with  the  general 
advice  of  the  members,  is  frequently,  through  particular  interest  or  inability  of  the  one  or  the 
other  Chamber,  neither  attended  to  nor  executed. 

In  order  to  remedy  and  prevent  these  disorders  in  part,  there  was  established  by  the  XIX., 
in  the  year  1643,  at  the  instance  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies,  a  Board  of  Accounts, 
composed  of  six  persons;  to  wit,  two  from  the  Amsterdam  Chamber,  and  one  from  each  of 
the  other  Chambers,  who  were  to  prepare  and  report  all  the  matters  to  be  transacted  by  the 
XIX.  against  the  meeting  of  that  body ;  further,  keep  accounts  with  all  the  Chambers  in  this 
country,  as  well  as  with  the  foreign  conquests ;  and  compile  from  these,  general  books  which 
would  show  the  condition  of  the  Company  at  all  times;  they  were  to  make  a  repartition  of 
receipts  and  expenses,  and  decide  the  disputes  arising  therefrom,  with  a  view  to  maintain 
equality  and  proportion  as  well  as  good  correspondence  between  the  Chambers;  also,  to  attend 
to  the  execution  of  the  resolves  of  the  XIX.,  as  is  more  fully  to  be  seen  by  the  instruction  of 
the  aforesaid  Board  of  Accounts.  But  that  Board  having  experienced  divers  obstacles  from  its 
beginning  to  the  present  time,  and  not  being  clothed  with  sufficient  authority  to  hold  the 
Chambers  to  their  duty  ;  and  the  various  papers  and  documents  not  being  even  submitted  to 
it  from  the  respective  Chambers,  the  essential  knowledge  of  their  administration  could  not 
be  obtained. 

Nevertheless,  we  cannot  yet  see  any  fitter  means  of  keeping  in  order  the  entire  body  of  the 
Company  and  each  Chamber  in  particular,  than  the  establishment  of  such  a  general  and 
permanent  body,  on  a  plan  similar  to  that  of  said  Board  of  Accounts,  but  furnished  with  greater 
authority  for  the  execution  of  its  office ;  which  Board  must  possess,  in  the  absence  of  the 
XIX.,  the  direction  and  disposition  of  nil  ordinary  affairs;  the  execution  punctually  at  their 
time  of  ail  incidental  matters,  not  admitting  of  delay,  until  further  orders  from  the  XIX. ; 
sending  orders  thereupon,  as  well  to  Brazil  as  to  the  respective  Chambers;  pointing  out 
the  means,  how  and  whereby  the  Chambers  respectively  can  execute  the  same.  To 
which  end,  the  respective  Chambers  must  also  be  bound  to  furnish  and  send  over  to  the 
said  Board,  from  ti.^^e  to  time,  a  pertinent  statement  of  their  condition,  in  order  that  it 
regulate  itself  accordingly:  and  in  case  of  non-compliance  with  any  of  these  orders,  the 
aforesaid  Board  must  be  authorized  to  impose  a  fine  on  those  Chambers  for  such  failure  and 
neglect,  (unless  it  appear  that  they  were  prevented  by  potent  and  unexpected  accidents), 
and  cause  their  accounts  here,  or  in  Brazil,  or  other  places,  to  be  charged  with  such  fine,  and 
allow  them  to  receive  so  much  the  less  returns ;  or,  on  the  commission  of  grave  faults 
and  negligences,  to  speak  personally  to  the  Directors,  who  arc  guilty  thereof;  which  Board, 
as  possessing  constant  knowledge  of  the  affairs,  must  also  summon  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX., 
on  poinU  to  be  drawn  up  by  it,  giving  timely  notice  thereof  both  to  the  presiding  and  other 


:-  L 


84A 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I     . 


Chambers,  in  order  to  receive  their  opinions  and  embody  these  in  the  points  of  reference,  if 
necessary,  that  all  the  members  may  be  notified  and  instructed  thereupon,  so  as  to  afford 
satisfaction  to  others,  without  referring  to,  or  delaying  for,  their  Chamber,  whereby  many 
good  things  are  left  unexecuted. 

In  like  manner,  in  order  to  dispose  more  promptly  of  the  business  of  the  XIX.,  two  persons, 
members  of  the  Board,  ought  to  appear  at  each  meeting  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  with 
mere  advisory  voice,  for  the  purpose  of  reporting  to,  and  advising  the  XIX.  on  what  passes  ; 
to  obviate  sundry  disputes  between  the  Chambers  and  the  better  to  have  the  orders  and 
resolutions  to  be  adopted  by  the  XIX.  executed  conformably  to  their  intention.  By  this  means 
frequent  and  lengthy  sessions  of  the  XIX.,  at  vast  expense  to  the  Company,  might  be  dispensed 
with,  and  these  need  not  be  held  more  than  once,  or  at  most,  twice  a  year,  for  which  time  all 
business  should  be  prepared  by  the  aforesaid  permanent  Board,  and  full  information  and 
explanation  given  of  the  circumstances  of  the  foreign  conquests,  as  well  as  of  the  state  of  the 
receipts  and  expenses,  and  the  entire  condition  as  well  of  the  general  Company  as  of  each 
particular  Chamber.  Thus  all  inequality  and  disproportion  between  these  is  remedied,  and 
principally  the  troubles  and  canker  of  jealousy  among  the  Chambers  removed  or  diminished  ; 
inasmuch  as  those  proceed  mainly  from  the  fact,  that  the  one  Chamber  does  its  business 
without  communicating  with  the  other;  each  pays  more  attention  to  his  own  Chamber's  profit 
than  to  that  of  the  general  body ;  yea,  endeavors  to  defraud  the  latter.  In  which  case,  this 
Board,  being  general  and  impartial,  would  study  the  common  interest  of  the  Company  and 
hold  such  balance  between  the  Chambers  as  that  the  one  would  not  be  wronged  or  oppressed 
by  the  other. 

BopcrininidtM*  in      Thus  much  of  the  superintendence  in  this  country. 

ooantrjr.  rj,^^  government  of  Brazil  being  after  mature  deliberation,  recently  composed 

of  one  president  and  four  supreme  councillors,  a  Court  of  justice  and  Board  of  Finance,  with 
other  additional  high  and  low  officers  in  the  Company's  employment,  although  it  costs,  on 
account  of  their  wages  and  salaries  a  considerable  sum,  yet  ao  fundam*  ntal  reform  can  be 
introduced  therein  until  it  be  seen  how  far  the  lost  conquests  will  be  recovered,  and  with  what 
number  of  officers  and  servants  the  business  there  can  be  carried  on.  And  especially  when 
population  increases  and  Brazil  becomes  inhabited  by  Netherlanders,  many  suitable  persons 
from  the  Commonalty  should  be  employed  at  a  small  stipend  in  the  Company's  service. 
Meanwhile,  the  supremo  government  in  Brazil  ought  to  be  seriously  notified  to  reduce  to  the 
lowest  point  the  Company's  servants  and  train  bands  there,  in  proportion  to  the  low  state  of 
affairs  and  the  condition  of  trade,  and  in  all  things  to  study  Retrenchment,  whereof  we  shall 
now  accordingly  treat. 

Scrond  poitit — Of  Retrenchment. 

B.«n»chm«.i.  This  point  embraces  the  entire  administration  of  the  Company,  both  in  this 

country  and  abroad. 

And,  first,  respecting  Retrenchment  in  this  country.  It  has  been  heretofore  proposed  that, 
by  reducing  the  number  of  the  Directors  to  two-thirds,  one-third  of  their  salaries  could  be 
saved  and  the  allowances  to  those  still  employed,  or  in  lieu  thereof  the  existing  pay,  be  so 
modified,  according  to  the  present  condition  of  the  Company  that,  they  being  satisfied  with  a 
tantum  to  be  fixed  by  your  High  Mightinesses  until  the  Company's  revenues  should  sensibly 
increase,  something  additional  might  be  again  allowed  them. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS  t    III. 


S41 


In  like  manner  the  employes  of  the  respective  Ciiambers,  such  as  Btore-keepers,  ship- 
corpenters,  cashiers,  bookkeepers,  clerks,  doorkeepers,  laborers,  and  more  of  the  same 
description,  who  draw  yearly  wages  from  the  Company,  can,  also,  be  considerably  decreased, 
according  as  the  business  and  administration  of  each  Chamber  may  be  thought  to  require.  la 
all  cases,  in  order  to  prevent  excess,  a  certain  reasonable  sum  should  be  allowed  for  each  ninth 
part,  not  to  be  exceeded  in  any  instance.  The  attention  of  the  Chambers  ought  also  be 
directed  to  the  expenses  of  house  rent,  fire,  light,  office  and  similar  minutiae,  which  amount  in 
the  year  to  a  considerable  sum.  When  better  order  is  introduced,  a  large  amount  can  also  be 
saved  in  clerkhire,  traveling  expenses,  deputations  to  the  Nineteen  ;  frequent  and  unnecessary 
Assemblies  of  the  XIX.,  especially,  could  be  dispensed  with,  in  case  a  general  and  permanent 
Board  (whereof  mention  has  been  already  made)  were  established,  whose  expenses  would  be 
sufficiently  and  abundantly  economized,  were  it  only  in  the  matter  of  multitudinous  deputations 
and  fruitless  meetings. 

The  Company  will  be  principally  obliged  to  get  rid  of  a  portion  of  its  ships,  which,  including 
cannon,  stores,  and  appurtenances,  amount  to  much  more  than  chartered  vessels;  and  in  our 
opinion  the  Chambers  would  be  sufticiently  provided,  were  each  ninth  part  to  maintain  two  of 
its  own  ships  and  a  yacht,  and  to  hire  the  remainder  at  a  fitting  season,  (n  this  way,  also, 
ship  yards,  rope  walks,  and  other  appendages  which  drain  several  thousands  yearly,  could  be 
got  rid  of.  When,  even  on  the  other  hand,  the  Company  requires  some  first  class  ships,  it  will 
not  be  necessary  that  it  should  build  them  ;  it  can  contract  (or  them  on  suitable  charter  at  the 
cheapest  rate,  and  have  the  old  ones  repaired  and  fixed  in  the  same  way  that  private  merchants 
are  in  the  habit  of  doing. 

The  factors  introduced  at  Amsterdam  by  the  outer  Chambers,  contrary  to  the  26*  article  of 
the  Charter,  might  be  also  dispensed  with,  as  they  draw  salaries  from  those  Chambers  and 
pay  private  storage  when  the  Company's  stores  at  Amsterdam  are  large  enough  to  accommodate 
theik  goods.  Sufficient  good  understanding  ought  to  exist  among  the  respective  Chambers 
and  Directors  to  induce  the  one  to  attend  to  the  business  of  the  other,  as  is  customary  with 
the  East  India  Company.  More  precise  recommendations  on  the  point  of  Retrenchment  in  the 
several  Chambers  could  be  submitted,  had  they  condescended  to  send  us,  pursuant  to  the  order 
of  the  XIX.  and  to  our  letters,  the  ordinary  and  extraordinary  expenses  each  has  to  bear  in  its 
own  department;  but  having  never  been  able  to  prevail  on  the  Chambers  to  furnish  us  with 
a  correct  account,  we  hope  that  each  now  feeling  its  own  sore,  will  in  future  take  better  care 
to  relieve  itself  from  all  unnecessary  expense. 

In  addition  to  the  excessive  salaries  of  some  superior  officers,  which  alone  amount,  according 
to  a  certain  list,  to  more  than  ten  thousand  guilders  per  month,  the  Company  is  mainly 
burthened  in  Brazil  by  the  great  number  of  military,  who  on  account  of  the  rations  they  draw,  in 
addition  to  their  pay,  are  twice  as  expensive  as  soldiers  in  this  country.  There  are  a  number 
of  commissaries,  assistants  and  other  followers,  hired  and  employed  in  disbursing  the  weekly 
rations  and  pay  in  divers  garrisons,  who  by  their  frauds,  estimates  of  leakage,  and  other  sinister 
practices,  swindle  the  Company  of  a  considerable  amount.  The  greater  part  of  this  could  be 
saved,  were  the  soldiers  there  paid  in  money,  as  we  have  more  fully  submitted  to  the  XIX., 
and  as  would  have  been  put  into  practice  had  not  it  been  for  the  revolt  and  the  cessation 
of  the  Comoany's  incomes  and  domains  in  Brazil.  But  should  the  soldiers'  wages  and  board 
be  embodied  in  one  sum,  this  could,  in  time,  be  diminished,  and  the  soldiers  receiving  their 


Vol.  I. 


31 


fi4fi 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


pay  in  cash,  couK]  go  at  their  pleasure,  to  mariiet,  in  the  cheapest  manner,  and  have  less  to 
complain  of  than  now. 

What  farther  relates  to  Retrenchment  in  Brazil  and  the  other  conquests,  must  be  particularly 
recommended  to  and  enjoined  on  the  supreme  government  and  the  directors  of  said  districts, 
who,  being  on  the  spot,  can  attend  better  to  all  such  matters  which  they  ought,  of  themselves, 
to  introduce,  as  by  instruction  they  are  obliged  to  do,  and  are  personally  bound  to  answer 
specially  for  all  that  is  intrusted  to  them. 

IViird  point — Op  the  Tradb. 
fifi*.  Coming  now  to  the  third  point  of  trade  and  commerce ;  the  Company  ought 

either  to  carry  it  on  itself  or  allow  private  persons  to  prosecute  it,  since  serious  and  lengthy 
disputes  have  arisen  on  the  subject  among  the  Chambers  to  the  sensible  deterioration  of  the 
Company.  'Twere  well  an  end  were  at  once  put  to  these  disputes,  yet  with  avh 
circumspection  that,  the  trade  being  regulated  for  the  present  according  to  the  actual  condl;i^n 
of  the  conquests,  might,  in  case  of  essential  change  therein,  be  hereafter  modified  according  to 
the  urgency  of  affairs. 

If  now  your  High  Mightinesses  have  to  learn  distinctly  from  the  respective  opimonr,  if  each 
Chamber,  the  reasons  they  will  produce  in  support  of  their  pretension,  nevertheless,  to  express 
our  opinions  in  general  terms  and  without  prejudice  to  any  Chamber,  it  appears  to  us,  under 
correction,  that  exclusive  of  the  West  India  islands  and  continent,  which,  up  to  the  present 
time,  hove  been  always  frequented  by  private  traders  according  to  certain  regulations  from  your 
High  Mightinesses  and  the  commission  of  the  respective  Chambers  granted  for  that  purpose  ; 
the  remaining  places  within  the  Charter  where  the  Company  maintains  government,  forts  or 
quarters,  ought  to  be  considered  under  two  divisions,  some  being  of  a  nature  not  to  demand 
any  cultivation  or  population,  affording  simply  trade ;  others  again,  where  the  lands  must 
necessarily  be  first  improved  by  agriculture  and  population  if  they  are  to  render  any  return 
of  moment. 

The  first  division  includes  all  the  places  situate  on  the  North  Coast  of  Africa,  from  Cape 
Verde  south  unto  Cape  Lopes  Gonsalvo,  where  hides,  gum,  wax,  elephants'  teeth,  grains  of 
paradise  and  chiefly  Guinea  gold  are  obtained  in  trade ;  which  wares  are  brought  by  Blacks 
from  a  distance  in  the  interior,  without  the  aid  of  cultivation,  and  trucked  with  a  few 
commissaries  stationed  at  posts  and  in  vessels  here  i;nd  there.  The  Company  can  prosecute 
this  trade  as  well  as,  yea,  better  than  individuals  (who  injure  each  other  by  misrepresentations), 
especially  were  a  certain  capital  or  fund  of  money  employed  in  it ;  were  the  cargoes  bought 
in  good  order  and  sent  off  in  due  season,  and  the  greatest  economy  observed  in  the  fitting  out 
of  the  ships.  The  XIX.  adopted,  heretofore,  right  good  resolutions  and  orders  on  this  subject 
and  on  that  of  the  trade  to  the  coast  of  Guinea,  but  owing  either  to  inability  or  jealousy  of 
the  Chambers,  they  were  not  observed.  That  coast  is,  in  consequence,  much  resorted  to  by 
foreign  nations,  so  that  if  other  arrangements  be  not,  in  a  slioi:  Ume,  r^Uopted  in  the  premises, 
it  runs  great  risk  of  being  wholly  filched,  or  at  least  rendev.fi  vi  ,.t«'  '-tive  for  tt:  ^  Tompany. 

There  is  no  other  way  to  prevent  this  than  to  appropr  ...it  u  curtaia  cash  capital  and  fund 
sufficient  to  carry  on  the  trade,  which  ought  to  remain  specially  applied  thereunto  in  the  hands 
of  certain  commissaries,  or  separate  accounts  kept  of  it,  and  all  the  profit  of  the  trade  divided 
an;oDg  the  Chambers,  and  the  capital  remain  always  undiminished.  By  this  means  the  trade 
would  be  quickly  reestablished  and  again  attain  vigor. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    IlL 


249 


Respecting  the  separate  trading  posts  at  Argyn,  Senegal,  Cape  Verde,  Rio  Oambin  and 
Sierra  Leone,  to  which  each  Chamber  now  independently  resorts  with  its  own  stores  and  ships, 
it  has  been,  heretofore,  suiiiciently  demonstrated  to  the  XIX.  that  all  those  places  had  much 
better  been  combined  and  visited  annually  by  a  first  class  ship,  in  rotation,  or  otherwise,  and 
at  joint  profit.  By  this  means,  a  part  of  the  unnecessary  outfit  can  be  dispensed  with, 
and  ruu  'i  jealousy  obviated  among  the  Chambers  which  do  not  participate  in  the  separate  trade. 

The  Island  of  8t.  Thomas  is  indeed  of  a  nature  to  derive  more  benefit  from  cultivation  and 
raising  of  produce.  Free  access  and  unrestricted  trade  are  considered  suitable  means  to 
that  end,  although  our  people  will  not  easily  settle  there  on  account  of  the  insalubrity  of  the 
climate,  and  because  the  best  and  most  productive  spots  are  already  sufficiently  peopled  and 
cultivated  by  Portuguese;  so  that  nothing  more  remains  than  to  take  the  sugars  and  other 
produce  of  these  people  and  to  supply  them,  in  return,  with  all  sorts  of  goods  and  necessaries, 
which  do  not  yearly  exceed  one  hundred  thousand  guilders.  We  should,  therefore,  be  of 
opinion,  that  the  trade  may  be  properly  carried  on  by  the  Company,  the  rather  as  the  four 
ships  going  in  turns  from  Guinea  to  St.  Thomas  could  easily  make  the  whole  of  their  equipment 
with  the  sugar  freights ;  yet,  in  order  not  to  constrain  the  inhabitants  of  said  Island  to  give 
their  sugars  exclusively  to  the  Company,  and  to  take  goods  in  return  in  payment,  they  could 
be  allowed  to  consign  the  sugars,  cottons,  ginger,  &c.,  to  private  merchants  in  this  country,  and 
to  order  goods  from  them  in  exchange  upon  liraziliau  duties  and  freights ;  but  that  must  be 
done  exclusively  in  the  Company's  vessels  for  reasons  before  mentioned. 

Much  question  obtains  just  now  as  to  whether  the  Angola  trade  ought  to  be  reserved  to  the 
Company  or  thrown  open  to  individuals.  This  is,  in  our  opinion,  as  yet,  premature,  and 
cannot  be  absolutely  decided  at  present,  partly  because  it  is  not  yet  known,  with  certainty, 
what  is  the  condition  of  things  there  at  this  moment,  and  whether  the  inland  trade  through 
the  Portuguese  is  not  altogether  closed  to  private  persons  as  well  as  to  the  Company.  Secondly: 
because  Brazil  is  not  yet  recovered  and  reduced  to  order;  according  to  the  condition  of  which 
this  entire  trade  must  be  mainly  arranged. 

Brazil  being,  with  God's  help,  first  recovered,  and  the  cultivation  of  the  soil,  together  with 
the  establishmect  of  so  many  ruined  plantations  (ingenhos)  commenced,  a  large  rumber  of 
slaves  would  doubtless  be  immediately  required  there,  especially  as  the  Company,  by  success 
of  arms,  may  yet  reduce  some  of  the  Southern  Captaincies  of  Brazil  beyond  the  frontiers; 
particular  attention  must  then  be  paid  (hat  slaves  be  obtained  at  a  reasonable  price,  otherwise 
the  Seigniors  of  the  plantations  (ingenhos)  and  freemen  might  not  be  able  to  pay  the  cost  of 
those  they  may  require  for  farm  work. 

Here  it  must  now  be  taken  into  consideration,  whether  the  Company  itself  ought  to  furnish 
all  the  slaves  in  Brazil,  either  selling  them  for  cash  for  as  much  as  they  may  be  worth,  or  giving 
them  on  credit  to  the  inhabitants  at  a  regular  rate,  payable  in  produce  and  sugar.  Experience 
teaches  that  slaves,  in  consequence  of  the  scarcity  of  money  in  Brazil,  do  not  fetch  as  much 
cash  as  the  Company  expends  in  goods,  outfit  and  freight  inclusive ;  so  that  the  maintenance 
of  the  garrisons  in  Angola  is  mostly  become  a  charge  to  the  Company,  and  in  consequence  of 
giving  credit  for  the  slaves,  without  getting  prompt  payment  in  sugars  or  other  returns  from 
Brazil,  the  Chambers  have  very  suddenly  ceased  and  abandoned  the  sending  of  new  cargoes; 
for  not  a  ship  hos  been  sent  thither  by  any  of  the  Chambers  now  within  the  spoce  of  eighteen 
months.  And  though  new  capital  were  furnished  for  the  purpose,  there  is  no  certainty  that  the 
Company  would  fare  better  in  future,  except  yearly  cargoes  be  again  provided  to  be  bartered 


f  ^v' 


^1     I 

4  ' 

r   * 


244 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


in  Guinea  for  two  to  three  thousand  slnvcs  to  b-  ^olu  on  th-ir  own  account.  The  next  means 
•would  be  to  open  the  Angola  ahve  trade  to  iiidividuais  on  these  or  similar  conditions,  to  wit ; 
that  they  convey  cargoes  in  their  own  ships  to  Loando  St.  Faulo,  there  to  be  exchanged  for 
slaves  either  by  their  own  factors  or  by  the  I'ortuguese  traders  who  may  resort  thither  under 
our  obedience,  and  export  those  slaves  with  the  Director's  knowledge,  upon  certain  duty  and 
toll  in  their  own  ships  to  Brazil  and  even  elsevj-here,  to  be  sold  or  credited  there  to  the  Soigniors 
of  plantations. 

And  were  this  niean&  deemed  useful  not  alone  to  relieve  the  Company  henceforth  from  this 
disbursement  and  risk,  but  also  to  induce  private  individuals  anew  to  hazard  some  more  capital 
for  the  advancement  o(  agriculture,  and  by  the  benefiting  of  one  country  through  means  of  the 
other,  furniah  the  inh^'jitants  and  Traders  with  greater  hope  of  profit;  it  is  apparent  that 
a  greater  number  of  slaves  will  be  introduced  by  individual  traders,  who  will  spread  themselves 
far  and  near,  than  hns  been  as  yet  done  by  the  Company,  which  has  received  only  as  many  as 
the  Blackamoors  (Mouhicrn)  and  the  Portuguese  brought  them  from  Ma-^sangano,  on  which  no 
certain  calculation  can  be  made ;  consequently  the  duties  and  tolls  for  the  support  of  the  garrisons 
in  Angola  would  produce  more  than  the  profit  Ihi,  Company  could  calculate  on  from  so  small 
a  number  of  slaves  as  hath  been  traded  for  some  time  past. 

The  slave  trade  to  Brazil  being  opened  with  the  approbation  of  the  Chambers,  it  is  to  be 
further  considered,  as  slaves  during  the  revolt  in  Brazil  cannot  command  any  especial  sale  there, 
whether  it  would  not  be  better  to  permit  the>  exportation  directly  from  Angola  or  at  least  from 
Brazil,  to  other  places  on  double  duty.  But  besides  other  difficulties  which  manifest  themselves 
in  this  point.  It  must  be  borne  in  mind,  that  in  case  a  way  be  once  opened  for  slaves,  where 
greater  profits  would  be  realized  than  in  Brazil,  then  private  traders  will  mostly  take  that 
course,  and  Brazil  thus  remain  deprived  of  a  due  supply  of  slave  labor  on  the  abundance  of 
which,  however,  the  cultivation  and  prosperity  of  our  conquest  must  depend.  Also,  whenever 
private  traders  could  raise  the  price  of  slaves  elsewhere  the  merchants  in  Angola  would  begin 
to  compete  among  each  other  and  run  up  the  price,  and  thu*!  ruin  all  at  once  the  trade  at  Brazil. 
In  order  to  contrive  a  middle  course  herein,  it  is  submitted,  whether  the  business  could  not 
be  so  regulated  that  the  slave  staple  be  provisionally  established  at  Brazil,  so  that  all  private 
traders  from  Angola  must  first  touch  there,  without  being  able  to  go  directly  elsewhere  ;  expose 
the  slaves  to  sale  at  the  Heciff",  or  barter  them  with  the  Seigniors  of  the  I'lantations  (Ingeniot) 
and  not  be  at  liberty  to  export  them  so  long  as  each  slave,  one  with  another,  is  wqrth  twenty 
milreas  or  one  hundred  and  fifty  guilders  cash,  or  so  much  mo;e  or  less  as  the  traders  might 
with  a  reasonable  profit  be  able  to  obtain;  acting  thus,  traders  would,  in  the  first  place,  have 
no  inducement  to  enhance  the  market  for  slaves  in  Angola  relying  upon  what  they  should  be 
able  to  sell  t'.em  for  in  Hnizil  ;  secondly,  the  inhii'.itanls  oi  Brazil  would  not  be  imposed  on  in 
the  price,  especially  if  such  order  were  made  in  Urazil  that  Jobbers  and  Jews,  who  buy  up  the 
•Inves  for  cash,  should  not  sell  them  on  credit  at  a  higher  rale  than  one  jier  cent  a  month, 
the  slaves  being  hypothecated  to  them  for  the  full  amount.  But  whenever  Brazil  is  supplied 
with  slaves,  or  otherwise  has  no  need  of  them,  the  remainder  might  be  allowed,  with  the 
permission  of  the  supreme  government  there,  and  on  paying  a  reasonable  toll,  to  be  expor.  ' 
farther.  By  this  means  the  slave  trade  which  hath  so  long  lain  dormant,  to  the  great  damage 
of  the  Company,  might  by  di-grpes  b..  «gnin  revived;  Angola,  indi-pendent  »(  the  Company's 
■upplies,  would  be  somewhat  assisted  l)y  the  trade  of  individual  merchants;  the  country  be 
cultivated  by  freemen,  who  will  settle  there  lor  the  purpose  of  raising  provisions  and  necessaries, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IIL 


S45 


and  the  tolls  and  duty  on  the  slaves,  can  contribute  somewhat  to  lessen  the  burthen  of  our 
Military  there.  Such  at  least  might  be  allowed  provisionally  for  some  time,  until  the  condition 
of  affairs,  whether  in  Brazil  or  elsewhere,  otherwise  demand. 

Coming  now  to  the  conquests  of  Brazil  and  New  Netherland,  it  is  notorious  that  all  their  profit 
and  prosperity  must  proceed  exclusively  from  the  cultivation  of  the  soil,  and  this  cannot  be 
better  promoted  than  by  population.  It  is,  indeed,  true  *hat  the  supply  and  abundance  of  slaves, 
by  whom  the  tillage  of  the  soil  must  be  accomplished,  obviates  the  necessity  of  a  great  number 
of  people  who  would  otherwise  be  required  for  Agriculture.  Nevertheless,  if  slaves  are  to  be 
properly  treated,  they  must  have  their  particular  owners,  each  of  whom  undertakes  colonies, 
plantations  and  farms  according  to  his  circumstances  and  means,  and  endeavors  by  slave  labor 
to  derive  therefrom,  either  for  immediate  support  or  for  exportation,  whatever  can  be  a  source 
of  profit. 

Population  in  Brazil  can  be  promoted  not  only  by  pointing  out  for  its  support  lands  fit  for 
cultivation,  but  the  common  people  be  induced  to  settle  there  especially,  provided  all  necessaries 
which  do  not  grow  there,  and  must  absolutely  be  brought  from  Fatherland,  can  be  procured  at 
a  cheap  rate  there.  Moreover,  those  who  have  any  means  to  establish  plantations  and  colonies 
[Ingenhoi]  must  be  encouraged  as  well  by  the  concession  of  privileges  for  the  Seigniors  of  the 
colonies  [Ingen/ios],  exemption  from  tolls  for  some  time,  and  other  advantages,  as,  mainly,  by 
the  hope  of  profit  they  will  realize  by  the  improvement  and  barter  of  their  products.  Free  trade 
will  contribute,  it  is  supposed,  more  to  this  end  than  exclusive  commerce,  especially  as  the 
former  is  regulated  according  to  the  merchant's  greatest  supply,  and  burthened  with  less  charges 
than  the  Company's  circumstances  can  at  any  time  justify.  The  order  hitherto  observed  in 
loading  the  goods  of  private  traders  in  the  Company's  ships,  hath  given  them  occasion 
frequently  to  complain  ;  because  several  Chambers  laying  on  three  ships  probably  each  time, 
which  do  not  sail  before  they  are  full,  (a  thing  that  sometimes  takes  a  long  while)  merchants 
cannot  make  any  calculati  )n  respecting  the  arrival  of  their  goods  at  Brazil;  moreover,  the 
Chambers  whose  turn  it  is  to  fit  out  ships,  have  frequently  rejected  goods  of'  the  greatest  bulk 
and  lowest  duty,  or  left  them  lying  a  long  time  in  store  to  the  injury  of  the  merchants,  and 
sometimes  the  goods  are  not  accommodated  with  storage,  etc.,  in  the  Company's  ships  to  the 
satisfaction  of  the  merchants.  But  the  excessive  freights  of  exported  merchandise  and 
particularly  imported  sugars,  have  so  burthened  goods,  that  not  only  the  inhabitants  of  Brazil 
must  pay  the  highest  prire  for  every  thing,  but  the  traders  of  this  country,  unable  to  compete 
with  other  nations,  are  wholly  excluded  from  the  trade. 

These  inconveniences  ought  by  all  means  be  remedied  cither  by  issuing  an  order  that  the 
ships  taking  turns  (lournhrjtenj,  must  hereafter  be  put  up  for  a  time  certain ;  for  example, 
three  to  four  weeks;  and  not  being  full  in  that  time,  must  complete  their  loading  with  the 
Company's  goods,  und  proceed  to  seo  with  the  earliest  fair  wind  ;  no  distinction  being  made 
in  receiving  and  accommodating  goods,  on  condition  that  the  receipt  of  the  recognitions 
be  equalized  among,  and  effectively  paid  to,  the  other  Chambers;  that  the  freights  be 
proportionably  reduced  to  what  the  Company  might  take  them  in  chartered  ships.  Otherwise, 
and  if  no  better  order  be  introduced  among  the  alternating  ships  than  has  prevailed  hitherto, 
private  traders  ought  be  allowed  to  prosecute  the  trade  in  their  vessels,  on  a  regulated  plan,  as 
proposed  by  the  principal  stockholders  of  Amsterdam  and  Zealand;  if,  indeed,  it  is  desirable 
that  any  merchant  continus  lunger  to  trade  to  Bni/.il,  when  it  is  notorious,  that  the  Company 
is  not  in  a  condition  to  supply  of  itself  all  the  Brazilian  necessaries  fur  the  support  of  so 
many  thousand  peuole  in  addition  to  those  soinu  to  keen  nlantutiuns  f  Intrenhot i. 


.:     S 


\W' 


WT^     '^ 


246 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Should  this  throwing  open  the  trade  to  private  vessels  be  distasteful  to  some  Chambers,  in 
the  supposition  that  the  free  course  of  trade  which  tends  more  to  one  place  than  to  another, 
would  prove  prejudicial  to  their  Chambers  and  cities  and  diminish  their  freights,  it  is 
submitted  whether,  in  such  case,  those  Chambers  would  not  be  satisfied  by  allowing  them  to 
send  more  vessels  to  other  districts,  so  that  each  member  may  enjoy  its  proper  management, 
and  the  provinces  the  benefit  of  the  trade  which  was  allowed  them  respectively  on  the 
establishment  of  the  Company. 

Respecting  New  Netherland:  That  country  is  considered  to  be  the  most  fruitful  of  all  within 
your  High  Mightinesses'  jurisdiction,  and  the  best  adapted  to  raise  all  sorts  of  thi»  country 
produce,  such  as  rye,  wheat,  barley,  pens,  beans,  etc.,  and  cattle;  and  that  in  more 
abundance  than  can  be  done  here,  were  it  suitably  peopled  and  cultivated.  The  granting  of 
Freedoms  and  Privileges,  hnth  indeed  induced  some  Patroons  and  Colonists  to  undertake 
agriculture  there ;  but  as  the  produce  cannot  be  sold  any  where  except  in  the  adjacent  places 
belonging  to  the  English,  who  are  themselves  sufficiently  supplied,  those  planters  have  not 
received  a  return  for  their  labor  and  outlay.  With  a  view,  then,  to  give  greater  encourngement 
to  agriculture,  and  consequently  to  population,  we  should  consider  it  highly  advantageous  that 
a  way  be  opened  to  allow  them  to  export  their  produce  even  to  Brazil,  in  their  own  vessels, 
under  certain  duties,  and  subject  to  the  supervision  both  of  the  Director  in  New  Netherland, 
and  the  Supreme  Council  in  Brazil ;  and  to  trade  it  off  there,  and  to  carry  slaves  back  in 
return ;  which  privilege  of  sailing  with  their  own  ships  from  New  Netherland  to  Brazil,  should 
be  exclusively  allowed  to  Patroons  and  Colonists,  who  promote  the  population  in  New 
Netherland,  and  not  to  the  interlopers,  who  only  carry  goods  to  and  fro,  without  attending  to 
agriculture.  By  this  mean^i  not  only  would  Brazil  be  supplied  with  provisions  at  a  cheaper 
rate,  but  New  Netherland  would  by  slave  labor,  be  more  extensively  cultivated  than  it  has 
hitherto  been,  because  the  agricultural  laborers,  who  are  conveyed  thither  at  great  expense  to 
the  Colonists,  sooner  or  later  apply  themselves  to  trade,  and  neglect  agriculture  altogether. 
Slaves,  on  the  other  hand,  being  brought  and  maintained  there  at  a  cheap  rate,  various  other 
descriptions  of  produce  would  be  raised,  and  by  their  abundance  be  reduced  in  price,  so  as  to 
allow,  when  occasion  would  offer,  of  their  advantageous  exportation  hither  and  to  other  parts 
of  Europe. 

Thus  having  now  treated  of  the  three  points  of  reform  in  the  Company,  referred  to  us  by 
your  High  Mightinesses,  to  wit.  Superintendence,  Retrenchment  and  Trade,  we  shall  add  a 
few  words  on  the  subject  of  the  Company's  finances,  or  means  of  support ;  as  without 
amendment  herein,  the  preceding  points  can  never  be  thoroughly  introduced,  nor  put  into 
practice  by  the  respective  Chambers;  it  being  notorious,  that  a  great  portion  of  the  abuses  or 
disorders  in  the  Compmiy,  principally  in  the  department  of  trade,  proceeds  from  the  want  of 
means  and  scarcity  of  cash  ;  because  each  Chamber  is  under  greater  necessity  to  extricate  itself 
from  embarrassment  than  to  pay  attention  to  the  general  interest.  By  this  means  the 
conquests  of  (iuinea,  St.  Thomas  and  Angola,  were  not,  sometimes  since,  properly  supplied; 
yea  nmre,  they  have  been  rather  a  burthen  than  a  profit  to  the  Company. 

The  decline  in  the  Company's  finances  is  caused,  among  other  things,  by  the  heavy  military 
force  in  Brazil;  especially  during  the  war  with  the  i'ortuguese.  For  this  reason,  the 
government  of  this  country  promised  the  Company,  at  the  Inst  augmentation  of  its  capital,  and 
on  the  issue  of  the  Charter,  to  pay  a  yearly  sulwidy  of  seven  tons  of  gold.  But  its  payment 
not  being  forthcoming  as  promptly  as  the  Company's  circumstances  demanded,  the  latter  was 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IIL 


247 


obliged  to  borrow  a  considerable  sum,  the  interest  wher-^of  it  must  now  daily  pay,  to  its 
serious  embarrassment.  It  has  happened,  moreover,  that  since  the  outbreak  in  Brazil,  all 
the  Tenths,  Excise,  Revenue  and  other  Domains  and  Receipts,  which  might  be  applicable  to  the 
lessening  of  this  charge,  have  wholly  ceased,  and  few  returns  coming  over,  the  current  debts 
are  also  remarkably  increased  by  the  respective  Chambers,  so  that  it  is  impossible  to  continue 
business  any  longer  in  that  country ;  much  less  to  attend  to  the  preservation  and  trade  of  the 
foreign  possessions,  unless  the  Company  be  succored  by  prompt  means  in  cash. 

The  stockholders,  to  all  appearance,  will  not  be  induced  to  subscribe  any  thing  additional 
before  Brazil  be  recovered,  and,  as  already  stated,  placed  in  its  previous  condition ;  because 
it  is  the  principal  pledge  on  which  their  money  has  been  invested  j  and  even  though  restored, 
no  assurance  can  be  given  them,  that  the  ancient  difficulty  would  not  hereafter  return,  so  long 
as  the  burthen  of  the  military  continues  to  hang  around  their  neck ;  therefore,  your  High 
Mightinesses  ought,  above  ail  things,  vote  the  extiaordinary  aid  for  Brazil,  as  requested  and 
already  consented  to  by  some  provinces ;  and,  consequently,  after  the  accomplishment  of  the 
principal  design  in  Brazil,  reduce  the  military  which  are  required  there  for  the  defence 
and  maintenance  of  the  garrisons  in  that  quarter,  to  a  smaller  number,  to  be  continued  and 
supported  at  the  public  expense,  at  least  until  Brazil  again  recovers  itself,  and  the  excise 
and  tenths  and  similar  public  revenues,  produce  sufficient  to  defray  the  military  expenses. 

Should  the  inhabitants  of  Brazil,  considered  as  the  subjects  of  this  State,  receive  in  this  way 
that  protection  and  benefit  from  your  High  Mightinesses  which  they  might  enjoy  in  this 
jountry,  freemen  would  be  encouraged  to  settle  down  there  quietly  under  your  High 
Mightinesses' guardianship,  and  Brazil  being  riveted  to  this  country,  might  not  only  afford  trade 
and  support  for  many  thousand  people  in  time  of  peace,  but  serve  as  a  bulwark  for  the 
security  of  this  State  in  time  of  war,  atid  as  a  point  from  which  the  enemy  in  the  vicinity 
of  his  West  Indies  could  be  harrassed  and  kept  always  more  effectually  in  check. 

The  fifteen  tons  of  gold  receivable  from  the  East  India  Company  would  serve  to  stock 
Brazil  and  Angola  with  provisions,  munitions  of  war,  stores  and  general  supplies,  and  fit  out 
ships  and  yachts  both  for  the  conveyance  thereof  and  the  defence  of  the  coasts. 

For  the  payment  of  the  salaries  of  the  superior  officers  in  Brazil,  which  amount,  as  before 
stated,  to  over  ten  thousand  guilders  per  month,  and  of  other  additional  officers  in  the 
respective  Colonies,  who  might  be  placed  to  the  account  of  the  General  Company,  the 
Commissioners  recently  at  the  Hague  voted  and  applied  on  the  tenth  of  December,  the  revenue 
and  duty  from  privateers  and  private  jmerchnntmen  trading  within  the  limits  of  the  charter; 
with  orders  that  the  moneys  received  be  consigned  to  this  Board  of  Accounts,  and  that  the 
preceding  salaries  be  paid  therefrom.  Hut  in  consequence  of  divers  obstacles  on  the  part  of 
some  Chambers  which  would  not  willingly  surrender  the  aforesaid  revenue,  wherewith  they 
endeavor  to  defray  their  particular  expenses,  the  said  order  has  not  been  yet  obeyed,  and  thus 
the  Board  of  Accounts  is  unable  to  satisfy  the  aforesaid  superior  officers,  who  will  now  transmit 
their  bills  by  the  first  ships.  It  would  therefore  be  highly  necessary  that  your  High  Mightinessei 
issue  orders  for  the  prompt  execution  of  the  resolutions  adopted  by  the  Chambers,  so  that  the 
General  Company  may  experience  the  benefit  thereof,  in  the  lessening  of  their  common  burthens. 

As  regards  the  remaining  charges,  such  as  the  current  debts  of  the  respt'ctive  Chambers,  the 
yearly  interest  of  money  in  deposit,  the  accounts  payable  to  those  returning  home  from  all 
quarters,  and  other  expenses  accruing  in  this  country,  we  see  no  means  applicable  thereunto, 
as  the  Company's  effects  are  very  fesv,  or  none,  and  the  respective  conquests  are  destroyed,  or  so 


at 
It 


mi 


J    -fc: 


248 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


'1^ 


reduced  in  matter  of  trade  that  little  or  no  returns  are  to  be  expected  from  them.  In  addition 
to  this,  new  capital  is  demanded  for  the  reegtablisiiment  of  and  trading  to  the  North  coast  of 
Africa,  St.  Thomas,  and  adjacent  commercial  posts,  on  the  supposition  that  Angola  be  thrown 
open  to  private  traders,  which  otherwise  would  require  a  heavy  capital.  Before  being 
encouraged  by  the  vigorous  aid  of  the  government,  it  ought  to  be  determined  whether  the 
stockholder^  could  not  be  disposed  to  do  something  on  their  part,  and  to  furnish  a  new 
subscription  or  capital  loan  of  ten  (S.  twelve  per  cent,  payable  periodically  or  in  instalments. 
Of  this  loan  a  million  ought  to  be  voted  and  appropriated  to  the  aforesaid  trade  to  Guinea,  St. 
Thomas  and  adjacent  places,  in  order  first,  to  provide  these  posts  with  all  sorts  of  cargoes, 
and  to  exclude  therefrom  the  English  and  foreign  nations,  and,  further,  to  defray  out  of  that 
fund  the  provisioning  and  establishment  of  the  coast  and  the  outfit  of  the  ships.  Whatever 
may  remain  from  the  aforesaid  new  subscription,  ought  to  be  applied  to  the  liquidation  of  the 
most  urgent  debts  and  incumbrances,  which  cannot  be  'deferred.  In  case  the  Company  be 
further  aided  by  a  subsidy,  and  somewhat  relieved  by  your  High  Mightinesses,  at  least  until  its 
returns  produce  sufficient  for  the  payment  of  the  interest  of  the  moneys  on  deposit,  which,  as 
above  stated,  were  taken  up  in  consequence  of  the  subsidy  in  arrear,  'tis  confidently  to  be 
hoped  that  affa-rs,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  may,  through  God's  blessing,  hi;  again  established, 
and  the  respective  conquests  brought  by  degrees  into  a  flourishing  condition,  in  order  that  they 
may  be  able  hereafter,  not  only  materially  to  reduce  the  Company's  yearly  incumbrances,  but 
bring  forth  some  fruit  to  the  stockholders,  to  indemnify  them  for  so  much  sunk  capital. 

Thus  done  and  drawn  up  by  the  Commissionera  in  the  Board  of  Accounts  of  the  General 
Incorporated  West  India  Company  at  Amsterdam,  this  19'"  April,  Sixteen  hundred  and 
forty-seven. 

(Signed)         J.  Blommaert 
M.  Altinqh. 


I 


Resolution  of  the  States  General,  referring  the  preceding  Papers. 

I  From  the  BtgltUr  of  Watt  Indi*  allUra,  1(8S  —  I Wl,  In  th*  Boxtl  ArehlTM  it  Uii  Htfu*.  ] 

Thursday,  ix'*  April,  1648. 
joohnra'"" 'n.t«i.  The  additional  petition  presented,  with  divers  papers  annexed,  to  their  High 
o,iyw|r.nJc«™.ii.  Mightinesses,  in  the  name  and  on  behalf  of  Jochum  Pieters*  Cuyter  and  Cornelia 
Melyn  is,  after  previous  consideration,  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Mess"  van  der  Cape  lie  tho 
Ryssel,  and  others  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  for  the  affairs  concerning  the  Redress  of 
the  Decline  of  the  West  India  Company,  to  inspect,  examine  and  to  look  into  the  past 
proceedings  thereupon,  and  to  report  on  the  whole  with  power  to  their  High  Mightinesses' 
Deputies  who  may  be  present,  to  proceed  to  business  in  the  absence  of  one  or  the  other  of  the 
committee ;  to  progress  therein  and  to  terminate  the  same. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS!    III. 


249 


Folio  Mt. 

Joehlm  PeterM, 
Utr      and    Cornel 
Melyn. 


liesdution  of  tits  Stake  General  permitting  Messrs.  Oayter  and  Melyn  to  return  to 

New  Netherland. 

I  rrom  tke  BegliUr  of  Wetl  India  AOIiln,  1<88— 1691,  Id  th*  Boral  ArckiTM  «t  the  Ha««a.] 

Tuesday,  98*  April,  1648. 
oor.  The  report  of  Mess"  v  n:  'Jer  Capelle  Iho  Ryssel  and  the  other  their  High 
™°'' Mightinesses'  Deputies,  Wi.,i,  pursuant  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  resolutions  of 
the  11  January  last,  and  the  S""  instant,  inspected  and  examined  the  re.'^pective  petitions 
presented  to  their  High  Mightinesses  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf  of  Jochim  Pieters'  Cuyter 
and  Cornelia  Melyn,  together  with  the  papers  thereunto  annexed,  being  heard:  It  is  after 
previous  deliberation,  resolved  and  concluded  to  grant  the  petitioners,  hereby,  provisional 
appeal,  with  the  clause  suspending  the  respective  sentences  pronouced  against  them  on  26th 
Pr  BtayTMMt  July,  of  the  year  1647,  by  Peter  Stuyvesant,  Director  of  New  Netherland,  in  the 
iiwduBii*.  ^ffe*^  Indies,  with   the  advice  of  his  Council ;  and  the  petitioners  are  further 

allowed  and  granted  liberty  to  return  to  New  Netherland  aforesaid,  and  free  and  unmolested 
to  use  and  enjoy  their  property  there,  the  same  as  other  Colonists  and  inhabitants,  pending 
the  case  in  appeal;  and  letters  shall  be  addressed  to  the  present  commander  and  mutatis 
mutandu,  to  the  government  there,  that  they  leave  the  parties  unmolested  and  in  the  enjoyment 
of  their  High  Mightinesses'  resolution ;  with  this  understanding  that  this  shall  not  be  drawn 
into  precedent,  to  the  prejudice  of  the  charter  granted  to  the  West  India  Company  of 
this  country. 


-♦■»■ »  » I  » 


States  General  to  Director  Stuyvesant, 

[From  Iht  B«gUtar  of  VUf/fant  Britm  or  tho  StatM  a«Bo»l,  In  th*  Bojral  ArehIrM  >'.  the  lltfne.] 

To  the  Director  in   New   Nethtyland,   28*   April,   1648,  and   mutatis   mutandia  to  the 
government  in  New  Netherland. 

The  States  Genbral,  &c. 
FoHow.  Honorable,  &c.     We  have  this  day  heard  and  considered  t'.ie  report  of  Mess"  our 

Deputies,  who,  pursuant  to  our  previous  resolutions  of  the  xi  January  last,  and  of  the  9'*  instant, 
have  investigated  and  examined  the  several  petitions  presented  unto  us,  in  the  name  and  on  the 
cuyMrtadMei;*.  behalf  of  Jochum  Pieters  Cuyter  and  Cornells  Melyn  ;  also  the  papers  thereunto 
annexed;  and  after  previous  deliberation  have,  consequently,  granted  the  petitioners  provision 
of  appeal,  with  the  clause  suspending  the  respective  sentences  pronounced  against  them,  on  the 
24  July,  of  the  year  1647,  with  the  advice  of  his  Council,  by  Peter  Stuyvesant,  Director  of 
New  Netherland,  within  the  limits  of  the  West  India  Company ;  and  We  have,  moreover, 
granted  to  nnd  allowed  the  petitionerH  liberty,  pending  the  case  in  appeal,  to  return  hence  to 
New  Netherland  aforesaid,  and  free  and  unmolested  to  enjoy  and  use  their  property  there,  the 
same  as  other  Colonists  and  inhabitants}  of  all  which  We  have  resolved  hereby  to  advise 

Vot.  I.  32 


850 


NEW.yORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


you,  and  to  order  and  charge  you,  that  you  shall  allow  the  aforesaid  petitioners  to  act 
unmolested  and  peaceably  to  enjoy  the  full  effect  of  these,  Our  good  designs  and  intentions, 
without  failing  in  any  way  therein.     Done  aS'*  April,  1648. 


Mandamus  in  Case  of  the  Appeal  of  Messrs.  Cuyter  and  ilelyn. 

[From  the  AcU-botk  of  th«  Slain  Oengnl,  In  tha  Roy»l  Arehlrei  *l  th«  Hague.  ] 

Mandamus  in  case  of  appeal  with  suspensory  clause  for  Jochem  Pietersz  Cuyter 
and  Cornelis  Melyn,  inhabitants  of  New  Netherland. 

Folio  274.  The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands  to  the  first  marshal  or  messenger 

hereunto  requested,  who  is  qualified  to  act.  Health.     Know  Ye,  that  We  have  received  the 
humble  petition  presented  unto  Us,  by  and  on  behalf  of  Jochim  Pietersz  Cuyter  and  Cornelis 
Melyn,  setting  forth   that  they,  the  petitioners,  had,  by  permission  and  leave  of  the  Assembly 
of  the  Nineteen,  of  the  General  West  India  Company,  transported  themselves  in  the  year  One 
thousand  six  hundred  and  thirty-nine,  with  wives  and  children,  and  the  means  of  private 
citizens,  besides  a  large  stock  of  cattle  from  this  country  into  New  Netherland,  so  that  they, 
the  petitioners,  had  in  the  year  1643,  after  a  heavy  outlay,  much  trouble  and  indescribable 
labor,  brought  into  good  order  their  lands,  houses  and  other  improvements,  which  they  were 
obliged  to  abandon  in  the  year  aforesaid,  in  consequence  of  the  war  that  Director  Kieft 
illegally  and  contrary  to  all  public  Law,  had  commenced  against  the  Indians  or  inhabitants  of 
New   Netherland,  and   have  accordingly  lost  all  their  property;  wherefore  the  petitioners, 
together  with  the  other  six  chosen  men  resolved,  in  the  name  of  the  unanimous  Commonalty 
in  New  Netherland.  and  sent  over  by  the  Blue  Cock  in  the  year  1644,  their  complaints  on  this 
point  in  two  letters  to  the  Assembly  of  the  Nineteen,  and  to  the  Directors  in  Amsterdam.     The 
mischiefs  which  followed  this  deed  of  murder,  massacre  and  other  additional  abominations, 
that  Director  Kieft,  of  his  own  motion,  permitted  at  the  time  to  be  perpetrated  on  the  innocent 
and  guiltless  Indians,  which  must  startle  the  Christian  heart  that  hears  of  them,  may  be  fully 
seen  in  the  original  letter  to  the  Nineteen.'     The  Eight  chosen  men  were  not  aware  that  they 
had,  in  thus  acting,  committed  any  offence,  but  hoped  that  the  most  favorable  construction 
would  be  placed  on  it  by  the  Directors,  who,  however,  the  petitioners  find  did,  on  the  contrary, 
take  the  letter  in  the  worst  part,  and  accordingly  sent  it  by  the  new  Director  Stuyvesant,  back 
to  New  Netherland  to  Director  Kieft.     The  consequence  of  this  was,  that  the  aforesaid  Kieft 
determined  to  proceed  very  severely  against  the  Eight  chosen  men,  especially  against  both  the 
Petitioners,  and  had  them  prosecuted  by  the  Fiscal,  so  that  Director  Stuyvesant,  to  gratify 
the  aforesaid  Kieft,  hath  banished  the  petitioners  for  some  years  from   the  country  as  they 
would  not  contradict  the  truth,  and  persisted  in  their  previous  writings.     The  Petitioners  then 
turned  unto  Us,  requesting,  imploring,  praying,  for  God's  sake,  that  We  would  please  to  protect 
them  in  their  rights,  that  they  may  be  able  to  return  to  their  poor,  desolate  wives  and 
children,  and  bo  established  in  their  previous  condition  on  their  lands,  and   in   case   the 


'Suprt,  p,  190.  —  Ei>. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IIL 


251 


PetitionerB  have  given  offence  by  any  improper  papers,  tending  to  injure  New  Netherland  or 
the  puhlic  weal  (which  they  in  no  way  desired),  they  submit  themselves  here  to  such 
punishment  as  We  shall  find  appropriate;  but  it  will  appear,  on  the  contrary,  that  the 
Petitioners  had  no  other  aim  in  their  writings  than  the  promotion  of  the  public  good  and 
the  wished  for  peace  in  New  Netherland,  and  the  removal  of  the  inhuman  cruelties,  tyranny  and 
misgovernment  which  the  servants  of  the  West  India  Company,  and  especially  Director  Kieft, 
inflicted  from  time  to  time  on  the  Natives  of  New  Netherland;  the  consequence  whereof  is, 
that  by  these  barbarous  proceedings,  the  country  is  wholly  prostrate,  the  settlers  hunted,  their 
lands  laid  waste,  the  bouweries  and  plantations,  to  the  number  of  60  or  60  burnt  and  laid  in 
ashes,  and  what  is  worst  of  ali,  the  Dutch  name  is  through  those  cruel  acts,  despised  to  a  most 
sovereign  degree,  by  the  Heathens  of  those  parts:  And  whenever  the  poor  inhabitants 
complained  to  the  supreme  government  of  these  harsh  doings,  they  were  so  persecuted  by  the 
Directors  there,  that  the  Dutch,  in  course  of  time,  abandoned  the  country,  and  little  more  than 
one  hundred  men,  besides  private  traders,  are  found  there  at  this  day.  It  is  therefore  much  to 
be  apprehended,  that  the  English  will  endeavor  in  time,  to  become  masters  of  it,  for  they,  of 
late  years,  have  come  near  unto  the  Dutch,  and  within  fifteen  years  have  increased  in  New 
En.^Iand  to  fifty  or  sixty  thousand  souls,  who  have  now  already  got  a  smack  of  the  productiveness 
and  of  the  convenient  navigable  rivers  of  Our  New  Netherland.  The  Petitioners,  then,  earnestly 
imploring  that  this,  their  humble  petition,  may  by  Us  be  taken  into  consideration,  and  they  be 
granted  their  reasonable  and  fair  request,  which,  also,  the  Assembly  of  the  Nineteen  itself 
promisedin  their  charter  of  1630,  to  all  Patroons  and  free  inhabitants:  seeing  which.  We, 
therefore,  request  and  command  you,  who  are  hereby  deputed  hereunto,  to  summon,  in  Our 
name,  at  the  request  of  the  aforesaid  Petitioners,  the  above  named  Director  Stuyvesant,  and 
those  of  the  government  in  New  Netherland  aforesaid,  with  all  others  required,  to  come 
and  appear,  or  send  attorneys,  on  a  suitable  day,  to  sustain  and  defend  the  aforesaid  sentences 
and  the  tenor  thereof  before  Us,  here  at  the  Hague,  or  to  renounce  the  same  if  they  think  proper ; 
to  see  and  hear  the  same  adjudged  null,  void,  and  of  no  effect,  and  accordingly,  legally  to  amend 
and  correct  them  according  to  law,  if  such  be  right,  on  such  application  as  the  Petitioners,  on 
the  day  appointed,  shall  present,  in  order,  parties  being  heard,  the  Petitioners  may  by  Us,  be 
provided  with  such  remedy  of  justice,  and  also  of  grace  if  necessary,  as  shall  be  found  pertinent 
and  applicable  to  the  case.  Moreover,  right  stricly  forbidding  and  commanding  in  Our  behalf, 
on  certain  heavy  penalties,  the  aforesaid  defendants,  and  all  others  whom  it  may  concern,  that 
pending  the  matter  in  appeal,  they  neither  do  attempt,  nor  innovate  any  thing  against  the 
aforesaid  Appellants,  but,  on  the  contrary,  if  any  thing  be  done,  attempted  or  innovated,  that 
they  immediately  and  without  hesitation  repair  it,  and  place  it  in  its  first  and  proper  position. 
Leaving  copy  hereof  and  of  your  summons  for  the  behoof  of  the  Defendants,  and  reporting  to 
Ua,  on  the  day  aforesaid,  what  you  shall  have  done  herein.  Given  in  the  Hague,  on  the 
twenty-eighth  day  of  April,  XVI'  and  forty-eight. 


252 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


''■ 


Besdution  of  the  States  Oeneral  approving  the  preceding  Mandamus. 

[  From  tb*  RagUter  of  Wert  IndU  AUkln,  168»-1M1,  In  Um  Eoy.1  AreblTW  M  tbc  Higne.  ] 

Thursday,  30*  April,  1648. 
The  draft  of  the  Mandamus  in  the  case  of  appeal  prepared  by  order  of  their 
High  Mightinesses  in  behalf  of  Jochum  Pieters-  Cuyter  and  Cornelis  Melyn  being  read  to  the 
Assembly,  it  is,  after  previous  deliberation,  held  as  enacted,  and  it  is  further  ordered  to  be 
dispatched  and  issued. 


roHo  401. 
Oa;t«r  ud  Melyn 


Readution  of  the  States  General  to  grant  Safeguard  to  Messi'S.  Cuyter  and  Melyn. 

[Prom  the  Eegtaler  of  Wert  Indli  AflUn,  1(88— 1«1,  In  Uie  Eoy»l  Arcblree  *t  the  H«(aa.  ] 

Wednesday,  6*  May,  1648. 
A  certain  other  petition  presented  to  their  High  Mightinesses  in  the  name  and 


m*  MS. 

Joobem       Plelerae  -  ■  o      — c ■••  •■■"  ......^  miu 

02t»«do»nH,u.  on  the  behalf  of  Jochem   Pieters-  Cuyter  and    Cornelis   Melyn,   their  H'gh 
8ta?;l22.t      Mightinesses'  subjects  and  inhabitants  in  New  Netherland,  is  read  to  the  Assembly, 
uudemn*.  Setting  forth,  that  their  High  Mightinesses  were  pleased  on  the  28""  April  last,  to 

grant  them,  the  petitioners,  a  Mandamus  in  case  of  appeal,  with  the  clause  suspending  the 
•entence  which  Peter  Stuyvesnnt,  Director  of  New  Netherland  under  the  West  India  Company, 
with  the  advice  of  his  Council,  pronounced  against  them  on  the  25*  July,  1647,  and  that  their 
High  Mightine/ises,  in  addition,  have  granted  them,  the  petitioners,  liberty,  pending  the  case  in 
appeal,  to  return  hence  to  New  Netherland  aforesaid,  and  use  and  enjoy  their  property  there 
free  and  unmolested,  the  same  as  other  colonists  and  inhabitants.  They,  the  Petitioners, 
praying  their  High  .Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  extend  their  favor  further,  so  far  as  to  advise 
the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  thereof,  or  in  its  absence,  the  presiding  Chamber  of  the  West  India 
Company ;  and  further,  to  grant  them,  the  petitioners,  Acte  ad  omnct  Popuks,  and  particularly 
to  those  directly  or  indirectly  under  the  jurisdiction  of  this  State,  so  that  they,  the  Petitioners 
may,  with  the  one  and  the  other,  enjoy  the  effect  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  kindnes"  ' 
favorable  resolution.  Whereupon  deliberation  being  had,  it  is  resolved  and  conclude;, 
agreeably  to  the  Petitioners'  request  the  aforesaid  concession  shall  be  notified  to  the  afores,.  „ 
Assembly  of  the  Nineteen,  or  in  their  absence  to  the  presiding  Chamber  of  the  saia 
Company;  and  to  them,  the  Petitioners,  shall  be  forthwith  issued,  Acte  ad  omna  Pojmlos,  and 
particularly  to  all  those  who,  directly  or  indirectly,  are  under  the  jurisdiction  of  this  State; 
so  that  the  aforementioned  Petitioners,  both  one  and  the  other,  may  enjoy  the  effect  of  their 
High  Mightinesses'  resolution  and  concession  aforesaid.  And  the  aforosaid  Mandamus  shall  be 
enlarged,  as  it  is  hereby  enlarged  thus  far,  to  wit:  that  the  said  Mandamus  shall  be  served  not 
only  hy  a  mesBeng»-r,  marshal  or  notary,  hut  by  such  other  person,  whether  public  or  private, 
as  they,  the  Petitioners,  jointly  or  severally  may  accept  and  empower. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    III. 


253 


Passport  to  Messrs.  Ouyter  and  Mdyn  to  return  to  New  Nethsrland, 

[  From  tlM  ^c«»4Mt  of  the  BUIm  Ooneral,  In  Itao  Bo^il  ArctalTM  at  the  Bigao.  ] 

Act  ad  omnes  Populos  for  Jochem  PieterszCuyter  and  Cornells  Melyn,  inhabitants 
of  New  Netherland. 

vouo  sn.  The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands.    To  all  those  who  dball  see  or 

hear  these  read,  Health  :  Bb  it  Known,  Whereas,  We,  on  the  28"'  April  last,  did  grant  unto 
Joachim  Pietersz  Cuyter  and  Cornelis  Melyn  provision  of  appeal  with  the  clause  of  inhibition 
(according  to  the  Letters  thereof  issued)  from  the  respective  sentences  which  Peter  Stuyvesant, 
Director  of  New  Netherland,  in  the  West  Indies,  with  the  advice  of  his  Council,  pronounced 
against  them  on  the  25'^  July,  of  the  year  1647  ;  and  have,  moreover,  accorded  and  granted 
liberty  to  the  Petitioners,  pending  the  case  in  appeal,  to  return  to  New  Netherland  aforesaid, 
and  there  enjoy  and  make  use  of  their  property  free  and  unmolested,  the  same  as  other 
Colonists  i>nd  inhabitants ;  We,  therefore,  request  all  Kings,  Princes,  Potentates,  Republics, 
Parliaments,  States  and  Deputies,  being  with  Us  and  these  United  Netherlands  in  friendship, 
alliance  and  neutrality;  also,  their  admirals,  lieutenants  and  vice  admirals,  captains  and 
commanders  to  allow  said  Joachim  Pietersz  Cuyter  and  Cornelis  Melyn  to  prosecute  their 
voyage  to  New  Netherland  aforesaid,  they  being  inhabitants  and  subjects  of  this  State,  and  We 
shall  en  that  account  be  and  remain  at  all  times,  disposed,  such  to  reciprocate  towards  the 
illustrious  Kings,  Princes,  Potentates,  the  high  and  honored  Republics,  Parliaments,  States  and 
Deputies  and  to  acknowledge  towards  the  aforesaid  their  admirals,  lieutenants  and  vice-admirals, 
and  captains,  and  likewise  towards  their  inhabitants  and  subjects  on  all  occurring  occasions. 
We  further  charge  and  command  all  admirals,  lieutenants  and  vice-admirals,  captains, 
lieutenants,  commanders  and  common  soldiers  and  sailors,  being  directly  in  Our  service,  and 
in  that  of  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company  of  this  country  to  afford  and  lend  to 
the  afore-named  Joachim  Pietersz.  Cuyter  and  Cornelis  Melyn  in  the  prosecution  of  their 
aforesaid  voyage  to  New  Netherland,  all  help,  assistance  and  address,  and  to  this  end  to  convey 
and  transport  them  as  passengers,  and  at  their  own  cost,  in  the  respective  ships  under  their 
command,  if  by  them  thereunto  requested;  also,  to  land  them  whereseover  the  aforesaid  ships 
shall  have  designed  to  go  and  their  voyage  lies,  on  pain,  of  actir.g  contrariwise,  of  incurring 
Our  highest  indignation,  for  such  We  have  found  expedient.  Given  at  the  Hague  in  Our 
Assembly,  under  Our  Seal,  paraph  and  the  Signature  of  our  Greffier,  on  the  vi.  May,  164S. 


Hesolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  Treaties,  dec,  entered  into  hy  the  West 

India  Company. 

[  From  Iho  RofltUr  of  Wett  India  alTain,  1038 —1«SI,  In  Iho  Boral  AnbW M  ai  tko  Bagnt.  ] 

Thursday,  27'"  August,  1648. 
Vaiio4t4.  In  fulfillment  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  resolution  of  the  14'^  instant,  and  the 

letters  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  consequent  thereupon, 


254 


NEV.-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


S2lSL,°'".*,?Sto,  I^'™ctor  de  Laet  delivered  unto  the  Assembly  authentic  copies  of  such  treaties, 
Prii<»."«dp^^  contracts  and  capitulations  as  the  said  West  India  Company  hath  made  and 
•^-  concluded  with  the  Kings,  Princes  and  Potentates  within  the  limits  of  their 

Charter.  Whereupon  deliberation  being  had,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  the  aforesaid 
authentic  copies  be  locked  up  and  preserved. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  Petition  of  the  Guardians  of  Johannes 

van  Rensselaer. 

I  rrom  Ui<  KeglMar  of  WmI  ladt*  aAln,  l«8ft— IWl,  Id  tfa*  Boyil  AnhiTM  at  the  HigiM.] 

Wednesday,  21"  October,  1648. 
The  petition  of  the  guardians  of  Johan  van  Renselaer,  minor  son  of  Kiliaen 
van  Renselaer,  being  read  to  the  Assembly.  It  is,  after  previous  deliberation, 
resolved  and  concluded  that  it  be  placed,  with  the  papers  annexed,  in  the  hands  of  the  Mr.  van 
Rpnswoude,  to  inspect,  examine  and  report  thereupon;  and  this  resolution  shall  be  made  public 
without  reconsideration. 


Folio  481. 


Oaardiant  of  Johan 
Tan  BeoMlaor. 


f« 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  Repo7't  in  the  case  of  Johannes  van  Rensselaer. 

I  From  Ihe  BegUter  of  Weal  India  affalra,  1688—1661,  In  Iht  Boyal  Archlrea  at  th*  Hagna.] 

Thursday,  aS  October,  1648. 
Fo«o«i.  Having  heard  the  report  of  Mr.  van  Reinswoude  who,  in  virtue  of  their  High 

Mightinesses'  order  yesterday,  inspected  and  examined  the  petition,  with  the  papers  thereunto 
annexed,  presented  on  the  same  day  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  in  the  name  and  dn  behalf  of 
^MBiSJiwr"""  '''e  guardians  of  Johan  van  Renselaer,  minor  son  of  deceased  Kiliaen  van 
Benitiaera  Wjck.  Rcuselaer,  for  Letters  of  Investiture  of  High,  Middle  and  Low  Jurisdiction  over 
the  Colonie  aituafe  in  New  Netherland  and  called  Renselaers  Wyck.  It  is,  after  previous 
deliberation,  resolved  and  concluded  to  hereby  thank  the  said  Mr.  van  Reinswoude  for  and  on 
account  of  the  trouble  taken  by  him  in  the  aforesaid ;  but  before  proceeding  finally  in  the 
matter,  it  is  resolved  and  determined  that  copy  of  the  aforesaid  petition,  as  well  as  of 
the  papers  thereunto  annexed,  be  transmitted  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  West 
Iidia  Company,  at  present  convened  in  Amsterdam,  in  order  to  understand  from  it,  without 
d  'ly,  whether  it  have  any  valid  objections  against  the  aforesaid  investiture,  and  to 
communicate  the  same  to  them  in  the  speediest  manner.  And  the  petitioners  are,  meanwhile, 
esteemed  diligent. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    III. 


255 


Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  to  the  Sates  General. 

I  rnm  Iht  Orlflul:  In  tha  Bojril  ArahlTn  al  Iha  Hi(M ;  Fll^  WhI  lHd44.] 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  ot  the  United  Netherlanos. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

The  Directors  of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company  at  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  having 
received  your  High  Mightinesses'  letter  of  the  30«*  October  last  v\rith  the  copy  of  the  petition 
presented  on  the  same  day  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  by  or  on  behalf  of  Jacob  Tafyn,  they 
state  for  information  thereupon,  that  they  have  received  advices  by  letter  from  Director  Petrus 
Stu-resant,  written  in  Fort  Amsterdam  in  New  Netherland,  on  the  S""  of  August  last,  that  a 
Spanish  bark,  burthen  about  70  to  80  lasts,  had  been  sent  in  there,  laden  with  hides,  and 
captured  by  the  yacht  the  Cat  conveying  some  horses  from  the  Island  of  Cura9ao  to  the 
Caril  f.ean  Islands,  a  portion  of  which  aforesaid  hides  the  said  Director  had  sold  there,  and 
would  send  the  remainder,  amounting  to  about  2000,  to  this  country,  as  was  subsequently 
done.  And  as  the  aforesaid  prize,  according  to  the  law  of  Nations  and  the  treaty  of  peace 
concluded  b  tween  this  State  and  the  King  of  Spain,  is  without  any  gainsay,  well  and  duly 
sent  in ;  without  the  Company  being  able,  or  bound,  to  know  whose  property  any  of  the 
freighted  goods  were  which,  however,  by  means  of  that  prohibited  ship  also  were  rendered 
contraband.  The  above  named  Directors,  pursuant  to  the  Company's  order,  therefore 
considered  themselves  to  be  warranted  to  take  the  benefit  of,  and  to  sell  the  aforesaid  goods 
sent  over  to  this  country.  Then  having  remarked  by  the  aforesaid  letter  that  your  High 
Mightinesses  had  provisionally  staid  the  aforesaid  sale,  we  have  deemed  it  expedient,  in  addition 
to  the  present  information  and  in  consideration  thereof,  humbly  to  solicit  your  High 
Mightinesses,  that  we  be  at  liberty  to  proceed,  on  the  day  appointed  by  the  notices  and  of 
which  the  merchants  are  now  advised,  with  the  aforesaid  sale,  and  to  benefit  the  most 
advantageously  by  the  goods ;  the  rather,  inasmuch  as  the  said  Tafyn  or  any  one  else  who 
might  pretend  a  claim  thereupon,  which  however  cannot  be,  can  and  shall  retain  as  much 
right  to  the  moneys  proceeding  from  the  aforesaid  sale,  as  he  hath  had  to  the  aforesaid  property. 
Which  doing,  etc. 

Presented  in  the  name  of  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  at  Amsterdam, 
the  G""  November,  1648. 

(Signed)         Gvsbert  Rudolpht. 


Hesolution  of  the  States  Genefral  on  tlie  petition  of  Mr.  Blommaert  and  others. 

I  From  th«  Rrgliter  of  WmI  India  aSklra,  l«3S— 16et,  In  tha  Royal  Archlraa  at  tha  Bagna.] 

Friday,  20'"  November,  1648. 
samnerBiOTdiart      '^^^  petition  of  Samuel    Blommaert,  Johannes   de   Laet,  Margriete  Reinst, 
cXn^r'.^N  w      ^'^°^  °^  Adam  Bessels  and  Toussaint  Muyssart,  on  and  against  the  guardians  of 
Naihariand.  the  minor  son  of  Kiliaen  van   Renselaer,  relative  to  certain  Colonie  of  New 

Netherland  [being  read];  copy  thereof  is,  ader  previous  deliberation,  placed  in  the  hands  of 
said  guardians,  for  the  purpose  of  commenting  thereupon  in  writing. 


256 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Folio  487. 

Onwdlau  of  Johin 
Tu  Umaalur. 


EesoltUions  of  tJie  States  General  in  the  matter  of  Johannes  van  Jiensselaer,  et  al. 

I  Tnm  the  B«(Ut«r  of  Wm*  Indim  aOUn,  1«88— 1651,  la  Uw  Boy*]  AnhIrM  «l  lfe«  Hig**.] 

Monday,  26**  April,  1649. 
Read  to  the  Assembly  the  petition  presented  to  their  High  Mightinesses  in  the 
name,  and  on  the  behalf  of  the  guardians  of  Johan  van  Renselaer,  the  son  of 
BiuirMuL  Kiliaen  van   Renselaer,    complaining  of  Petrus   Stuivesant,  the   West  India 

Company's  Director  in  Fort  Amsterdam,  situate  at  the  Manathes  in  New  Netherland. 
Whereupon,  deliberation  being  had,  it  is,  previous  to  proceeding  further  herein,  resolved  and 
concluded,  that  the  aforesaid  petition  shall  be  sent  to  the  presiding  Chamber  of  the  aforesaid 
Company  resident  at  Amsterdam  for  information. 

Resolution  of  the  States  General. 

Monday,  26  April,  1649. 
joh.n"'«D**w..iy  The  answer  of  Johan  van  Weely  and  Wouter  van  Twiller,  guardians  of  Johan 
Tw,i  J°"'"  ^"  van  Renselaer,  son  of  Kiliaen  van  Renselaer,  to  the  petition  heretofore  presented 
.ndputaon.  to  their  High  Mightinesses  by  Samuel  Bloemert  and  partners.  Is,  after  previous 
deliberation,  handed  to  parties  to  reply  thereunto,  within  the  time  of  fourteen  days  after 
service  hereof. 

Resolution  of  the  States  General. 

Tuesday,  1  June,  1649. 
The  reply  of  Samuel  Blommaert  and  associates,  partners  in  the  Colonic  of 
New  Netherland,  to  and  against  Jan  van  Wely  and  Wouter  van  Twiller, 
as  guardians  of  Johan  van  Renselaer,  Is,  after  previous  consideration,  handed  to  Mess^' 
Huygens,  Vett  and  van  der  Hoolck,  to  inspect  and  examine  the  same,  and  report  thereon ;  and 
with  this  exception,  parties  shall  be  at  liberty  meanwhile  to  rejoin. 

* 

Resolution  of  the  States  General. 


Folk)  Ml. 

BIOBRlMrt    u>i 

parinefs. 


Friday,  4  June,  1649, 


rolls  Mf. 


On  consideration,   it  is  hereby  resolved   and  decided,  to  enlarge  their  High 
Mightinesses'  order  of  the  31"  May  last,  placed  in  the  margin  of  the  answer  presented  on  the 

liTd/iS?"'*"  **'"®  ^^^  '°  '''"'^  ^'^*'  Mightinesses  by  Samuel  Blommert  and  Jan  de  Laet 
qualUate  quA  to  the  effect  that  Mess"  Huygens.  Vett  and  van  der  Hoolck,  their 
High  Mightinesses'  preceding  Deputies,  shall  be  empowered  to  summon  both  parties  before 
them,  on  a  certain  day  to  be  prefixed  by  them  for  that  purpose,  in  order  to  accommodate,  if 
possible,  the  differences  mutually  existing  between  them;  and  if  not,  to  render  a  report  to 
their  High  Mightinesses  of  their  proceedings. 


Tnllo  4K. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV 

Resolution  of  the  States  General. 

Saturday,  3^  July  1649. 


257 


Weir  "nd    Tirlltr. 
Bcuulur. 


On  consideration,  it  is  resolved  and  decided  that  Johan  van  Wely  and  Wouter 
van  Twiler,  guardians  of  Jnn  van  Renselaer,  be  notified  to  repair  hither  on  next 
Thursday,  the  8*  instant,  for  the  purpose  set  forth  in  their  High  Mightinesses'  Resolution  of 
the  4'*  June;  and  the  letter  to  be  written,  shall  be  dispatched  without  reconsideratioh. 


I 


Folin  48«. 
BUrnimsert  and  Da 


Resolution  of  the  States  General. 

Thursday,  30  September  1049. 
Read  in  the  Assembly  a  certain  memorial  of  Samuel  Blommaert  and  Johannes 

de  Laet  cum  lociit,  respecting  the  difference  which  has  arisen  between  them  and 
?"'Km"n'"'«B  **^®  guardians  and  heirs  of  Kiliaen  van  Renselaer  concerning  the  Colonic  of 
BanKiur.  Renselacr's-Wyck  in  New  Netherland,  setting  forth  in  effect,  that  they  having 

appeared  some  months  ago  before  their  High  Mightinesses'  Commissioners,  the  order  was 
made:  that  parties  on  both  sides  should  exchange  their  papers  within  the  space  of  fourteen 
days,  and  then  deliver  said  papers  with  the  Advertisements  into  the  hands  of  said 
Commissioners,  in  order  to  make  further  disposition  therein,  as  may  be  expedient;  but  so  it  is, 
that  they,  the  Petitioners  have  long  since  placed  their  papers  in  the  hands  of  their  adversaries, 
and  that  fourteen  days  more  than  a  month  have  elapsed,  without  their  opponents  having 
handed  in  any  thing:  Wherefore  they,  the  petitioners,  most  humbly  request  their  High 
Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  direct  that  their  opponents  be  required  to  obey  the  aforesaid 
Order  within  a  brief  space  of  time  and  that  in  default  thereof,  their  High  Mightinesses' 
Commissioners  be  authorized,  by  deprivation  of  the  right  of  defence  or  otherwise,  to  put  an 
end  to  the  case  in  such  manner  as  the  aforesaid  Commissioners  shall  determine,  more  especially 
as  the  matter  cannot  suffer  any  further  delay,  without  prejudice  to  the  plaintiffs.  Whereupon 
deliberation  being  had,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  the  guardians  and  heirs  of  Kiliaen 
van  Renselaer  shall  be  held,  ua  they  are  hereby  expressly  ordered  again  within  thu  space  of 
eight  days  after  the  service  hereof,  to  fulGll  and  obey  their  High  Mightinesses'  preceding  order, 
on  pain  of  deprivation  of  their  right. 


Resolution  of  the  States  Oenei'ol  on  a  letter  received  from  Director  Stui/vesant.' 

[From  lb*  8«gM<r  of  Wm«  lodia  A«»lr»,  1088  —  IMl,  In  (be  Eojral  ArebivM  at  the  Uaguo.  ] 

Saturday  O""  October,  1649. 
folio  4M.  Received  a  duplicate  of  a  despatch  from  Peter  Stuyvesant,  Director  in  New 

BtDTvaaani.  Netherland,    without    date    or    place,    containing    an    answer    to    their  High 

Mightinesses'  letter  of  the  28'*  April  last,  transmitted  to  him  Stuyvesant,  in  the  matter  of 

'This  letter,  dutpd  lOtli  of  August,  1649.  ia  omitted  here,  being  a  duplicate;  th«  origit*'  will  bs  found,  p<w<,  immediatelT 
procediog  "FiiolH4ion  o/ tko  Slalei  Omeral"  of  ihc  26th  November,  1649.— En. 


Vol,.  I 


33 


258 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


ooradia  MeifD.  Comelis  Mclyti  condemned  and  relieved.  Whereupon  deliberation  being  had,  it 
is  resolved  and  decided  before  proceeding  any  farther  herein,  that  the  past  transactions  shall  be 
looked  up  and  read  to  the  Assembly,  in  order  to  proceed  afterwards  as  may  appertain. 


<■•»■■» 


The  Nine  Men  of  New  Netherland  to  the  States  General. 

[  From  the  Origind  ln;Ui«  Bo;>l  ArchiTn  at  Ih*  Hignt ;  hdkeOau  or  Ik*  BtatM  Q  eotral ;  Babrlo  ITmI  IndUtiu  CmpagnU,  Hs.  80.    Dirltlon  1.] 

Great,  Powerful,  High  and  Mighty  Sovereigns. 

After  our  distressed  circumstances  had  forced  and  obliged  us  to  represent  the  poor  condition 
of  this  country  and  to  pray  for  redress  therein,  we  considered  it  proper  to  delegate  also 
some  persons  whom  we  know  and  acknowledge  to  be  honorable,  honest  and  trustworthy ; 
likewise  well  experienced  in,  and  acquainted  with,  the  circumstances  of  this  country,  in  order 
that  they  may  furnish  your  High  Mightinesses,  if  such  be  your  will  and  pleasure,  with  further 
information  and  explanation  on  every  subject  &  circumstance,  and  also  to  importune  your 
High  Mightinesses  to  grant  seasonable  relief  and  aid.  We,  therefore,  hereby  humbly  entreat 
and  request  your  High  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  give  credence  in  all  things  that  they  may 
do  or  say  in  the  premises,  to  these  persons,  to  wit,  Adriaen  Van  der  Donck,  JACon  van 
CouwKNHovEN,  and  Jan  Evbrtse  Bout,  our  Delegates  and  Agents ;  inasmuch  as  we  know 
them  for  persons  of  honor  and  of  good  name  and  fame,  also  right  well  disposed  towards  the 
interest  of  this  Country.  With  humble  reverence  we  pray  your  High  Mightinesses  to  be 
pleased  to  grant  them  a  favorable  audience,  and  we  are  and  remain  your  High  Mightinesses' 
faithful  subjects. 

We  have,  in  addition,  presumed  to  send  your  High  Mightinesses  a  specimen  of  this  country's 
products,  crop  and  forage  most  humbly  praying  that,  according  to  our  straitened  circumstances, 
it  may  be  graciously  accepted,  which  we  pray  God  also  to  grant,  to  whose  keeping  we  ever 
commend  your  High  Mightinesses'  persons,  deliberations  and  undertakings.     Ai«s'  . 

In  the  name,  and  on  the  behalf,  of  the  Commonalty  of  New  Netherland,  Done  the 
86'*  July  1649  in  New  Amsterdam,  on  the  Island  Manhattans  in  New  Netherland. 

(Signed)         Auoihtin  Herman. 

Ahnolbub  van  Hardinbkrch. 
Olofk  Stkvkn'ss. 
Maciivel  Janssbn. 
Thomas  Hall. 
Elurrt  Elubhtsbn. 
GovBRT  Loockbrmans. 
Received  13  October,  1649.  Hkndrick  Hbndricksi  Kip. 

(Addressed  as  follows:) 

To  the  Great,  Powerful,  High  &  Mighty  Lord* 
The  Lords  ritates  (Jenenil  of 
The  United  Nelherluuds  retidiiig  ttl  the  Hague. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS  :    IV. 


259 


Petition  of  the  Delegates  from  New  Netherland  to  the  States  General. 

[  From  the  Orlglitl  In  Ih*  Koral  ArehWai  >t  the  Uegne;  Lctetkat  of  the  BUIee  General ;  Eobrfcj  Wttt  MOitche  OompagnU,  No.  80;  M  dtrUloa 

or  the  Bundle.  ] 

[l.  S.] 
To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  the  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 

The  Delegates  of  the  Commonalty  in  New  Netherland  most  respectfully  represent  that 
they,  the  Petitioners,  being  obliged,  agreeably  to  the  annexed  request,  to  lay  before  your  High 
Mightinesses  the  Sober  Condition  and  poor  circumstances  of  New  Netherland  aforesaid,  which 
is  clearly  set  before,  and  demonstrated  to  your  High  Mightinesses  in  said  petition  and  more 
minute  Remonstrance,  the  Petitioners  presuming  that  your  High  Mightinesses  cannot  well 
have  leisure  as  a  body,  being  occupied  by  other  public  business,  to  examine  the  same,  are 
therefore  under  the  necessity  of  addressing  themselves  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  rcEoectfully 
praying  your  High  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  appoint  some  Members  of  your  Assembly  i 
examine  the  said  Petition  and  Remonstance,  to  hear  the  Petitioners  verbally,  and  report  being 
rendered  according  to  their  finding,  that  your  High  Mightinesses  may  dispose  thereof  as  to  the 
circumstances  of  the  case  according  to  your  wise  discretion,  may  appertain.     Which  doing  etc. 


Petition  of  the  Commonalty  of  New  Netherland  to  the  States  General. 

[Prom  Ike  OriglBtl  («eihe«t  of  paper  Mmewhetihlok  aid  larfe)  la  the  Boral  Archlree  at  Ike  nafve;  locktUtat  or  Iba  Bttttea  OeBeral; 

Bal>rie  Wtt  InditeKt  OomptfnU;  M  dirialon  ef  Ike  Bundle.  ] 

To   the  Illustrious   High   and    Mighty  Lords,  The    Lords   States  General  of  the   United 
Netherlands,  our  Most  Excellent  Sovereigns. 

Gracious  Lords,  etc. 

Whereas  in  process  of  time  this  Province  of  New  Netherland  has  attained  a  very  poor  and 
most  low  condition,  the  cause  whereof  we  presume  to  be  First,  Unsuitable  government;  2« 
Scanty  privileges  and  exemptions;  3*  Onerous  imposts  of  duties,  exactions  and  such  like;  4" 
Long  Continued  War ;  6"  The  loss  of  the  Princess ;  6»  A  superabundance  of  Petty  Traders 
and  pedlars  (Schntten  en  Chineztn)  and  a  waeit  of  Farmers  and  Farm  servants :  7*  Great  dearth 
ia  general;  8*  and  lastly,  the  insuflerable  arrogance  of  the  Natives  or  Indians,  arising  from 
our  smaller  numbers,  etc. 

And  having  waited  long  in  vain,  for  aid,  redress  and  assistance  from  the  Directors  even  in  our 
greatest  need,  though  we  petitioned  and  begged  for  it ;  We,  therefore,  unable  to  delay  any 
longer,  being  reduced  to  the  lowest  ebb,  have  determined  to  fly  for  refuge  to  your  High 
Mightinesses,  our  gracious  Sovereigns  and  the  Fathers  of  this  Province,  most  humbly  craving 
and  beseeching  you  to  look  with  eyes  of  compassion  on  Ibis  your  Province,  and  that  your  High 
Mightinesses  would  be  pleased  to  order  and  redress  matters  so  that  ditngers  may  be  removed, 
troubles  put  at  end  to,  and  population  and  prosperity  promoted,  as  your  High  Mightinesses  in 
your  illustrious  wisdom  shall  coasider  best,  only  we  have  with  humble  reverence  d«euied  it 


260 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


proper  and  necessary,  respectfully  to  petition  your  High  Miglitinesses  for  these  rollowing  points 
as  advantageous  for  this  Province: 

First.  We  supplicate  and  beseech  your  High  Mightinesses  to  supply  New  Netherland  with 
suHicient  population  to  enable  it  to  support,  sustain  and  defend  itself  against  Indians  and  others 
who  may  disturb  and  invade  it;  for  if  this  should  fail,  not  only  will  the  direst  ruin  follow,  but 
it  will  easily  become  a  prey  to  our  Neighbors  ;  and  those  who  already  dwell  in  it  will  be 
forced  to  use  all  possible  means  to  return  and  save  themselves  from  misery,  or  to  submit  to 
foreign  Nations.  All  which  will  be  remedied,  in  our  humble  opinion:  1.  Whenever  your  High 
Mightinesses  will  be  pleased  to  take  this  Province  under  your  gracious  safeguard,  and  allow 
your  Fatherly  protection  for  this  Country  and  its  granted  privileges  to  be  made  public  and 
manifest  throughout  the  United  Netherlands.  Then  would  many  be  attracted  towards  this 
country,  from  which,  on  the  contrary,  every  one  is  discouraged  by  the  Company's  harsh 
proceedings  and  want  of  means.  II.  Consequently  were  your  High  Mightinesses  pleased  for 
a  few  years  to  send  some  vessels  hither  in  order  that  people,  principally  Farmers  and  Farm 
Servants,  may  with  their  poverty  be  removed  and  conveyed  gratuitously  hither,  together  with 
some  necessary  support  until  the  poor  people  have  something  in  esse,  your  High  Mightinesses 
would  not  only  relieve  many  embarrassed  persons,  but  also  may  expect,  through  their 
intercession  with  Cod,  suicess,  a  blessing  and  prosperity.  HI.  Also  were  your  High 
Mightinesses  to  please  order  that  all  vessels  proceeding  and  trading  to  those  Northern  parts  of 
America,  should  touch  first  at  the  Manhattans  in  New  Netherland,  and  bring  with  them  us 
many  persons  as  seasonably  present  themselves,  and  they  can  conveniently  carry  at  suitable 
fixed  rates,  many  friends  (litfhMcrs)  would,  no  doubt,  emigrate  within  a  short  time  to 
New  Netherland. 

Sccomitij.  We  humbly  solicit  permanent  Privileges  and  Exemptions  which  promote  populatioa 
and  prosperity  and  which,  in  our  opinion  consist:  I.  Of  suitable  municipal  (Imrgrrlycke) 
government,  such  as  your  High  Miglitinesses  shall  consider  adapted  to  this  Province,  and 
somewhat  resembling  the  laudable  (Jovernment  of  our  Fatherland.  II.  Exemption  from 
imposts,  tenths  and  burthens,  which,  at  the  first  beginning,  are  disadvantageous  and  oppressive, 
until  the  country  becomes  populous  and  somewhat  permanently  established.  III.  That  the 
returns  in  Tobacco  shipped  hence,  be  exempt  from  all  duties.  This  would  not  only  afford 
great  encouragement  to  the  planters  who  convert  the  forest  into  farms,  but  be  better  also  for 
their  servants  who  could  thus  be  supplied  with  all  sorts  of  necessaries.  IV.  Al8o>  permission 
to  export,  sell,  and  barter  grain,  timber  and  all  other  wares  and  merchandise  the  produce  of 
the  Country,  every  way  and  every  where  your  High  Mightinesses  have  allies  and  have  granted 
to  the  Neiherlanders  the  privilege  of  trade  and  resort.  V.  That  your  High  Mightinesses  should 
please  to  grant  Privileges  and  Freedoms  to  the  Inhabitants  for  the  encouragement  of  the 
Fiitlu-ries  which  many  suppose  were  good  and  profitable  heretofore,  and  would  hereafter  be  of 
great  importance. 

Thinlty.  We  humbly  heseecli  your  high  Mightinesses  to  bs  pleased  to  determine  and  so  to 
establish  the  Boundaries  of  this  Country,  both  north  and  south,  that  all  causes  of  difference, 
discord  and  trouble  may  be  cut  off"  and  prevented:  that  your  High  Mightinesses'  subjects  may 
live  and  dwell  in  peace  and  quietness  and  enjoy  their  liberty  in  trade  and  commerce  wilhla 
the  established  boundaries.  JI.  Also,  that  your  High  Mightinesses  be  pleased  to  preserve  us 
in  peace  with  the  neighboring  Republics.  Colonies,  and  other  your  High  Mightinesses'  allies, 
so  that  we  may  pursue  our  country's  trade,  without  let  or  hindrance,  under  proper  regulations 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


261 


from  your  High  Mightinesses,  as  well  along  the  coast  from  Terra  Nova  to  Cape  Florida,  as  to 
the  West  Indies  and  to  Europe,  wherever  the  Lord  our  God  shall  be  pleased  to  permit ;  and, 
JII.  In  order  to  make  manifest  your  High  Mightinesses'  earnest  support  of  this  Province  to 
those  who  may  be  incredulous  on  that  point,  we  respectfully  entreat  your  High  Mightinesses 
to  be  pleased  to  quarter  a  company  or  two  of  Soldiers  here  for  the  defence  of  those  dwelling 
outside  and  in  newly  added  plantations  and  colonies,  until  by  our  increase  we  ohall  dread 
neither  Indians  nor  other  enemies,  but  even  be  able  to  prevent  their  mischievous  acts. 

All  this  have  we  concluded,  with  humble  reverence,  to  propose  according  to  our  limited 
knowledge  and  understanding,  earnestly  supplicating  your  High  Mightinesses,  for  the  love  of 
New  Netherland,  which  now  lies  at  its  extremity,  as  is  to  be  seen  at  length  in  our  annexed 
Remonstrance,  to  be  pleased  to  direct  your  attention  thereto  according  to  your  wise  and 
provident  counsel,  and  to  interpret  most  favorably  this  our  presumption. 

We  pray  and  hope  that  the  name  of  New  Netherland  and  the  conversion  of  the  Heathen, 
which  ought  to  be  hastened,  will  move  your  High  Mightinesses  hereunto.  Awaiting,  therefore, 
a  happy  deliverance,  we  commend  your  High  Mightinesses'  persons  and  deliberations  to  the 
protection  of  the  Almighty,  and  remain  your  High  Hightinesses'  humble  a.id  obedient  servants. 

Written  in  the  name,  and  on  the  behalf,  of  the  Commonalty  of  New  Netherland, 
the  six  and  twentieth  of  July,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Jesus  tJlirist,  One  thousand 
six  hundred  and  nine  and  forty,  in  New  Amsterdam,  on  the  Island  Manhattans,  in 
New  Netherland. 

(Signed)  Adiuaen  van  der  Donck. 

AuausTiN  Herman. 

Arnoldus  Van  Haruenberch. 

Jacob  van  Conwgniioven. 

Olofk  Stevenss. 

Machyel  Janssen. 

Thomas  Hall. 

Eliibht  Klbertsbn. 

Govert  Luockermans. 

Hbnorick  Hendkickskn  Kif. 

Jan  Kvertsbn  Bout. 
( Endorsed ) 

Petition  for  the  Committee  of  the  Commonalty  ^ 

of  New  Netherland.     13  October,  1049. 


262  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Additional  Observations  on  the  preceding  Petition. 

t  From  a  MS.  Id  tbo  Bojr»l  Arehlr«  at  the  Hagna ;  LolMkat  of  the  Statet  Ocn>ral ;  Bubric  Wetl  IndUcM  CmpagnU,  No.  JO ;  6th  dlTition 
,     ^  or  the  Budle.  ] 

1.  roPL'LATION. 

2.  Privileoes. 

3.  exbmi'tion 
FROM  Duties. 

4.  Pbotbction. 


Further  Explanation  of,  and  Observations  on  the  Petition  to  the  Illustrious, 
High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands,  Our 
Most  Serene  Sovereigns. 


Gracious  Lords. 

Whereas,  in  process  of  time,  this  Province'  of  Nev?  Netherland  has  attained  to  a  very  poor 
and  low  condition,*  the  cause  whereof  we  presume^  to  be, 
1.  Unsuitable  Government ;' 
][.  Scanty  Privileges  and  Exemptions;* 
IIL  Onerous  imposts  of  duties,"  exactions  and  such  like;^ 
IV.  Long  continued  war  i° 
V.  The  loss  of  the  Princess;" 

'  It  is  called  a  Province  because  it  was  invested,  by  their  High  Mightineswes,  with  the  Arms  of  an  Earl. 

•  It  will  be  seen,  generally,  in  the  Remonstrance,  thai  New  Netherland  has  arrived  at  the  lowest  ebb,  so 
that  if  provision  be  not  seasonably  made  in  the  premises,  it  will  bo  wholly  abandoned. 

'  Not  that  there  is  any  doubt  of  it ;  for  it  is  as  clear  »nd  notorious  as  that  the  Sun  emiU  light.  See 
Remonstrance  patiim. 

•  That  is  bad  and  intolerable ;  yea,  wholly  ruinous  to  the  country  as  adtninistered  here  by  the  Directors, 
and  in  New  Netherland  by  their  Servants. 

'  The  Company  hath  never  adhered  strictly  to  any  privileges  in  Now  Netherland,  buf  always  altered  those 
granted  to  suit  its  own  convenience  {ad  proprium  commodum).    This  liath  causetl  decrease  of  population. 

"  Hot'orewo  can  get  our  goods  home  we  must  pay  10.  4J  and  8,  making  <i^  per  cent,  besides  the  loss  in  the 
shifting  in  and  out  of  the  stores.  For,  besides  the  trouble  and  expense,  the  Company's  servanU,  who  inspect 
quasi  correctly  the  goods,  pay  not  the  least  regard,  but  rather  throw  them  down  than  lift  them  up.  For,  in 
Amsterdam,  they  must  first  be  placed  in  store  and  inspected  before  going  on  boai.l  ;  then  a  poor  cargo  must 
be  taken  along,  and  in  New  Netherland  soldiers  are  immediately  placed  on  board,  and  a  man  is  no  longer 
master  of  his  own  vessel  ;  afterwards,  the  i:argo  is  discharged  into  the  Company's  Warehouse,  and  there  it 
procfcls  so  as  to  bo  a  grief  and  vexation  to  behold  ;  for  it  is  all  measured  anew,  unpacked,  thrown  about,  and 
countc<l  without  either  rule  or  order;  besides  the  Company's  servants  between  whiles  bite  sharp  and 
carry    .way. 

'  Exactions,  for  they  are  not  at  all  agreed  upon  ;  remark,  the  Directors  fixe<l  all,  as  they  took  the  fancy, 
proetexlu  Socielatii,  ted  revertd  ad  proprium  amimodum,  without  the  knowledge  of  the  Patroons  or  the 
Commonalty.  Hut  it  is.  Sic  volo,  lir  juhto,  ttat  pro  rationt  volunUu.  It  is  very  true,  that  they  did  not  fully 
attain,  in  this  case,  their  object  and  aim,  but  bloo<l  was  very  near  being  slied  before  it  could  be  prevented,  and 
then  it  was:  —  I'll  remoiid)er  ami  rovenjfe  it. 

•  As  most  of  the  people  have  lost  thereby  all  they  ha<l  and  expected  to  get.  This  war  was,  also,  unjust  and 
iKjgun  ron<ra  jut  gentium.  Why  \  The  Americans  gave  us  no  pretext  for  it.  Secondly,  It  was  for  no 
reason  nor  in  any  real  respect  ii.iessary.  Thirdly,  Those  against  whom  we  waged  war  were  ten  times,  yt«, 
more  than  that,  stronger  than  we  who  commenced  hostilities. 

•  For  in  h«r  w«r«  lost  very  exact  Majw;  fully  a  hundru«l  different  sample*  of  Minerals  and  numerous 
Remonttrances  and  accounts  of  New  Netherland. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    IV. 


263 


VL  Superabundance  of  Scots  and  Chinese;'  Want  of  farmers  and  farm  servants  ;* 
VII.  Great  dearth  in  general ; 
VIII.  And,  lastly,  the  insufferable  arrogance'  of  the  Natives  or  Indians,  arising  from  our 
smaller  number,  etc ; 

And,  having  waited  long  for  aid,  redress  and  assistance  from  the  Directors,  in  vain,*  even  in 
our  greatest  need,'  though  we  petitioned  and  begged  for  it  j' 

We,  therefore,  unable  to  delay  any  longer,  being  reduced  to  the  lowest  ebb,  have 
determined' to  fly  for  refuge  *■)  your  High  Mightinesses,  our  gracious  Sovereigns 
and  the  Fathers  of  this  Province,'  most  humbly  craving  and  beseeching  you  to  look 
with  eyes  of  compassion  on  this  your  Province,'  and  to  be  pleased  so  to  order  and 
redress  matters  that  dangers  may  be  removed,  troubles  put  an  end  to'"  and  population 
and  prosperity  promoted,"  as  your  High  Mightinesses  in  your  illustrious  wisdom 
shall  consider  best."  Only  we  have,  with  humble  reverence,  deemed  it  proper  and 
necessary  respectfully  to  petition  your  High  Mightinesses  for  these  following  points 
as  of  advantage  to  this  Province." 

'  That  i»,  petty  traders,  who  swarm  hither  with  great  industry,  reap  inimetise  profit  and  exhaust  the  country 
without  adding  anything  to  its  population  or  security.  But  if  they  skim  a  llittje  fat  from  the  pot,  they  can  take 
again  to  their  heels. 

'  Whereby  agriculture  and  many  necessary  matters  remain  neglected,  and  this  causes  great  scarcity  and 
leaves  many  things  undone. 

'  This  was  not  the  case  previous  to  the  war,  but  the  loss  of  their  fathers,  mothers,  wives,  children  and 
friends,  has  greatly  troubled  them.  There  cannot,  therefore,  l»e  any  permanent  peace  with  them,  until  an 
increase  shall  be  remarked  in  the  number  of  our  Dutch  people  in  New  Netherland.  It  has  been  so  long 
proclaimed,  in  New  Netherland,  that  more  people  wore  coming,  that  the  Indians  laugh  at  it,  and  say  :  The 
Dutch  do  nothing  but  lie. 

'  Without,  in  any  way,  by  words  or  deeds,  if  there  be  good  order,  directing  any  thing  for  the  service  of 
the  country. 

'  When  people  were  in  the  greatest  danger  from  the  war. 

•  Application  for  orders  and  redress  was  made  to  the  Directors  from  time  to  time  by  petitions,  remonstrances, 
letters,  Ac,  but  neither  redress  nor  order  followed,  except  for  their  own  purse. 

'  The  comitry  has  arrive<l  to  that  state,  that  if  it  be  not  now  assisted  it  will  not  need  any  aid  hereafter, 
because  the  English  will  wholly  absorb  it. 

•  For  the  Company  neither  can  nor  will  give  any  help,  as  experience  has  abundantly  taught,  inasm>";h  as 
they  never  took  our  petitions  into  consideration. 

"  Hocause  attached  to,  and  dependant  on,  the  sovereignty  of  this  country. 

""  The  Directors  (of  the  Company)  and  their  Officers  in  New  Netherland  with  their  dependants  are  the  chief 
dangers  in  that  country. 

"  It  will  be  hereafter  shown  how  it  can  l»e  done. 

"  Wo  shall  not  prescribe  any  rule  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  but  leave  every  thing  absolutely  to  your 
judgment. 

"  Inasmuch  as  wo  have  observe*!  and  concluded,  after  much  experience  on  the  spot,  that  it  is  impossible 
(speaking  \mdcr  correction)  to  romeay  New  Netherland  and  briiig  it  into  a  state  of  prosperity  without  these 
following  points. 


ii 


264 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


First,  we  supplicate  and  beseech  your  High  Mightinesses  to  furnish  New  Netherland  with 
sufficient  population*  as  to  enable  it  to  support,  sustain,  and  defend  itself  against  Indians  and 
others  who  may  disturb  and  invade  it ;'  for  in  case  this  should  faii,^  not  only  will  the  direst 
ruin  follow^  but  it  will  also  easily  become  a  prey  to  our  neighbors,*  and  those  who  already 
dwell  there"  will  be  forced  to  use  all  possible  means  to  return  and  save  themselves  and 
theirs  from  misery,'  or  submit  to  a  foreign  Nation.*  All  which,  in  our  humble  opinion,  is 
to  be  remedied.' 


Of  Population. 

L  Whenever  your  High  Mightinew  r  ^^W  h^  pi^r«ed  to  take  this  Province  under  your 
gracious  safeguard,"  and  allow  youi  '  ,  .  ,  protection  for  this  Country"  end  its  granted 
privileges  to  be  made  public  and  mai.  ..oughcut  the  United  Netherlands,"  then  would 

many   be   attracted   towards   this   Cou-ury,"   from  wnich,   on    the   contrary,   every   one   is 
discouraged  by  the  Company's  harsh  proceedings '<  and  want  of  means." 

'  Without  referring  it  to  the  Cotnpnny  or  the  Directors,  for  truly  nothing  will  como  of  it,  as  the  result  has 
hitherto  tai.giit  us,  though  they  pron)iso  wonders.  Besides  that,  the  name  alone  terrifies  the  inhabitanta;  as 
they  are  scorned  and  despised  by  our  neighbors  on  account  of  their  evil  tricks,  even  so  is  the  country 
prejudiced  against  them. 

•  Were  there  a  thousan.l  or  tiftcen  hundred  inlmlitants  in  New  Netherland,  or  even  more,  the  Indians  or 
the  Swedes  would  never  think  or  dream  of  daring  to  offer  us  any  insult. 

'  If  your  High  Mightinesses  do  not,  this  time,  determine  on  permanent  redress,  privilege  and  population. 

•  It  will  lose  even  the  name  of  New  Netherland,  and  no  Dutchman  will  liave  any  thing  to  say  there. 

'  The  English,  fully  aware  that  our  .country  is  bettor  than  theirs,  eii.leavor  to  push  us  out  of  it  and  to  seize 
it  for  themselves,  which  they  will  easily  effect,  if  no  redress  be  now  had. 

'  To  wit,  Dut('h  freemen. 

'  As  the  tyrannical  government  of  the  Company  there  is  int<.lerable;  for  a  man  in  that  country  is  not  sure 
of  either  his  life  or  properly,  if  he  but  say  anything  displeasing  or  otherwise  offensive  to  the  Governors  who 
comport  themselves  like  sovereign  tyrants. 

•  The  English  or  Swedes,  of  whose  subjection  there  is  less  appearance. 
'  And  so  prevent  men  ever  dreading  tin-  like  again. 

'"  So   that  people  may  be  no   longer  harassed  or  troubled  by  the  Company  or  its  servants,  but  that  the 
government,  consisting  of  those  interested  in  the  country,  may  be  absolutely  depen.lent  on  this  Mate. 
"  To  which  wc  hope  you  will  consent. 

"  IJy  every  where  affixing  notices  or  orders,  or  such  liko,  wherein  people  could  be  informed  of  the  Gtntralia, 
both  in  government  and  priviiegen. 

"  When,  relieved  from  the  Company's  tyranny,  it  woi.M  be  dependent  on  this  State,  and  Iks  favored  with 
gootl  government  and  firm,  valid  an<l  inviolable  privileges  whereby  every  man  could  with  honesty  be  secure 
of  his  life,  honor  and  proj)orty  in  future,  which  now  he  is  not. 

'*  Consisting  mostly  in  arrests,  imprisonments,  banishmenU,  confisi^ations,  harsh  prosecutions,  blows 
scoldmgs,  reckoning  half  faults  for  entire  ones  and  so  forth  :  In  a  word,  in  mining  and  estranging  the  country, 
offering  every  one  in  particular,  who  doth  not  constantly  please  them,  as  many  insults  as  they  can  invent  or 
think  ot. 

"  Its  want  of  moans  causes  it  to  have  roconrse  to  various  bad  finesses;  su.h  as  extortions,  confiscations  and 
so  forth  ;  moreover,  the  neighbors  knowing  Ih.'tt,  co.nplain  of  it.  and  ever  alter  .lisparago  not  only  (he  country 
hut  the  iK-ople.     Wo  and  this  Sute  have  been  chulUngod  with  it  abroad. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


S65 


II.  Consequently  were  your  High  Mightinesses  pleased  Tor  a  few  years'  to  send  some  vessels 
thither,  in  order  that  people,  principally  Farmers  and  Farm  servants'  may,  with  their  poverty,' 
be  removed  and  conveyed  hither  gratuitously*  with  some  necessaries'  until  the  poor  people 
have  something  in  esse,"  your  High  Mightinesses  would  not  only  relieve  many  embarrassed 
persons,^  but  also  may  expect,  through  their  intercession  with  God,  success,  a  blessing 
and  prosperity.' 

III.  Also,  were  your  High  Mightinesses  to  order'  that  all  vessels  proceeding  and  trading  to 
those  Northern  parts  of  America'"  should  touch  first  at  the  Manhathans  in  New  Netherland," 
and  bring  with  them  as  many  persons  as  may  seasonably  apply  "  and  they  can  conveniently 
carry,"  at  suitable  fixed  rates,"  many  friends  (liefhebhert)  would,  no  doubt,  emigrate  in  a  short 
time  to  New  Netberland.'' 

'  At  first,  before  it  be  fully  under  way,  oending  for  two  and  three  years  Buccessively,  four  and  five  ships 
each  year. 

'  For  traders  and  others  who  have  means,  can  go  and  come  at  their  own  expense,  without  any  one's  help. 

'  That  is  to  say :  the  little  they  possess,  and  which  is  of  small  value. 

*  Here  arise  divers  considerations ;  for  the  poor  folk  that  must  be  sent  over  for  nothing,  may,  if  they  come, 
be  conveyed  on  and  for  your  High  Mightinesses'  account  and  the  freight  be  paid  here ;  afterwards  when 
circumstances  jiermit,  the  money  can  be  repaid  from  the  finances  in  Now  Netherland,  and  the  land  debited 
with  it 

*  Consisting  of  these  articles  as  per  invoice  :  Coarse  shoes,  Friesland  stockings,  canvas,  coarse  linen,  kersey, 
cheap  cloth  of  three  and  four  guilders  the  ell,  farming  implements,  such  as  scythes,  sickles,  hoes,  axes,  winnowing 
fans,  spades,  ploughshares,  and  coulters,  together  with  collars,  traces,  lines,  halters,  etc.  These  things  are 
absolutely  requisite,  for  an  advance  of  fifty  per  cent  must  be  charged  and  credit  cautiously  given  for  the  supplies, 
receiving  payment  as  occasion  enables  the  people  to  bring  something  in.  For  it  is  only  in  order  to  assist  the 
people  on  their  first  starting,  and  should  any  bad  debts  accrue  by  death  or  otherwise,  the  fifty  per  cent  advance 
cun  always  riclily  meet  the  capital  with  tbe  interest. 

'  Until  they  are  over  two,  three  and  four  years  in  a  way  of  paying,  as,  with  the  help  of  God,  no  man  will  fail 
of  success  in  Now  Netherland,  who  will  take  his  hand  out  of  uis  mouth  and  do  his  "v>est. 

'  Were  those  in  New  Netherland,  who  sit  down  in  poverty  in  this  country  and  almost  perish  of  want,  yea 
have  need  of  bread  to  eat,  and  sufier  from  distress  and  cold, — and  were  thay  industrious,  they  could  honestly 
earn  their  living. 

*  People  are  bound  to  pray  for  their  benefactors,  and  if  they  do  it  not,  virtue  is  always  its  own  reward  and 
<iod  recompenses  it. 

*  To  order  by  edicts  or  placards  positively  and  inviolably,  under  forfeiture  of  ship  and  cargo,  should  any 
one  infringe  it,  except  through  stress  of  weather  or  other  serious  casualty. 

"■  As  well  to  New  England  as  to  Virginia  and  elsowhore,  to  pursue  the  tobacco  trade  or  other  trafiic,  as  full 
twenty-five  and  thirty  ships  of  over  and  under  one  hundred  and  fifty  lasts  yearly  do. 

"  Manhathans  is  the  Capital  of  New  Netherland,  and  the  Staple  is  there  established ;  whereunto  it  is  very 
well  adapted  on  account  of  the  convenience  of  the  river,  and  because  it  is  the  centre  of  that  Province. 

"  To  the  skippers  or  other  overseers  to  l>e  thereunto  appointed  by  your  Iligh  Mightinesses  in  order  thrt 
everything  be  done  with  regularity,  for  otherwise  those  skippers  who  do  not  want  that,  will  elude  your  High 
Mightinesses'  good  intention  and  orders. 

"  That  must  not  be  left  to  them  but  to  the  overseers,  as  there  will  always  he  a  great  deal  more  than  the 
skippers  can  carry ;  for  people  must  not  bo  trusted  farther  than  they  can  be  seen. 

"  This  rate  must  be  fixed  by  your  High  Mightinesses  and,  at  farthest,  ought  not  to  he  more  for  the  voyage  than 
30  and  32  guilders  for  a  full  grown  man  or  woman  oatinp;  in  the  'tween  ducks  (overloop),  and  38  and  40  guilders 
in  the  cabin.  This  money  might,  as  herein  l>eforo  stau>d,  Cap.  V.,  N*  4,  be  advanced  out  of  the  public  funds, 
and  again  made  good  in  l5ew  Netherland ;  and  for  that  purpose  it  would  bo  very  well  to  cause  all  those  people 
who  become  free  of  the  country  or  descend  from  those  who  have  l>eoome  free,  to  pay  double  in  favor  of  the 
finances,  and  in  order  to  induce  those  to  emigrate  who  arc  somewhat  slow  on  account  of  tlieir  straitened 
circumstances. 

"  Deing  allured  by  the  fertility  and  salubrity  of  the  countrj-,  by  the  goo«l  order,  privileges,  ttee  government, 
and  by  being  conveyed  over  on  the  first  voyage,  without  disbursing  any  money. 
Vol.  I.  M 


:  IP 

iS 


•I 


260 


NEW-YORK  COLONUL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Op  Privileobs. 


exemptions,'  which   promote 


Secondly.  We  humbly  solicit    permanent    privileges    and 
population  and  prosperity,'  and  which  consist,  in  our  opinion," 

First.  In  suitable  municipal  {horgerhjcke)  government.^  such  as  your  High  Mightinesses  will 
consider  adapted  to  this  Province,*  and  somewhat  resembling  the  laudable  government  of 
our  Fatherland.^ 

'  Which  are  not  to  be  altered  ad  proprium  commodum  et  avarorum  opinkmibut,  as  has  been  already  been 
done  by  the  Directors. 

»  Were  we,  in  Now  Notherl.ind,  on  an  equality  irf  matter  of  privilege  with  our  neighbors,  and  were  such 
niaclo  manifest  in  this  country,  many  would  endeavor  to  repair  to  New  Netherland,  and  it  would  not  bo 
lacking  in  population. 

'  As  we  think,  wlio  have  resided  there  a  considerable  time  and  have  given  attention  to  thomatter  from  time 
to  time. 

*  That  those  interested  in  the  country  may  also  attend  to  iU  government  and  keep  a  watchful  eye  over  it, 
without  its  being  intrusted  to  a  set  of  hairbrained  people,  such  as  the  Company  flings  thither,  bat  to  such  a^ 
obtain  in  Now  England. 

NoTA  Bkne.— Now  England  is  divided  into  four  Colonies,  which  they  style  Provinces.  Each  Colony  hath 
ita  Governor,  and  neither  Patroons,  Lords  nor  Princes  are  known  there ;  only  the  People.  Each  Governor 
is  like  a  Sovereign  in  his  place,  but  comports  himself  most  discreetly.  They  are,  and  are  esteemed,  Govei.  on 
next  to  God  by  the  people,  so  long  as  the  latter  please.  In  each  Province  are  many  and  divers  villages 
{dorpen),  some  larger  and  some  smaller.  Hut  there  is  one  Capital  town  where  the  Governor  resides.  In  case 
of  appeal,  the  course  is  as  follows  :  If  any  one  in  a  town  that  is  not  the  Capital,  considers  himself  aggrieved  by 
any  judgment,  ho  may  appeal,  if  the  sum  exceeds  the  limit  each  court  takes  cognizance  of.  Otherwise,  no 
appeal  lies,  and  this  law  was  passed  with  general  consent  ad  utilitaUm  civium  el paganorum,  ad  dirimendai  litet 
Then  appeal  lies  to  the  court  of  the  Colony,  which  we  would  call  the  Provincial  court,  and  the  defeated  party 
wishing  to  proceed  further,  appeals  to  the  General  Court.  This  moeU  twice  a  year  and  continues  until  pII 
busmess,  as  well  public  affairs  as  law  suits,  is  disposed  of.  Few  suita  are  brought  before  this  court,  and  those 
definitely  decided  there  are  not  to  be  again  instituted. 

»  For  wo  are  not  fit  nor  qualified  to  prescribe  a  rule  to  your  Iligh  Mightinesses. 

•  In  form  of  a  State  {Staet),  like  the  government  of  this  country,  especially  as  in  this  case  there  is  no 
difference,  but  fundamentally  a  similarity  between  it  and  our  neighbors  of  New  England,  apart  from  whom 
we  have  no  neighbors  of  consequence. 

NoTA  Bene.— In  New  England,  the  government  is  carried  on  thus :  Each  town,  no  matter  how  small,  hath 
iU  own  court  and  jurisdiction,  also  a  voice  in  the  Capital,  and  elecW  its  own  officers.  Few  taxes  are  imposed, 
and  these  only  by  general  consent.  In  their  Capital  thoy  have  a  Governor,  a  Deputy  (that  is,  Vice)  Governor] 
a  Constable,  that  is  Ju.lge,  a  Secretary  and  two  Provincial  Councillors.  In  the  individual  towns,  they  have  li 
Constable,  a  Clerk  and  Selectmen.  They  call  all  these  Magistrates,  an<l,  though  they  depend  on  the  people, 
treat  them  with  very  great  respect.  Each  town  chooses,  or  may  choose,  its  Magistrates  annually,  yet  they  very 
rarely  change  them.  The  Governor  and  Deputy  are  chosen  annually  by  the  entire  province,  although  some 
have  been  continued  from  the  beginning  to  their  departure,  or  during  their  lives ;  and  even  some  are  yet 
continued  from  the  beginning  until  this  time.  Nevertheless,  the  People  have  a  new  election  every  year,  and 
have  power  to  make  a  change ;  and  they  would  make  a  change  in  case  of  imj)roper  behavior,  and  that'they 
therefore  say  is  the  bridle  of  their  great  men.  This  is  the  mode  of  their  election  or  choosing:  Each  town 
consults  first  by  itself  and  sends  th.,n  its  deputies,  and  all  these  delegates  choose  the  Governor,  and  he  is  so  for 
that  year,  without  any  longer  najurancc.    In  the  year  following  there  is  a  new  elecUon,  in  form  a*  sUted  and 


fl 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


267 


II.  In  Exemption  from  duties,'  tentlis,'  and  taxes  wliicli  at  the  first  beginning  are 
disadvantageous  and  oppressive,"  until  the  country  becomes  populous  and  somewhat  firmly 
established.* 

HI.  In  Exemption  of  Tobacco,  shipped  hence,  from  all  duty.*    This  would  not  only  aflford 

overy  time  the  most  votes  must  carry  it ;  those  are  collected  in  writing ;  but  if  a  Governor  retires,  he  remains 
Deputy  Governor. 

Moreover,  this  ia  the  practice  in  their  General  Court,  already  mentioned.  This  Court  is  held  twice  a  year, 
and  each  time  in  a  particular  place  whore  the  Governors  reside.  The  oldest  has  precedence,  without  his  being 
president  however,  for  each  Governor  presides  in  the  Court  holdcn  in  his  own  government.  As  this  comes 
around  every  two  years,  each  knows  his  station,  unless  tliere  be  reason  to  change  the  place  once  or  twice, 
which  the  Governors  indeed  do  among  themselves,  but  only  on  considerations  of  great  moment.  At  these 
Courts  appear  four  Governors  and  the  Deputy  of  the  place,  besides  the  entire  Council,  if  they  be  not  a  party  in 
any  case;  together  with  as  many  Delegates  from  the  towns  throughout  each  Province  as  they  deem  necessary; 
and  no  business  is  transacted  except  what  exclusively  interests  the  country  at  large.  Uero  is  commissioned  an 
Agent  for  New  England  to  the  Parliament;  and  this  is  what  wo  have  learned  from  divers  of  the  English 
respecting  New  England. 

In  Military  affairs  they  have  also  some  Oeneralia  which  we  shall  pass  over  with  a  word  or  two.  All  thuir 
inhabitants,  burghers,  farmers,  planters  and  servants  bear  arms,  and  thereto  each  particular  place  hath  its 
arrangement.  They  are  divided  into  separate  companies,  and  are  commanded  by  their  Majors  and  Colonels, 
who  are  the  Governors.  In  case  of  invasion  or  other  necessity  each  town  knows,  according  to  its  strength, 
the  quota  either  in  men  or  money  which  it  n.ust  contribute  to  the  member  or  members  in  danger,  according 
to  the  federation  and  order  agreed  upon  in  the  case,  among  themselves :  from  this  league  is  excepted  only  the 
difference  which  the  Soutliern  English  have  with  the  Dutch,  in  regard  to  occupation  and  settlement  of  boundaries 
and  time  may  determine  that  one  way  or  other. 

•  It  is  to  be  remarked,  that  our  neighbors  pay  no  duties  nor  any  other  charges;  not  even  on  the  wares 
tliey  purchase  from  us,  which  amount  to  considerable;  so  that  a  groat  deal  of  fraud  is  committed  in  this  vay, 
because  several  ships  go  first  to  Now  England,  and  then  skulk  under  our  neighbors  wings;  this  they  justify, 
and  say  they  must  do,  because  they  are  too  much  harassed,  tyrannized  and  imposed  upon  among  us.  This 
not  only  brings  depopulation  and  loss  of  character  on  New  Netherland  and  this  State,  but  also  greatly 
damages  and  injures  the  country.  Our  neighbors,  who  usurp  our  limits,  rendered  bold  a.id  indeed  prosperous 
thereby,  secure  also  occasions  to  insult. 

"  Tenths  are  claimed  there  from  the  people,  notwithstanding  they  have  been  hunted,  expelled  and 
impoverished  by  the  war.  Though  many  have  had  their  land  the  full  nuuiber  of  years,  yet  they  have  not  had  the 
use  of  it,  having  been  driven  off  by  the  war,  so  that  a  term  of  eight  or  ten  years  could  be  beneficially 
remitted  to  the  great  relief  of  the  inhabitants. 

'  Sheep  cannot  well  bo  shorn  boforo  the  wool  grows,  and  if  the  people  are  over  anticipated  and  retrenched 
in  their  means  of  prosperity,  there  can  neither  now  nor  hereafter  bo  any  hope  of  deriving  any  thing 
considerable  from  thei";  because  men  must  have  before  they  can  give. 

•  Were  the  country  poople<l,  and  the  inhabitants  of  New  Netherland  somewhat  prosperous,  there  would  be 
means  hero  to  strengthen  the  finances  by  common  consent,  without  embarrassing  the  people.  Meanwhile  it 
is  to  bo  borne  in  mind,  something  always  can  be  effected  even  in  its  present  condition. 

•  This  would  1)0  a  groat  advantage  for  the  beginner;  it  could  be  effected  >,it)iout  prejudice  to  this  State,  and 
bo  thus  accomplished.  If»your  High  Mightinesses  were  to  cause  to  bo  published  here,  that  tobacco  entered 
and  shipped  in  New  Netherland,  should  not  bo  subject  to,  but  bo  exempt  from  all  charges,  and  that  all  tobacco 
arriving  from  any  other  port  of  North  America,  be  it  from  New  England  or  Virginia,  must  pay  as  much  as 
that  received  from  New  Netherland  hath  paid  heretofore,  that  is,  3  stiv.  per  pound. 


f     ' 
4    ■ 


268 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


great  encouragement  to  the  planters  who  convert  the  forest  into  farms,'  and  be  better  also  for 
their  laborers  who  could  thus  be  supplied  with  ail  necessaries.' 

IV.  Also  permission  to  export,  sell,  and  barter  grain,  timber  and  all  other  waras  and 
merchandise,  the  produce  of  this  country,^  every  way  and  every  where  your  High 
Mightinesses  have  allies,  and  have  granted  to  the  Netherlanders  the  privilege  of  trade 
and  resort.^ 

V.  That  your  High  Mightinesses  would  please  to  grant  Privileges  and  Freedoms*  to  the 
inhabitants  for  the  encouragement  of  the  fisheries,"  which  many  suppose  were  good  and 
profitable  heretofore,  and  would  hereafter  be  of  great  importance.' 


Of  Protbction. 

Thirdly.  We  humbly  beseech  your  High  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  determine  and  so  to 
establish  the  boundaries  of  this  country  both  north  and  south,'  that  all  causes  of  difference, 
discord  and  trouble  may  be  cut  off,'  that  your  High  Mightinesses'  subjects"  may  live  and 

'  Tobacco  plan,ing  is  one  of  the  most  suitable  means  of  converting  the  forest  into  forms.  As  people  in 
New  Netherland  endeavor  to  have  several  corn  fields  and  bouweries,  it  ought  therefore  be  encouraged, 
especially  as  tobacco  now  rates  low. 

"  For,  ail  skippers  and  traders  would  then  be  eager  for  the  tobacco,  which  now  they  neither  can  nor  will 
regard;  for  ths  reason  the  poor  planters,  who  must  perform  the  heaviest  labor,  remain  unaccommodated  and 
reckless.  Go.)d  and  profitable  trade  would  also  accrue  by  fetching  tobacco  from  Virginia  and  elsewhere,  were 
privileges  granted  for  so  doing,  to  the  great  benetr.t  of  the  inhabitants  and  the  revenue. 

•  As  there  are  already  divers  articles,  and  with  population  many  could  be  produced  there,  several  handsome 
things  besides  could  also  be  accomplished  for  the  advantage  of  the  inhabitants  and  the  revenue. 

•  Without  that,  there  is  not  always  an  opportunity,  and  if  that  be  not  permitted  they  are  bound  to  convey 
the  goods  '.riey  carry,  direct  to  Fatherland,  The  Company  will  readily  permit  the  contrary,  but  heavy  import 
and  expor.  duties  must  be  paid.  So  many  inspections  and  exactions  must  also  be  ondureil  that  no  profit  is 
realized  before  ambition  is  destroyed.  Our  neighbors  in  New  England,  on  the  contrary,  trade  where  they  list, 
withrut  knowing  either  duty  or  inspection. 

»  The  fisheries  first  and  mainly  placed  New  England  on  its  legs  and,  were  our  people  privileged,  would  be 
•  fource  of  considerable  profit  to  the  country  also. 

•  That  no  others  should  be  at  liberty  to  lish  there,  or  participate  t^arein  dnectly  or  indirectly,  except  those 
interested  thereunto  specially  privileged. 

^  The  rather  because  wo  have  had  some  proofs  of  it,  and  it  is  the  same  sea  and  facility  which  render  our 
neighbors  prosperous. 

•  That  the  settlement  of  the  boundary  be  effected.  The  English  =n  tha;  quarter  resdily  admit  that  the 
country  is  justly  ours;  but  their  pretence  [is]  the  richness  of  the  land  and  that  it  lies  waste;  also, 
the  Company  will  do  nothing  but  protest,  which  they  disregard,  when  admonished.  Therifore,  this  matter 
is  very  urgent,  if  we  arc  not  to  be  scoffed  at  by  that  nation  and  lose  the  countrv  To  attack  them  by  force  is 
too  dangerous  and  inexpedient  for  New  NothcHand.  But  their  own  offer  is  not  unworthy  consideration  ; 
for  they  frankl;  say— Wo  have  taken  the  land  which  was  entirely,  or  for  the  most  part,  waste,  and  now 
occupy  it;  ye  s-  'tis  your's.  Let  us  remain  friends  like  our  sovereignR,  and  refer  Uiis  .juestion  to  both  your, 
and  our  superioro;  what  they  do  or  order  in  the  nremises,  we  must  admit,  and  neither  of  us  will  gain  any 
thing  by  talk.  *  ' 

•  On  this  ix>int  the  English  sny— wo  should  live  with  the  l>uteh  as  brothers,  were  we  not,  first,  too  grossly 
aff'ronted  by  thn  Directors,  and  secondly,  had  wo  not  to  snarl,  like  two  dogs,  for  this  .1-iinty  morsel,  or 
such  like. 

'»  Both  English  and  Dutch  in  that  country  are  tmder  your  protection. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


S69 


dwell  in  peace  and  quietness,'  and  enjoy  tlieir  liberty,  in  trade  and  commerce  within  the 
established  boundaries.' 

]I.  Also,  that  your  High  Mightinesses  be  pleased  to  preserve  us  in  peace  with  tt.e 
neighboring  Republics,  Colonies,  and  others  your  High  Mightinesses'  allies,'  so  that  we  may 
pursue  cur  country's  trade  without  let  or  hindrance,  under  proper  regulations  from  your 
High  Mightinesses,^  as  well  along  the  coast  from  Terra  Nova  to  Cape  Florida  as  to  the 
West  Indies  p-^d  to  Europe,  wherever  the  Lord  our  God  shall  be  pleased  to  permit  it.* 

IIL  And  thirdly,  in  order  to  make  manirest  your  High  Mightinesses  earnest  support  of  this 
Province'  to  those  who  may  be  incredulous  on  that  point,'  we  respectfully  entreat  your 
High  Mightinesses  to  quarter  a  company  or  two  of  soldiers  here,  for  the  defence  of  those 
dwelling  at  a  distance,'  and  of  newly  rising  plantations  until  by  our  improvements'  we  shall 
dread  neither  Indians"  nor  other  enemies,"  and  be  even  able  to  prevent  their  mischievous  acts.'' 

All  this  have  we  concluded,  with  humble  reveience,  to  propose  according  to  our  limited 
knowledge  and  understanding,"  earnestly  supplicating  your  High  Mightinesses,  for  the  iove  of 
New  Netherland,  whish  now  lies  at  its  extremity,'^  as  is  to  be  seen  in  our  annexed  Remonstrance, 
to  be  pleased  to  direct  your  attention  thereto,  according  to  your  wise  and  provident  counsel, 

'  ^^  ithout  quarreling  about  boundaries. 

•  both  with  OhrJAtians  and  Indians;  the  English  endeavor  to  exclude  us  from  the  latter,  so  as,  by  that 
means,  to  monopolize  all  .he  profits  of  the  Wampum  trade  to  tbomselves.  Therefore,  inasmuch  as  the  lands, 
jurisdiction  and  navigabi )  riven  are  ours,  and  tlie  English  ha'  e  free  trade  with  us,  care  ought  to  be  taken 
of  this. 

'  Namely,  with  the  English  who  are  beyond  our  liiiits,  ant!  with  New  France,  Virginia  and  the  Carribean 
West  India  Islands,  &c.,  known  to  yr  .c  High  Mightinesses  better  than  to  us. 

'  For  the  Company's  regulatiobii  are  so  selfish,  onerous  and  intolerable,  yea,  so  devoid  of  good  faith,  that  it 
is  impossible  to  act  with  them. 

'  For  if  our  trade  and  commerce  be  more  rostrictetl  than  that  of  our  neighbors,  who  are  at  liberty  to  trade 
with  all  the  world  that  England  traffics  with,  it  will  be  very  disadvantageous  to  us  and  the  country. 

'  To  exhibit  your  High  Mightinesses'  intentions  towards  New  Netherland. 

'  For  our  neighbors  frequently  laugh  at  ua.  The  works  testify,  the  forts  speak  und  express  the  earnest 
intentions  the  States  bear  towards  this  country.  This  greatly  emboldens  them  and  causes  them  to  despise  the 
country  and  its  inhabitants. 

•  For  the  support  of  the  outside  people  in  addition  to  the  garrisoning  of  the  fortresses ;  and  as  the  people 
first  begin  to  establish  colonies  or  plantations,  these  expenses  might  in  the  course  of  time  be  reimbursed 
out  of  the  revenue  of  New  Netherland,  but  your  High  Mightinesses  must  at  first  meet  the  outlays.  For 
the  country  cannot  sink  in  tlie  beginning  into  helplessness,  and  New  Netherland  will  come  into  condition, 
if  some  gentlemen  privately,  or  what  in  our  opinion  would  be  better,  if  your  High  Mightinesses  were  to  make 
some  disbursements. 

•  Well  understood,  by  population,  good  morals  and  prosperity. 

'"  The  Indians  are  of  little  consequence ;  were  there  one  thousand  or  two  thousand  men  more  than  there  are 
now,  the  natives  would  be  obliged  to  forego  and  suppress  all  their  arrogance  and  designs. 

"  Who  may  come  from  out  side,  or  from  one  side,  as  Pirates,  Englishmen,  Swedes,  or  such  like. 

"  With  previous  advice  ana  orujr  of  your  High  Mightinesses,  Ex<.lniunt  tamen  tuhitce  neeeiiarim  et 
improvua  differtntia. 

"  Not  as  orders  and  rules,  but  simply  as  our  opinions. 

"  If  your  iligh  Mightinesses  please  to  believe  uj,  we  say,  and  it  is  a  moral  certainty — if  wo  now  depart 
without  the  business  being  accomplished,  there  will  not  be  another  opportunity  or  season  to  remedy  New 
Netherland,  for  the  English  will  annex  it. 


270 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


and  to  interpret  most  favorably  this  our  presumption.  We  pray  and  hope  that  the  name,  of 
New  Netherlands  and  the  conversion  of  the  Heathen,  which  ought  to  be  hastened,'  will  move 
your  High  Mightinesses  hereunto. 

Awaiting,  therefore,  a  happy  deliverance,  we  commend  your  High  Mightinesses'  persons 
and  deliberations  to  the  protection  of  the  Almighty,  and  remain  your  High  Mightinesses' 
humble  and  obedient  servants. 

Written  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf  of  the  Commonalty  of  New  Netherland, 
the  26  July,  of  this  year  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  XVI«  and  forty-nine,  in  New 
Amsterdam,  on  the  Island  Manhattans,  in  New  Netherland. 

(Signed)        Adriabn  van  dbr  Donck. 
AuQUSTiN  Herman. 
Arnoldds  van  Hardenbbrg. 
Jacob  van  Kouwbnhovbn. 
Oloff  Stevens. 
Michel  Jansbn. 
Thomas  Hal. 
Elbbrt  Elbbrtsen. 

GoVBRT    LOKERMANS. 

Hbnrick  Henbicksen  Kip. 
Jan  Evertsen  Bout. 

'  Otherwise  it  will  be  a  shamo  and  a  disgrace  for  our  nation. 

*  The  English  and  French  hare,  each  in  their  way,  already  done  their  duty  in  this  regard.     Neverthelett, 
we  are  older  than  they  in  that  country,  and  therefore  ought  also  to  begin.    Prmtat  tero  quam  nunguam. 


REMONSTRANCE 


or 


NEW    NETHEELAND, 


THE   OCCURRENCES  THERE. 


ADDREBtED 


TO   THE    HIGH   AND    MIGHTY    LORDS    STATES    GENERAL   OF    THE    UNITED 

NETHERLANDS, 


BV 


THE  PEOPLE  OF  NEW  NETHERLAND, 


On  the  £8tb  July,  1649. 


Trakksibid  from  the  authenticated  copy  of  the  Remonttrance,  containing  88  pagea,  remaining  in  the  Royal  ArohivM 
at  the  Hague,  in  tlie  Lokrtkai  of  the  Statei  Qeneral ;  Rubric  Wttl  InditcHt  Cempagni*,  No.  SO;  4th  diviaion  of  the  Bundle. 


J  9 


i 


Note. — ^Tbe  6gurea  in  the  body  of  the  text,  within  parenthMit,  refer  to  the  eomnienoenieBt  of  the  pagea  of  Uie  rolume  in 
the  State  Library,  entitled :  Virtoogh  m*  Nim-Ntdt-lMnd  Wrghtnt  <b  OhtUgktnttuyiU,  Vruehlbatrhrydt,  m  Sobertn  StatI 
dmtl/t.  In  'i  Graren-Hage,  Ohedrucitt  by  Mithiel  81—1,  Bouck-Terkooper  woonende  op  't  Buyten-Hof,  tegen-orer  de 
OeTange-Poort,  166a    Sm.  4lo  pp.  49. 


Wi 


CONTENTS 


REMONSTRANCE  OF  THE  DEPUTIES 


NEW  NETHERLAND. 


Iff  j^' 


REPRESENTATION  OF  NEW  NETHERLAND  AS  REGARDS  ITS  LOCATION,  PRODUCTIVENESS 

AND  POOR  CONDITION, 275 

OF  THE  AMERICANS,  OR  NATIVES,  THEIR  APPEARANCE,  OCCUPATION,  AND  FOOD, 281 

BY  WHOM  NEW  NETHERLAND  WAS  FIRST  OCCUPIED,  AND  HOW  FAR  ITS  BOUNDARIES 

EXTEND, 283 

OF  THE  FRESH  RIVER, 280 

OF  THE  DUTCH  TITLE  TO  THE  FRESH  RIVER 287 

OF  THE  RODENBEROH,  BY  THE  ENGLISH  CALLED  NEW  HAVENj  AND  OF  OTHER  PLACES 

OF  MINOR  IMPORTANCE 288 

OF  THE  SOUTH  RIVER  AND  THE  BOUNDARIES  THEREABOUT, 289 

OF  THE  SOUTH  BAY  AND  SOUTH  RIVER, 290 

OF  THE  CONVENIENCE  AND  EXCELLENCE  OF  THE  WATERS, 293 

OF  THE   REASONS  AND  CAUSE  OF  THE   GREAT  DECAY  OF  NEW  NETHERLAND, 295 

THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  DIRECTOR  KIEFT,  IN   PARTICULAR, 304 

TUB  ADMINISTRATION  OF  DIRECTOR  STUYVESANT,  IN  PARTICULAR, 307 

IN  WHAT  MANNER  NEW  NETHERLAND  SHUl'LD  BE  RELIEVED 317 

Vol.  I.  M 


m 

HI 

1 

%  1 

1 

Ssf' 


ii 


I 


HOLLAND  DCXJUMENTS:    IV. 


275 


(3)  REPRESENTATION  OP  NEW  NETltERLAND,  AS  REGARDS  ITS  LOCATION, 
PRODUCTIVENESS  AND  POOR  CONDITION. 

Among  al]  the  enterprising  people  in  the  world,  who  search  for  foreign  countries, 
navigfible  waters  and  trade,  tiiose  who  bear  the  name  of  Netherlanders  will  very 
easily  be  able  to  hold  their  rank  among  the  foremost,  as  is  sufHciently  known  to 
all  those  who  have  in  any  wise  saluted  the  threshold  of  history.  It  will,  in  like 
manner,  be  also,  confirmed  by  our  following  Relation,  for  in  the  year  of  Christ 
1609,  was  the  Country,  of  which  we  now  propose  to  speak,  first  found  and 
discovered  at  the  expense  of  the  General  East  India  Company — though  directing 
their  aim  and  design  elsewhere — by  the  ship  de  Halve  Mane,  whereof  Henry 
Hudson  was  master  and  factor.  It  was  aftewards  named  New  Netherland  by  our 
people,  and  that  very  justly,  for  it  was  first  di&covered,  and  taken  possession  of,  by 
Netherlanders  and  at  their  expense,  so  that  even  at  the  present  day,  the  natives 
of  the  country,  (who  are  so  old  as  to  remember  the  event)  testify,  that  on  seeing 
the  Dutch  ships  on  their  first  coming  here,  they  knew  not  what  to  make  of  them, 
and  could  not  comprehend,  whether  they  came  down  from  Heaven  or  whether 
they  were  Devils.  Some  among  tliem,  on  its  first  approach,  even  imagined  it  to 
be  a  fish  or  some  sea  monster,  so  that  a  strange  rumor  concerning  it  flew 
througho  i  the  whole  country.  We  have  heard  the  Indians  also  frequently  say, 
thfit  they  knew  of  no  other  world  or  people  previous  to  the  arrival  of  the 
Netherlanders  here.  For  these  reasons,  therefore,  ami  on  account  of  the  similarity 
of  Climate,  Situation  and  fertility,  this  place  is  rightly  called  Nkw  Netherland. 
It  is  situate  along  the  North  Coast  of  America,  in  the  latitude  of  38,  39,  40,  41, 
42  degrees,  or  thereabouts.  It  is  bounded  on  the  North  East  side  by  New 
England,  on  the  South  West  by  Virginia ;  the  coast  trends  mostly  South  West 
and  North  East,  and  is  washed  by  the  Ocean ;  on  the  North  runs  the  river  of 
Canada,  a  great  way  oft'  in  the  interior;  the  North  West  side  is  partly 
still  unknown. 

(4)  The  land  of  itself  is  fertile,  and  capable  of  being  entirely  cultivated  by  an 
abundance  of  people,  were  it  judiciously  divided  according  to  circumstances. 
The  citiiiuie  here  is  pleasant,  and  more  temperate  than  in  Netherland.  The 
winds  are  changeable  and  blow  from  all  points,  but  generally  from  the  South 
west  and  North  west:  The  summer  furnishes  the  first  of  these,  the  winter  the 
latter,  which  sometimes  blows  very  sharply,  but  It  lit,  n«!verllieli'iim,  (h*-  preservation 
of  the  country,  in  regard  of  the  public  health  ;  for,  being  very  bracing  and  pure,  it 
drives  all  damps  and  superfluous  moisture  very  far  from  the  land,  or  exhausts 


The  N»lhfrl«ndfTt 
are  an  cnU-qtrlEinK 

}-3o\)\e  In  IfMiklng 
or  fiirelfcn  navlffa- 
blo  WHt«re  and 
trad*. 


Hew  Nrlharlaod 
wai  lint  (IttfytTpred 
In  IhK  Year  10)9  hy 
Ihs  Hlilp  llaiv 
JTiun. 


N«w  Netherland 
waa  po  ealird  bfr> 
raiiae  It  rMtemhlea 
Neihnrlandlnmanr 
reettrota. 

When  the  Initlana 
ilrat  uw  the  ihlp, 
Ihfy  knpw  not  whnl 
U  waa  :  they  knfw 
not  of  any  other 
world  or  people. 


r.aUtnde  of  Kew 
N&berland. 

Rntmdary  of  Now 
Nftiiertand. 


The  fllmale  la  tem- 
perate ;  (he  north 
wret  win'l  '.  the 
aalTation  A  the 
•Mnlry. 


276 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


NSfhe'i^d  iLS".  itself.     The  Coast  is  generally  clean  and  sandy ;  the  Foreland  doubles  or  is  broken 
or*i«"brok.Q""into  'nto  Islands.     To  the  east  of  the  North  River  lies  Lone  Island,  about  40  leaeues 
in  length,  forming  a  nne  wide  river  which  opens  into  tiie  Ocean  at  each  extremity 
and  affords  a  very  convenient  passage  inside,  along  the  shores,  without  much 
risk  from  the  Sea,  on  account  of  the  great  abundance  of  safe  bays  and  other 
SJni£.2J.""'  *»"c*i°''3g«  grounds;  so  that  vessels  can  securely  sail  through  it,  both  Eastward 
and  Westward,  even  in  the  winter.     There  are  several  inlets  along  the  south 
coast,  before  reaching  the  South  Kiver,  but  they  are  mostly  muddy  and  sandy; 
nevertheless,  with  proper  experience,  they  could  be  made  use  of.     Inside  these 
again,  are  large  bays  and  valleys,  but  the  bays  are  for  the  most  part  shallow. 
rodj/Tn™.  "  ^"   t*'®  Sea   side   the  land   is  commonly  bandy  or  compact  (lingelachtichj,  not 
very  high,  yet  tolerably  fertile,  so  that  it  is  for  the  most  part   covered   with 
handsome  trees, 
hill  *"  j;™"'*«5       '^^^  Country  generally  is  in  many  places  hilly,  with  some  high  Mountains, 
T.I1.JI.  likewise  many  very  fine  Flats  and  Maize  lands,  together  with  extensive  Valleys, 

some  of  which  are  salt,  others  again  are  fresh ;  all  very  good  Meadows.  With 
'he  exception  of  the  Maize  lands,  flits  and  valleys,  which  have  few  or  no  trees 
and  could  with  little  labor  be  converted  into  good  tillage  land,  the  soil  is 
commonly  covered  with  all  sorts  of  timber  standing,  however,  without  order  as  ia 
other  wildernesses. 
TiwBeuaiui  The  Seasons  hare  are  about  the  same  as  in  Netherland,  but  the  summer  is 

»i»  ih.  we.ui«r,     warmer  and  begins  more  suddenly  ;  the  winter  is  cold,  and  far  in  the  interior,  or 
towards  the  most  northern  part,  colder  than  in  Netherland  ;  'tis  likewise  subject 
to  a  great  deal  of  Snow  which   also  remains  a  1  ng  time,  far  in  the  interior 
however,    fully  3,  4  @  6  months  on   the  ground ;  but   near  the  Seacoast   it 
is  quickly  dissolved  by  the  Southerly  wind  ;  moreover,  Thunder,  Lightning,  Rain, 
ij2S'ert«™*"'°  ''^"vy  showers,  Hail,  Snow,  Rime,  Dew,  Frost  and  such  like  are  the  same  here 
as  in  Netherland,  except  that  in  summer  'tis  subject  to  more  sudden  tornadoes. 
i!?nd."ll}'rr'^''wull       The  soil  is  fit  and  adapted  to  the  bearing  of  all  kinds  both  of  Winter  and 
NrthMilind. "■"" '"  Summer  crops,  and    that  with   less   labor  and    tilling  than  in  Netherland.     It 
?uH<!w"S^htSa   produces  several  kinds  of  timber,  suitable  for  the  construction  of  houses  and  ships, 
be  they  large  or  small,  consisting  of  variou-  sorts  of  oak,  to  wit:  —  Post-oak, 
smooth  white  bark,  rough  white  bark,  grey  bark,  black  bark  and  still  another 
sort,  which,  by  reason  of  its  softness,  is  called  butter  oak  ;  (6)  but  it  is  the  poorest 
of  all,  and  not  very  valuable.     The  others,  if  cultivated  as  in  Netherland,  would 
he  as  good  as  any  Flemish  or  Brabant  oaks;  various  sorts  of  Nut  timber,  such 
Srt^hTN.'N^hM.'  as  oil  ""t>  I'lrge  and  small ;  hickory,  also  large  and  small.     This  timber  is  very 
abundant  here,  and    much    used   as    firewood,    for  which   it  is  also    right  well 
adapted;  Chestnuts,  as  in  Netherland,  but  they  grow  wild  without  regularity; 
three  sorts  of  Beeches,  such  as  the  water-beech,'  common  beech  and  hedge  beech, 
axhandle  wood,  two  sorts  of  canoe  wood,'  ash,  birch,  pine,  lathwood,  Imberni  or 
wild  cedar,  linden,  alder,  willow,  thorn,  elder,  with  divers  other  species  adapted 


lud, 


'  8oni«tiniM   called    bjr  farmani,    Uliit   beech. 
*  LiriuUendroD  Tulipifrra.  JakHion.  —  Vjt. 


( C*r|iinui  Amcricknui. ) 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


277 


to  many  purposes,  but  the  names  thereof  are  unknown  to  us ;  we  wiii  gladly 
submit  them  to  carpenters  for  further  examination. 

The  fruits  which  the  country  naturally  produces  consist  chiefly  of  acorns,  some 
of  them  very  sweet,  nuts  of  various  sorts,  chestnuts,  beechnuts,  but  not  many, 
mulberrys,  plums,  medlars,  wild  cherries  and  black  currants,  gooseberries, 
abundance  of  hazel  nuts,  small  apples,  a  great  abundance  of  strawberries  throughout 
the  entire  country  with  considerable  o'lier  fruits  and  roots,  of  which  the  Indians 
make  use.  There  are  also  quantities  of  bill-berries  or  blue-berries  together  with 
ground  nuts  and  artichokes.  Almost  the  whole  country,  as  well  the  forests  ns 
the  maize  lands  and  flats,  is  full  of  vines,  but  principally  —  as  if  they  had  been 
planted  there  —  around  and  along  the  banks  of  the  brooks,  streams  and  rivers 
which  course  and  flow  in  abundance  very  conveniently  and  agreeably  all  through 
the  land.  The  grapes  are  of  many  varieties ;  some  white,  some  blue,  some  very 
fleshy  and  fit  only  to  make  raisins  of;  some  again  are  juicy,  some  very  large, 
others  on  the  contrary  small;  their  juice  is  pleasant  and  some  of  it  white,  like 
French  or  Rhenish  Wine;  that  of  others,  again,  a  very  deep  red,  like  Tent;  some 
even  paler ;  the  vines  run  far  up  the  trees  and  are  shaded  by  their  leaves,  so  that 
the  grapes  are  slow  in  ripening  and  a  little  sour,  but  were  cultivation  and 
knowledge  applied  here,  doubtless  as  fine  Wines  would  then  be  made  as  in  any  other 
wine  growing  countries.  As  for  the  rest,  all  fruits  which  will  grow  in  Netherland 
will  also  thrive  in  New  Netherland,  without  requiring  as  much  care  as  must  be  given 
to  the  former.  All  garden  fruits  succeed  likewise  very  well  there,  but  are  drier, 
sweeter  and  better  flavored  than  in  Netherland.  As  a  proof  of  this,  we  may 
properly  instance  melons  and  citrons  or  water-melons,  which  readily  grow,  in  New 
Netherland,  in  the  fields,  if  the  briars  and  weeds  be  only  kept  from  them,  whereas 
in  Netherland  they  require  particular  attention  in  gardens,  either  from  amateurs 
or  those  who  raise  them  for  profit,  and  yet  are  not  near  as  perfect  nor  as  palatable 
as  they  usually  are  in  New  Netherland.  All  kinds  of  pumpkins,  or  such  like, 
grow  there  much  drier,  sweeter,  more  delicious,  and  of  better  fla'or,  which  is 
caused  by  the  temperateness  and  pleasantness  of  the  climate. 

The  domestic  cattle  are('))  here  in  size  and  other  respects  about  the  same  as  in 
Netherland,  but  the  Knglish  cows  and  swine  thrive  and  feed  best;  yea,  appear  to 
be  better  suited  to  this  country  than  those  from  Holland;  they  require  also  less 
trouble,  expense  and  attention,  for  it  is  not  necessary  to  look  so  much  after  the 
inferior  stock,  such  as  swine,  in  winter;  but  if  done  in  some  sort,  whenever  there 
is  deep  snow,  'twill  be  so  much  the  better.  Milch  cows,  also  are  much  less  trouble 
than  in  Holland,  for,  most  of  the  time,  or  when  necessity  demands,  a  little  hay  is 
only  occasionally  thrown  to  them. 

The  Wild  animals  here  consist  principally  of  lions,"  but  they  are  few;  bears, 
of  which  there  are  many;  elkii,  a  great  number  of  deer,  some  of  which  are 
entirely  white  and  others  wholly  black,  but  the  latter  are  very  rare.  The  Indians 
■ay  that  the  white  deer  have  a  great  retinue  of  other  deer,  by  which  they  are 

'  Coiig»r  ur  Panther.  '•  In  lb*  ••riy  Mltlcmant  of  thit  lUto,  thit  ■niiokl  wh  iMliircd  to  Ix  ■  lion." 
yahtral  UiUoiy  of  AW  York,  p«rl  I.,  Mammalia,  48.  —  Ko. 


or  the  rriilti  Indl- 
gnnout  lo  the  eonn* 
try. 


or  the  TfnM,  aiid 
how  thejr  grow. 


The  ftrAn  fraitt 
•re  drier  end  tweet- 
er In  N.  Nether, 
lend. 


or  nr.meetle  rttne, 
end  ]«:w  they  will 
thnre  la  N.  Nether. 
lend. 


Ortbe  Wlldentmtte 
and  what  the;  m. 


i4 


»   I 


J9 


278 


Of  (ho  Lanil  birds. 


or  the  Wntar  fowl. 


Vmrlmn     lorU 
nrar  tiah. 


Virion!  Mrtt  of  ■•• 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

highly  esteemed,  beloved  and  honored,  and  that  it  is  quite  the  contrary  with 
regard  to  those  that  are  black.  There  are,  besides,  divers  other  large  animals  in 
tile  interior,  but  they  are  unlinown  to  Christians ;  also,  wolves,  but  dangerous 
only  to  small  cattle ;  likewise  beavers,  otters,  6sher8,  catamounts,  foxes,  racoons, 
minks,  hares,  muskrats  about  as  large  as  cats,  martens  and  squirrels,  some  of 
which  can  even  fly;  there  are,  besides,  woodchucks  and  divers  other  small 
animals,  but  for  the  most  part,  as  we  are  informed,  unknown  to  the  Christians. 

The  country  is  in  no  wise  deprived  of  its  share  of  birds,  for  there  are  found 
great  numbers  of  birds  of  prey,  such  as:  two  varieties  of  Eagles,  some  they  name 
white  heads,'  which  have  a  white  head,  white  tail  and  white  striking  feathers; 
the  others  are  the  common.  Also,  Hawks,  Sakers,  Sparrowhawks,  Duck-hawks, 
(steencryters).  Chicken-hawks  and  various  other  sorts,  all  birds  of  prey,  and 
capable  of  being  trained  and  used  for  falconry,  though  some  of  them  differ 
somewhat  in  shape  from  those  in  Netherland.  Here  is,  also,  a  bird  of  a  white 
color  with  a  head  like  a  cat's,  and  a  body  like  a  big  owl.  We  know  no  name  for 
it  in  Dutch.  In  France  they  call  it  Grand  dux,^  and  it  is  held  in  high  estimation. 
The  other  land  birds  consist  mostly  of  Turkeys,  the  same  as  in  Netherland,  but 
wild,  and  best  and  plentiest  in  winter;  also  various  sorts  of  Partridges,  some 
smaller,  some  larger,  than  in  Netherland ;  Plover,  wood  and  water  Snipe,  Pheasants 
Heath-hens,  also  Cranes,  Herons,  Bitterns,  multitudes  of  Pigeons  closely 
resembling  wood  pigeons,  but  a  little  smaller;  likewise.  Quails,  Merlins, 
Thrushes,  Sand-pipers,  but  differing  in  some  repects  from  the  Dutch  species. 
There  are  also  other  small  birds,  some  of  which  sing,  but  the  names  o*"  most  of 
them  are  unknown  to  us,  and  would  also  take  too  long  to  enumerate. 

Different  sorts  of  water  fowl  likewise  are  found  there,  which  are  all  very  good 
and  fit  to  eat;  such  as  Swans,  similar  to  those  in  Netherland,  and  fully  as  large; 
three  species  of  Geese,  to  wit,  grey  geese,  which  are  the  largest  and  best;  (7) 
Brant  geese,»  and  White  heads;  Ducks  of  various  sorts;  Widgeons,  Divers,  Coots, 
Spoonbills  and  several  other  kinds,  but  not  so  numerous  as  the  foregoing. 

The  river  Fish  here  is  almost  the  same  as  in  Netherland,  and  consists  of 
Salmon,  Sturgeon,  Striped-bnss,  Drum-fish,  Shad,  Carp,  Perch,  Pike,  Trout, 
Roach,  Bull-heads,  Suckers,  Sun-fish,  Eels,  Nine-eyes  ov  lampreys,  bul  much  more 
abundant  and  larger  than  in  Netherland;  there  are  various  other  species  of  fish, 
of  which  we  know  not  the  names. 

In  the  salt  water  are  found  cod-fish,  shell-fish,  weiik-fish,  herring,  mackerel, 
thornbacks,  flounders,  plaice,  sheeps-heads,  (iteenbnuem,)  black-fish,  sharks, 
(zcehonden,)  tamyns'  and  divers  others,  together  with  lobsters,  crabs,  concks,  from 
which  the  Indians  make  white  and  black  wampum,  abundance  of  oysters  and 

'  Falco  Uueocephalu:     White  headed  or  BaKl  E«g1e.  Nuttal. 

'Stria  VirgiHiana.  Wilton.  The  Greet  Uumed  Owl,  often  celled  the  Cat  Owl.  Natural  Uittory  of 
Nev-York.  I'ert  II.,  Ornitholugjr,  24. 

'  Rotgi'iuun.  Writiiiif  of  IIih  llrant  OuOfe,  Nntt«l  Mve:  the  nevifretor  Barent,  found  muHitiidee  iittlnir  on 
their  eggs  aliuut  the  2Ut  June,  Ifiys,  in  the  grvet  buy  culled  Wil<e  Jent  Wat<'r;  nnd  tu  hii  eraeeement, 
ditciiveri'd  lliein  In  hi  lliv  Itulijamtn.   Uriiilhuliiyy — Waltr  bifiU,  8vu,,  Ufll. 

*  111  tht*  (TUitiHl  ><>hinii'  'tit,  I'anynt.  -■  Ko. 


rgKj'L' 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    IV. 


279 


muscles,  with  many  other  similar  sorts  of  shell  fish  resembling  each  other,  with 
the  names  of  which  we  are  not  acquainted.  There  are,  also,  both  sea  and 
land  tortoises. 

The  venomous  reptiles  found  there,  consist  chiefly  of  adders  and  lizards,  but  ™ii5S?|J|of^t" 
they  do  little  or  no  harm ;  there  are  various  sorts  of  snakes,  but  not  dangerous ;  ^'"  "*"""'• 
if  they  possibly  can,  they  retreat  before  people  (else  they  are  usually  killed) 
except  the  rattle-snake,  which  has  a  rattle  on  the  tail,  wherewith  it  makes  a 
very  loud  noise  whenever  it  is  angry,  or  intends  to  bite;  it  grows  a  joint  longer 
every  year.  This  snake  is  very  malignant  and  not  inclined  to  retreat  before  a 
man  or  any  other  creature.  Whoever  is  bit.  by  one  runs  great  risk  of  his  life,  if 
not  immediately  attended  to;  but  the  best  of  it  is,  they  are  not  num^^rous;  and 
the  true  Serpentaria  grows  spontaneously  here,  which  is  very  highly  prized 
by  the  Indians,  as  being  an  unfailing  cure. 

The  Medicinal  plants  discovered  up  to  the  present  time  in  New  Netherland,  or  the  medieiui 
after  a  little  search,  are,  principally,  as  far  as  they  have  come  to  our  knowledge, 
Capdli  veneris  (Maidenhair),  Scholopendria  (Hounds  tongue),  Angelica  (Belly-ache 
root),  Po/ypodtum  (Fern),  Feriawcwm  aZAum  (white  Mullein),  Calceus  sacerdotis  vel 
Marie^  (Moccasin  plant),  Atriplex  hortensis  vd  ntarina  (garden  or  marine  Orach) 
Chorlium  turriles  (tower  Mustard),  Calamiu  aromaticus  (Lweet  flag),  Sassajrax 
(Sassafras),  Roeit  virginiarum^  (Sumach),  Ranuru  lut  (Crowfoot),  Plantago 
(Plantain),  Buna  poiloris  (Shepherj's  purse),  Malva  (Mallow),  Origanum 
(Marjoram),  Geranium  (tilrane's  bill),  Althea  {Marsh  mallows),  Cineroton  pseudo- 
daphne  (Spice  bush),  Viola  (Violet),  Irias  (Blue  flag),  Indigo  silvestrit  (wild 
Indigo),  SigiUum  talamonii  (Solomon's  seal).  Sanguis  draconium  (Dragons  blood), 
Cojwo/iJa  ( Comfrey ),  Millefolium  (itlUfoW),  several  species  of  Fern,  various  wild 
lilies.  Agrimony,  (wild  Leek),  Carduus  benediclus  (Blessed  Thistle),  Serpentaria 
(Snakeroot),  Indian  figs,  which  grow  on  the  '.eaves.  Tarragon  (Wormwood), 
and  numerous  other  plants  and  flowers ;  but  as  we  are  not  skilled  in  those 
things,  we  cannot  say  much  about  them.  Nevertheless  we  doubt  not  but 
amateurs  would  be  able  to  find  there  divers  simples  of  great  and  varied  virtues 
in  which  we  have  confidence,  principally  because  the  Indians  can  cure  very 
severe  and  dangerous  wounds  and  sores  by  roots,  leaves  and  other  trifles. 

It  is  certain  that  the  Indigo  Silvestris  grows  spontaneously  here  without  any  oroiewUduaigo. 
human  aid  or  cultivation.  Without  doubt,  were  there  (8)  people  and  were 
attention  turned  to  it,  it  could  be  easily  raised ;  at  least  the  other  species  would 
grow  very  well  here,  and  yield  a  good  profit.  We  have  seen  proof  of  this  in  the 
Colonie  of  Uenscelaerswyck,  but  it  was  sown  entirely  too  late  and  upon  a  barren 
rock  where  there  was  little  earth ;  though  it  came  well  up,  but  in  consequence 
of  the  drought  turned  all  yellow,  withered  and  was  neglected.  Notwithstanding, 
it  is  evident  that,  were  it  well  managed,  it  would  perfectly  succeed.  Planting 
of  madder  would  also  undoubtedly  thrive  well,  even  better  than  in  Zealand,  ip 
regard  of  the  lauds  and  other  circumstances. 


m^ 


'  Oaloeolus  Mirianus  CtnaiUtisi*.  Charltvoi*,  I'l.  XXXYI. 


'  Qui  Rhui  Tir|{inicum. — Go. 


1      i 


280 

OflhaMlawili. 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Th«    Sngllih    Mtt 


Various  minerals  have  also  been  discovered  here,  both  accidentally  and  by 
J"''""?  search ;  some  experiments  have  been  made  on  these,  according  to  the 
:L3'»'^  ™  limited  means  of  this  country,  and  they  have  been  found  good.  Attempts  have 
been  made  several  limes  to  send  specimens  of  them  to  Fatherland;  once  by 
Arent  van  Corenss,*  by  way  of  New  Haven  and  England ;  but  the  ship  foundered, 
and  no  tidings  of  it  were  ever  received.  Director  William  Kieft  again  had 
several  specimens  afterwards  with  him  in  the  ship  the  Princess,  but  they  were, 
also,  lost  with  him.  The  mountains  and  mines,  however,  remain,  and  can 
easily  be  found  again  whenever  there  is  any  disposition  to  incur  the  trouble 
and  expense. 

They  have  already  progressed  so  far  in  New  England  that  they  cast  Iron  pots, 
cannon,  shot  and  similar  articles  from  the  mineral  they  have  there;  and  we 
believe  that  here  it  only  requires  a  commencement,  for  we  have,  and  there  are 
found  in  New  Netherland  two  sorts  of  marcasite,  white  and  yellow;  mines  of 
quicksilver,  of  gold,  silver,  copper,  iron,  black  lead  and  hard  coal,  and  there  is 
little  doubt  but  tin  and  lead  are,  also,  to  be  found  there ;  but  who  will  look  for 
them,  or  who  will  make  any  use  of  them,  as  long  as  there  is  not  a  larger  number 
of  people. 

Fuller's  earth  is,  also,  found  here  in  abundance;  likewise  bole,  and  white,  red, 
yellow,  blue,  grey  and  black  clay,  which  is  very  solid  and  greasy,  and  would  be' 
suitable  for  many  purposes,  together  with  earth  for  brick  and  tiles.  Here  are  also 
mountain  crystal,  glass  like  that  in  Muscovy,  great  abundance  of  green 
a'.>IVar^.  ""*  «e'-pe°t'ne,  grey  hearth-stone,  slate,  brown  grindstone,  flint,  pebbles,  paving 
stones,  large  quantities  of  every  sort  of  quarry  stone  suitable  for  the  manufactory 
of  millstones  and  for  the  construction  of  all  sorts  of  buildings.  Here  also  are 
plume-alum  and  divers  other  mordants,  which  might  be  applicable  to  the  service 
of  man.  There  are  also  various  descriptions  of  dyes  here,  but  the  Christians 
are  not  experienced  in  them,  though  they  are  seen  daily  on  the  Indians  who  are 
conversant  with,  and  also  make  use  of  them,  to  paint  themselves  of  divers 
colors.  Were  it  not  for  lack  of  explorers,  they  could  be  easily  discovered 
and  employed, 

'  Arent  Conun.    Anno  1643,  0,  —En.' 


TlWTMittjorMrili 
ud  olij. 


OrtlMpalnU. 


r 


'.t*.'4i»V 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


281 


(9)  OF  THE  AMERICANS,  OR  NATIVES;  THEIR  APPEARANCE,  OCCUPATION 

AND  FOOD. 


The  natives  are  generally  well  limbed,  slender  around  the  waist,  broad 
shouldered;  all  having  black  hair  and  brown  eyes;  they  are  very  nimble  and 
swift  of  pace,  well  adapted  to  travel  on  foot  and  to  carry  heavy  burdens ;  they  Rre 
dirty  and  slovenly  in  all  their  habits  ;  make  light  of  all  sorts  of  hardships,  being 
by  nature  and  from  youth  upward  accustomed  thereunto.  They  resemble 
Brazilians  in  color,  or  are  as  tawny  -.s  ihose  people  who  sometimes  ramble 
through  Netherland  and  are  called  Gipsies.  Generally,  the  men  have  very  little 
or  no  beard,  some  even  pluck  it  out;  they  use  very  few  words,  which  they 
previously  well  consider.  Naturally  they  are  quite  modest,  without  guile  and 
inexperienced,  but  in  their  way  haughty  enough,  ready  and  quick  witted  to 
comprehend  or  learn,  be  it  good  or  bad,  whatever  they  are  most  inclined  to.  As 
soldiers  they  are  far  from  being  honorable,  but  perfidious  and  accomplish  all 
their  designs  by  treachery;  they  also  use  many  stratagems  to  deceive  their 
enemies  and  execute  by  night  almost  all  their  plans  that  are  in  any  way  hazardo»8. 
The  thirst  for  revenge  seems  innate  in  them ;  they  are  very  pertinacious  in  self 
defence,  when  they  cannot  escape ;  which,  under  other  circumstances,  they  like 
to  do ;  and  they  make  little  of  death,  when  it  is  inevitable,  and  despise  all  tortures 
that  can  be  inflicted  on  them  at  the  stake,  exhibiting  no  faintheartedness,  but 
generally  singing  until  they  are  dead.  They  also  know  right  well  how  to  cure 
wounds  and  hurts,  or  inveterate  sores  and  injuries,  by  means  of  herbs  and  roots 
indigenous  'o  the  country,  and  which  are  known  to  them.  The  clothing  as  well 
of  men  as  of  women  consists  of  a  piece  of  duffels,  or  of  deerskin  leather  or  elk 
hide  around  the  body,  to  cover  their  nakedness.  Some  have  a  bearskin  of 
which  they  make  doublets;  others  again,  coats  of  the  skins  of  racoons,  wild  cats, 
wolves,  dogs,  fishers,  iquirrels,  beavers  and  the  like  j  and  they  even  have  made 
themselves  some  of  turkey's  feathers ;  now  they  make  use  for  the  most  part  of 
duffels  cloth  which  they  obtain  in  trade  from  the  Christians ;  they  make  their 
stockings  and  shoes  of  deerskins  or  elk  hides,  some  even  have  shoes  of  corn  husks 
whereof  they  also  make  sacks.  Their  money  consists  of  white  and  black  Wampum 
which  they  themselves  manufacture;  their  measure  and  value  is  the  hand  or 
fathom,  and  if  it  be  corn  that  is  to  be  measured,  'tis  done  by  the  denotas  which  are 
bags  of  their  own  making.  Their  ornaments  consist  of  scoring  their  bodies,  or 
paiiitlntr  them  of  various  colors,  sometimes  entirely  black,  if  they  are  in  mourning ; 
but  mostly  the  face.  They  twine  both  white  and  black  wampum  around  their 
(10)  heads;  formerly  they  were  not  wont  to  cover  these,  but  now  they  are 
beginning  to  wear  bonnets  or  caps,  which  ihey  purchase  from  the  Christians  ;  they 
wear  Wampum  in  the  ears,  around  the  neck  and  around  the  waist,  and  thus  in 
their  way  are  mighty  fine.  They  have  also  long  deers-hair  which  is  dyed  red, 
whereof  they  make  ririglels  to  encircle  the  head ;  and  other  fine  hair  of  the  same 
Vol.  I.  80 


T'le  tndtiint  flf>«ftk 
ilowly  ^nU  liUie. 


Wh^n  Inrilanii  are 
>t  the  ^ukv  lh«r 
■Inc  unlll  they  are 
(lead. 

They  know  how  to 
cure  all  wounda 
anil  accldenia. 

or  thfi  clothing  or 
the  ladiaoa. 


The  Tntlisn  car- 
rfncT  I*  white  nnd 
black  wampum. 


The  Indiana  H>nra 
and  paint  their 
bndlea  by  way  of  or- 
nament. 


Si' 


t>, 


ui 


282 


They  nuke  (heir 
boftU  ihemsMlvra  of 
tree*  uid  tb«  bark 
of  trees. 


Indians     do      not 
DMiry. 


They  Are  Tary  nn- 

cbMtr,  and  fre- 
qusDllj  chaogf 
UMirwlree. 


"Who  dr  the  work 
among  the  lodlant, 
and   how. 

Of  the  hoDies  of  the 
lo4l«iM,  aud  how 
they  ramoT. . 


There  to  a  Chief 
orer  each  tribe  of 
ladiaus. 


(ndlAnt  know  little 
of  Ot»d,    but  hare 

SreKt  fear  of  the 
eTi),to  whom  they 
evt)D  make  olfer- 
1fig». 


■  '^ 


Nelthw  law  nor 
Jiistit-e  among  the 
Indiaii:? 

Their  wt'iiiHmii  are 
ttipMw  and  arrow ; 
now  llicy  jt«t  fi:<iiti 
ill  uadu  frooi  thu 
ChrtetiiUia. 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

color,  which  hangs  around  the  neck  in  braids,  whereof  they  are  very  vain.  They 
frequently  smear  their  skin  and  hair  with  all  sorts  of  grease.  Almost  all  of  them 
can  swim ;  they  themselves  construct  the  boats  they  use,  which  are  of  two  sorts : 
some,  of  entire  trees  excavated  with  fire,  axes  and  adzes ;  the  Cliristians  call 
these  Canoes ;  others,  again,  called  also  canoes,  are  i.:ade  of  bark,  and  in  these 
tiiey  can  move  ve  'y  rapidly. 

Traces,  and  nothing  more,  of  the  institution  of  marriage  can  be  perceived 
among  them.  The  man  and  woman  unite  together  without  any  special  ceremony, 
except  that  the  former,  by  agreement  previoucly  made  with  the  latter,  preaerite 
her  with  some  wampum  or  cloth,  which  he  frequently  takes  back  on  separating, 
if  this  occur  any  way  soon.  Both  men  and  women  are  excessively  unchaste  and 
lascivious,  without  the  least  particle  of  shame ;  and  this  is  the  reason  that  the 
men  so  frequently  change  their  wives  and  the  wcmen,  their  husbands.  They 
have,  usually,  but  one  wife ;  sometimes  even  two  or  three,  but  this  mostly  obtains 
among  the  chiefs.  They  have  also  among  them  dififerent  ranks  of  people,  such  as 
noble  and  ignoble.  The  men  are  generally  lazy  and  v^ill  not  work  until  they 
become  old  and  of  no  co.isideration ;  then  they  make  spoons  and  wooden  bowls, 
traps,  nets,  and  various  other  such  trifles ;  in  other  respects,  they  do  nothing  but 
fish,  hunt  and  go  to  war.  The  women  must  perform  the  remainder  of  the  labor, 
such  as  planting  corn,  cutting  and  hauling  firewood,  cooking,  attending  the 
children,  and  whatever  else  has  to  be  done.  Their  dwellings  are  constructed  of 
hickory  poles  set  in  the  ground  and  bent  bow  fashion,  like  arches,  and  then 
covered  with  bark  which  they  peel  in  quantities  for  that  purpose.  Some,  but 
principally  the  chiefs'  houses,  have,  inside,  portraits  and  pictures  somewhat  rudely 
carved.  When  fishing  and  hunting,  they  lie  under  the  blue  sky,  or  little  better. 
They  do  not  remain  long  in  one  place,  but  remove  several  times  a  year  and  repair, 
according  to  the  season,  to  wherever  food  appears  to  them,  beforehand,  best  and 
easiest  to  be  obtained. 

They  are  divided  into  various  tribes  and  languages.  Each  tribe  usually  dwells 
together,  and  there  it,  one  among  them  who  is  chief;  but  he  does  not  possess 
much  power  or  distinction,  except  in  their  dances  and  in  time  of  war.  Some 
have  scarcely  any  knowledge  of  L  d ;  others  very  little.  Nevertheless,  they  relate 
very  strange  fables  of  the  Deity.  In  general,  they  have  a  great  dread  of  the 
Devil,  who  gives  them  wonderful  trouble ;  some  converse  freely  on  the  subject 
and  aliu.v  themselves  to  be  strangely  imposed  upon  by  him;  but  their  devils, 
they  say,  will  no,  have  anything  to  do  with  the  Dutch.  Scarcely  a  word  is  heard 
here  of  any  ghost  or  (11)  such  like.  OH'erings  are  sometimes  made  to  them,  but 
with  little  ceremony.  They  believe,  also,  in  an  Immortality  of  the  soul;  have, 
likewise,  some  knowledge  of  the  Sun,  Moon  and  Stars,  many  of  which  they  even 
know  how  to  name  ;  they  are  passable  judges  of  the  weather.  There  is  scarcely 
any  law  or  justice  among  them,  except  s vmetimes  in  war  matters,  and  then  very 
little.  The  next  of  kin  i»  the  avenger;  the  youngest  are  the  most  daring,  who 
mostly  do  as  they  like.  Tlitiir  weapons  used  to  be  a  war  club  and  the  bow  and 
arrow,  which  they  k'low  how  to  use  with  wuudertul  skill.     Now,  those  residing 


^n1l 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


283 


nenr,  or  trading  considerably  with  the  Christiani,  make  use  of  firelocks  and 

hatchets,  which  they  obtain  in  barter.     They  are  excessively  fond  of  guns;  spare 

no  expense  on  them,  and  are  so  expert  with  them  that,  in  this  respect,  they  excel 

many  Christians.     Their  fare,  or  food,  is  poor  and  gross,  for  they  drink  water,  Tb»  i>>di*n  ditnk 

having  no  other  beverage ;  they  eat  the  flesh  of  all  sorts  of  game  that  the  country  v°^^- 

supplies;  even  badgers,  dogs,  eagles,  and  similar  trash,  which  Christians  in  no 

way  regard  ;  these  they  cook  and  use  uncleai    '*d  and  undressed.     Moreover, 

all  sorts  of  fish  ;  likewise,  snakes,  frogs,  and  sui.  .  like,  which  they  usually  cook  * 

with  the  offals  and  entrails.     They  know,  also,  hew  to  preserve  fish  and  meat  for 

the  winter  in  order  then  to  cook  them  with  Indian  meal.     They  make   their 

bread,  but  of  very  indifferent  quality,  of  maize,  which  they  also  cook  whole,  or 

broken  in  wooden  mortars.     The  women  likewise  perform  this  labor  and  make 

a  pap  or  porridge,  called  by  some,  Sapiit,  by  others,  Duundare,^  which  is  their 

daily  food ;  they  mix  this,  also,  thoroughly  with  little  beans,  of  different  colors, 

raised  by  themselves ;  this  is  esteemed  by  them  rather  as  a  dainty,  than  as  a 

daily  dish. 


BY  WHOM  NEW  NETIIERLAND  WAS  FIRST  OCCUPIED,  AND  HOW  FAR  ITS 

BOUNDARIES  EXTEND. 

That  New  Netherland  was  first  discovered,  owned  and  settled  by  Netherlands, 
has  already  been  stated  ;  but  inasmuch  as  considerable  dispute  has  arisen  on  this 
point,  not  only  with  the  Swedes,  who  have  little  pretense,  but  principally  with 
the  English,  who  have  already  usurped  and  settled  a  great  portion  thereof; 
'twill  be,  therefore,  nocessary  to  treat  of  each  in  particular  somewhat  more 
precisely  and  at  large.  But  inasmuch  as  divers  ingenious  persons  have  treated  of 
this  matter  in  its  length  and  breadth,  and  as  those  pretensions  are  absurd  and 
require  but  few  arguments,  we  shall  dispose  thereof  as  briefly  as  is  in  any 
wise  possible. 

After  their  (12)  High  Mightinesses,  the  Lords  States  General  were  pleased,  in 
the  year  XVP  and  twenty-two,  to  include  this  Province  within  the  Charter  of  the 
West  India  Company,  the  latter  considered  it  necessary  to  take  complete  possession 
of  this  naturally  beautiful  and  noble  Province  ;  this,  indeed,  did  follow  in  course 
of  time,  but  according  as  circumstances  permitted,  as  in  all  beginnings;  for  since 
the  year  of  our  Lord  XVP  and  twenty-three,  four  forts  have  been  built  there  by 
order  of  the  Lords  Majors,  one  on  the  south  point  of  Manhattans  island,  at  the 
junction  of  the  East  and  North  rivers,  and  named  New  Amsterdam,  where  the 

'  S*|Mi8  seems  to  be  a  ■ynonym  for  Sftp|)«eii :  Duundare  is  "f  tlie  Iroquois  stock,  and  means,  litfrslly, 
Boiled  bread  ;  from  Onnonlara,  boiled,  and  Dalarak,  bread.  St*  FoniMary,  m  OaU.,  824;  also,  JVaHtactiont 
of  Ntm-York  Btknotogical  Society,  II.,  7».  —  £■>. 


The  cDuntry  Is  llrsl 
dtfcorered,  tskea 
p^wseMloc  or  antt 
■rilled  bjr  NeUiei» 
Unders. 

The  English  hare 
appropriated  a  Urge 
portion  of  IL 


Font  ft>r1s  hare 
been  built  there  la 
token  of  poaeeaaion. 


^^fflfs^ 


284 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


liup**. 


staple  right  of  New  Nelherland>  is  designed  to  be.     Another,  called  Orange,  is 
in  the  Colonie  Renselaerswyck,  thirty-six  leagues  higher  up  on  the  west  side  of 
the   Inst   named  river,  three  leagues  below  the  Kahoos,  or  Great  falls  of  the 
Mohawk  kill;  but  there  never  has  been,  as  yet,  any  difference  with  foreigners 
^'••nVdim""^  a*>out  that  (North)  river.     On  the  South  river  stands  fort  Nassou,  and  on  the 
ri».r.      '     "     Fresh  river,  the  Good  Hope.    In  these  four  forts  there  has  always  been  some 
garrison  from  the  beginning  to  the  present  time,  though  just  now  they  are  all 
«rT  ""Jfoo'r"  "2!  in  «  very  poor  condition,  both  ns  regards  themselves  and  the  garrison. 
""  "*■  These  forts,  as  well  north  and  south,  were  located  not  only  to  close  and  command 

the  said  rivers,  but  as  far  as  property  by  occupation  extended,  to  possess  as  well 
all  the  lands  comprehended  between  them  as  round  about  them,  and  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  river;  to  declare  them  the  Hon.  Company's  own,  and  to 
guard  them  against  all  nations  whether  foreign  or  indigenous,  that  would  attempt 
to  seize  the  same  against  its  will  and  consent.  Nevertheless,  this  has  been,  but 
principally  on  the  North  east  side  of  New  Netherland,  in  no  wise  regarded  or 
l^tJ^ThnoZ  respected  by  the  English  residing  to  the  Eastward;  for  notwithstanding  sufficient 
possession  was  already  taken  by  the  erection  and  garrisoning  of  fort  Good  Hope, 
and  no  neglect  to  warn  them  occasionally  has  occurred,  in  order  to  make  known 
our  right,  and  to  protest  against  them  for  usurpation,  force  and  violence,  yet 
have  they,  disregarding  all  this,  seized  and  occupied,  and  still  retain,  the  largest 
and  best  part  of  New  Netherland,  to  'x-it :  East  of  the  North  river,  beginning  at 
Cape  Cod,  named  in  IGOO  by  our  own  people  New  Holland,  (whereof  also, 
•"™.I*,«^^"  poss^-ssion  was  taken,  if  we  are  correctly  informed,*  by  the  erection  of  their  High 
New'Kta^dr'  "'  Mightinesses'  arms)  down  to  within  six  leagues  of  the  North  river;  for  the 
English  have  now  a  village  called  Stamfort,  from  which  place  a  man  can  reach 
the  North  river  and  return  home  on  a  Summer's  day,  according  to  the  knowledge 
Th.  En^iuh  .IV  acquired  of  the  Indian  paths.  Again,  the  English  of  New  Haven  have  a  Tradine 
post  situate  to  the  Last  or  bouth  east  of  Magdalen  island,  at  no  greater  distance 
than  six  leagues  from  the  North  river;  for  that  island  lies  on  the  East  side  of  the 
North  river,  23J  leagues  above  p-ort  Amsterdam;'  and  the  Trading  post  is 
established  with  no  other  design  than  to  attract  or  wholly  to  destroy  the  entire 
trade  of  the  North  river,  where  it  now  passes  down  entirely  free.'  They, 
moreover,  made  repeated  efforts  eight  or  nine  years  (1.3)  ago,  to  purchase  a  large 
tract  of  land  from  the  Indians,  as  we  understood  from  the  latter;  this  would 
have  been  rather  with  a  view  to  attract  the  trade  than  anything  else,  for  it  was 
situate  on  the  east  side,  not  more  than  three  or  four  leagues  from  the  Colonie 
of  Renselaerswyck. 

These  people  will  now  accuse  us  of  this  and  similar  things,  all  under  the 
pretence  of  an  excessively  scrupulous  conscience,  notwithstanding  King  James, 
of  most  glorious  memory,  incorporated  the  Virginia  Companies,  with  a  condition 

'  Soo  on«  anderi  do  w»erh«yt  bereolit  it,     The«e  words  are  omitted  in  th*  printed  Vtrloogh. 

'  Magd»I«n  island  is  opposite  tli«  town  of  R«d  IIooL,  Dutches*  county.  The  trading  post  w«t  on  the 
site  of  the  present  town  uf  Springfield,  Mass. 

•The  trade  on  the  Rliine  and  other  European  rWen,  was  subject  to  toll,  which  system  the  agents  of 
the  Palroon  of  Renselaerwyck  attempted  to  esUblish  also  on  the  Hudson.  But  the  attempt  was  resisted, 
and  failed.  —  Ed. 


Their 
nt'sii^' 


Ibu  Norib  river. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    IV. 

that  they  must  remain  apart  from  each  other  one  hundred  miles,  according  to  our 
reckoning.  They  are  willing  to  avail  themselves  of  this  grant,  but  in  no  wise  to 
comply  with  the  terms  s'ipulated  in  the  patent. 

All  the  islands,  bays,  harbors,  rivers,  kills  and  places,  eren  a  great  way  on  the 
other  side  of  New  Holland  or  Cape  Cod,  have  Dutch  names,  which  were  given 
them,  long  before  they  had  any  others,  by  our  Dutch  navigators  and  traders  when 
they  first  began  to  discover  and  trade  to  those  parts.  The  English  themselves  are 
well  aware  of  this,  but  so  long  as  they  can  manage  it,  and  things  get  along  to  their 
liking,  they  will  not  admit  the  fact;  for  those  of  the  Fresh  river  desired  to  enter 
into  an  arrangement,  and  to  pay  a  yearly  acknowledgment,  or  to  purchase  the 
f»^e.  This,  indeed,  is  proof  positive,  that  the  right  is  well  known  to  them,  and 
they,  themselves,  had  nothing  in  conscience  against  it,  though  they  now  from 
time  to  time,  have  forged  and  invented  many  things  to  serve  them  for  a  screen 
or  fence,  or  indeed  as  a  pretext  for  delay. 

In  like  manner  those  of  Rhode  Island,  when  they  were  at  variance  with  those 
of  the  Bay,  solicited  leave  to  take  shelter  under  the  Dutch,  and  to  be  subject  to 
them;  there  are  proofs  and  documents  in  abundance,  with  the  Secretary  or 
Directors  of  the  Company,  of  all  these  things,  and  of  what  we  shall  relate  in  the 
following  pages. 

In  short,  'tis  thus  far  with  the  English,  that  they  are  very  willing  to  recognize 
the  Nelherlanders,  and  make  use  of  them  as  a  cloak  in  time  of  need,  but  again 
when  this  is  past,  they  regard  them  not  and  make  fools  of  them.  This  proceeds 
entirely  from  having  neglected  to  people  the  country,  or  to  speak  plainer  and 
more  correctly,  from  a  desire,  through  motives  of  selfishness,  to  scrape  all  the 
fat  into  one  or  two  pots,  and  therefore  to  continue  trade,  and  neglect  population. 

Long  Island,  which  is  a  crown  of  the  province  by  reason  of  its  great  advantage 
of  excellent  bays  and  harbors  as  well  as  convenient  and  fertile  lands,  they  have 
also  entirely  usurped,  except  Breukelen  and  Amersfoort,  two  Dutch  villages 
of  little  moment  on  the  West  end;  and  some  English  settlements,  such  as 
Gravesend,  Greenwich,  Mespat  whence  the  people  were  driven  away  in  the 
War  and  which  was  afterwards  confiscated  by  Director  Kieft,  but  the  proprietor 
appealed  and  so  it  yet  remains,  and  there  are  very  few  people  in  the  place  now. 
Flushing,  which  is  a  handsome  village  and  tolerably  stocked  with  cattle;  the 
fourth  and  last  is  Heemstee,  which  is  superior  to  all  the  rest,  for  it  is  very  rich 
in  cattle. 

But,  now.  since  we  have  entered  on  the  subject  of  Long  Island,  we  shall  (14) 
treat  of  it  somewhat  more  at  length,  because  the  English  greatly  hanker  after 
it.  The  Ocean  on  the  south,  and  the  East  river  on  the  north  side  form  this 
Island,  which,  as  we  have  already  remarked,  is  a  crown  of  New  Netherland, 
on  account  of  its  convenient  position,  its  suitable  harbors,  and  anchorage 
grounds.  The  East  river,  which  separates  it  from  Manhathans  Island  as  far  as 
the  Hellgate,  is  tolerably  wide  and  convenient.  Our  freemen  have  resided  on 
that  Island  down  from  the  very  first,  according  as  circumstances  permitted.  In 
the  year  1640,  a  Scotchman  came  to  Director  Kieft  with  an  English  commission, 


285 


The  Virflnlt  Com- 
P*n7  miut  remain 
onii  hundred  niilet 
apart  fh>m  each 
oih«r. 

The  Ulands  and 
bajri  hare  Dutch 
naiuea. 


Thou  nf  the  Fmb 
river  have  offered  a 
yearly  aoknowledg- 


'■nn  ■ 


The  orldnat  papen 
and  documents  re* 
roatn  with  the  8ee- 
reury  or  Dlrectnn 
of  the  Company. 


Xjnng  Island  la  ■ 
crown  ol  New  NeUi* 
erUnd. 


There  are  few  peo- 
ple at  HvipaL 


Floshinfr  fs  a  hand- 
aume  towo. 


Of  long  Island  In 
particutfj'. 


n 


An.  1640,  A  Scotch- 
mar  came  to  de- 
mand Ihl8  Uland. 


286 


I 


ForTMler,  Dowagnr 
Blwltnc'i  OoTwnrr. 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

and  claimed  this  Islnnd ;  but  iiis  pretension  was  noi  much  respected ;  he 
therefore  again  departed  without  having  accomplished  any  thing  except 
imposing  on  the  lower  classes.  Afterwards  Director  Kieft  broke  up  and  scattered 
the  English  who  were  desirous  to  settle  at  Oyster  bay,  and  thus  it  remained  for 
a  while  at  that  time. 

In  the  year  1647,  a  Scotchman  came  here  who  called  himself  Captain  Forester, 
and  claimed  that  Island  for  the  Dowager  of  Starlingh,  whose  governor  he 
represent'"'  himself  to  be.  He  had  a  commission  dated  in  the  XVIII'*  year  of 
King  Jan.^'S,  but  it  was  not  signed  by  his  Majesty  nor  by  any  one  else.  Dependent 
from  it  was  an  old  seal  that  could  not  be  deciphered.  His  commission  included 
the  entire  island,  with  five  leagues  around,  both  mainland  and  islands.  He  had 
also  a  power  of  attorney  from  Maria,  Dowager  of  Stearling,  and  this  was  all ; 
nevertheless,  the  man  was  very  consequential,  and  said,  on  his  first  arrival,  that 
he  came  here  to  see  Governor  Stuy  vesant's  commission,  and,  if  it  was  better  than 
his,  he  would  give  way  to  him;  if  not,  the  other  must  yield.  To  be  brief, 
the  Director  took  a  copy  of  the  papers,  and  sent  the  man  over  in  the  ship,  the 
Valckenier;  but  he  did  not  reach  Holland,  for  having  touched  at  England  he  left 
the  vessel  there,  and  never  troubled  the  Captain.  The  English  have  since 
talked  loudly  of  it,  and  gave  out  that  he  had  returned  to  Boston,  but  he  has  not 
been  seen.  It  is  to  be  feared,  were  he  to  come  now,  that  something  untoward 
might  really  happen,  wherefore  it  would  be  very  wise  to  hasten  ihe  redress 
of  New  Netherland. 


OF  THK  FUESII  mVEU. 


Thr,i|iEngH.h,j.iiii       Sometime  after  the  .completion  on  the  Fresh  River  of  Fort  Good  Hope,  which 

Sn^-Si;  *''"  ''^^un  in  the  year  1623,  an  English  schooner  arrived  there,  but  Jacob  van 

Curler,  the  Company's  Commissary,  protested  against  it  by  order  of  the  Director 

Wouter  van  Twiller;  yet  notwithstanding  this  protest,  they  came  there  about 

a  year  or  two  afterwards  with  some  (15)  families,  whereupon  another  protest 

IX  '??r*"p''r...«u,  *"»■  "•^'■ved  on  them;  but  it  was  very  evident  that  these  people  cared  very  little 

"f  fvThBitrr."*'  for  It,  for,  notwithstanding  repeated  protests  to  the  contrary,  they  finally  invaded 

and  usurped  the  entire  Fresh  river,  and  finally  sunk  so  low  in  shamelessness  as 

to  have  seized  in  the  year  1640,  the  Company's  lands  around  the  fort.     And  when 

this  was  protested  against,  they  paid  no  attention  to  it.     They  have  proceeded 

iUrVW^a'X!  «'«'"  further,  and  have  severely  beaten  the  Company's  people  with  sticks  and 

*Bpftm«'i.*""'"*  clubs,  and  when  the  1  tier  were  on  their  land  for  the  purpose  of  working,  forcibly 

thtcw  their  plow  and  other   implemeuti   into  the  river  and  impounded  the 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


287 


horses.'     The  same  thing  occurred  repeatedly  afterwards,  and  they  also  took  up 

the  hogs  and  cows  belonging  to  the  Fort,  and  even  frequently  sold  some  of  them,  ThjEngiuhMUour 

for  damages  as  they  say.     Protests  have  been  made  against  all  these  acts  and 

each  of  them  in  particular,  but  they  were  mocked  at;  sundry  very  severe  letters 

were  written  to  their  Governors  in  Latin  on  this  subject,  minute  or  copy  whereof 

remains  with  the  Company's  officers,  who  can  furnish  a  fuller  account  of  this 

affair;   but   all   opposition    was   vain;  for   they    having   now   a   smack  of  the 

excellence  and  convenience  of  this  river,  and  remarking  the  difference  between 

the  land  there  and  that  more  easterly,  will  not  consent  to  go  back,  nor  easily  p*  Engii"i>^  !"»• 

^  D  *  z     the  land,  and   will 

submit  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  protection  unless  respectfully  invited  thereunto,  ''°'  "*"'  *°  ''"*• 
which  it  was  desirable  might  have  happened  from  the  first. 


OF  THE  DUTCH  TITLE  TO  THE  FRESH  RIVER. 

In  the  beginning,  before  th^^  English  were  ever  spoken  of,  our  people,  as  we 
find  it  written,  first  carefully  explored  and  discovered  the  northern  parts  of 
New  Netherland  and  some  distance  on  the  other  side  of  Cape  Cod.  And  even 
planted  an  ensign  on,  and  took  possession  of  Cape  Cod 

not  only  trafficked  at  the  Fresh  river,  but  had  also  ascended  it  before  any  English 
people  had  ever  dreamed  of  coming  there;  the  latter  arrived  there  for  the  first 
time  in  the  year  163G,  after  our  Fort  Good  Hope  hud  been  a  long  time  in  existence, 
niid  almost  all  the  land  on  both  sides  of  the  river  had  been  bought  by  our  people 
from  the  Indians,  which  purchase  took  place  principally  in  the  year  1632 ;  and 
Kievjts  hook*  was  purchased  at  that  time  also  by  one  Hans  Eencluys,  an 
ollieer  of  the  Company.  The  States'  arms  were  also  affixed  at  this  Hook  (16)  to 
a  tree  in  token  of  possession,  but  the  English,  who  still  occupy  the  Fresh  river.  Join 'ifil!?' ii*^ 


Anno  1614,  our  traders  ?»'    i»"p'«    ""' 

look     [HMMMion     of 

the  counirj,  aofi 
koughl  couidMnbl* 
of  It. 


threw  them  down,  and  engraveJ  a  fool's  face  in  their  stead. 


Whether  this  wos  .nJ 


•ngrsTtd     It 
111.  1     ■  I     I  I  <  1  .  tnoV\  flue  lu  their 

done  by  authority  or  not,  we  can  not  say ;  such  is  probable,  and  no  other  than  an  n«»- 
affirmative  opinion  can  be  entertained  ;  this  much  has  come  to  pass  —  they  have 
been  informed  of  it  in  various  letters,  which  never  produced  any  result ;  but  they 
have  in  addition,  contra  jut  gcniium  jterjiu  et  nrjiu,  invaded  the  whole,  because,  as 
they  say,  the  land  lay  unoccupied  and  waste,  which  was  none  of  their  business, 
and,  besides,  was  not  true ;  fur  on  the  river  a  fort  had  been  already  erected,  which 

'  The  fullowiaft  eitr*  t  irom  the  Culoaitl  RMorde  uf  Conneeliout  illuitratM  the  Kit : — "Hirtford  June 
ii.  1640.  WhcreMllii*  !>uUjli  entle  ai^  im|>ouiid*>l  fur  trMpwuingthe  Rngliihmen'ecuriin,  It  it  tliti  judgment 
of  the  I'ouiia  thnt  lh<'  Diitchinen  ehall  he  iiiacle  •R<|n*inteil  wth  the  treepaue,  and  iatlefaotioa  demandad, 
the  wph  if  they  refute  to  |iajr,  thu  Caltle  are  to  li«  keple  in  the  |Hiiind  three  dajtat,  and  then  to  b«  prjted 
A  told,  and  the  tr«e|>at>e  to  ^t•  tttiaflod,  tii){*thfr  with  the  chard^e  uf  iinpoiinding,  keeoaing  i  tandiiig  tba 
uid  catlii  <liiiaiflg  tlitir  t'Uitody."  TnmiM't  J'uilk  KieortU  of  GutiitHtitiH.    UtrtfbrJ,  ISiO. 

'SajbrtMk  Feint,  Cuunecticut,  ~  Es. 


288 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


continued  to  be  occupied  by  a  garrison.  Adjoining  the  fort,  was  also  a  neat 
bouwery '  belonging  to  tiie  Dutcii  or  the  Company  ;  and  most  of  the  land  was 
purchased  and  owned.  Their  Higii  Mightinesses'  arms  were  set  up  at  Kievits 
Sm'^!!'™?,'^"^';  ^ook,  which  is  at  the  mouth  of  the  river,  so  that  everything  possible  was  done 
Introducing  p«.pi..  gxcept  that  tlic  couutry  was  not  wholly  occupied,  and  the  English  would  have 
it  so ;  forsooth,  as  if  these  people,  who  now  by  means  of  their  greater  numbers 
do  as  they  please,  were  at  liberty  to  dictate  the  law  to  our  nation  within  its  own 
purchased  lands  and  limits,  and  to  order  how  and  in  what  manner  it  must  settle 
the  country,  and  if  it  do  not  happen  to  suit  exactly  their  desire  and  pleasure,  then 
they  are  at  liberty  to  invade  and  appropriate  our  waters,  lands  and  jurisdiction. 


or  lh<  Enirllati  tIU 


N«w  nav^ii  a  m«im< 
(mt  nf  Ni-K  Kn|C- 
Inntf.  which  oimsulk 
of  hmt  coloatM. 


Th^  '  tnirtlah  «>n- 
lliitM»  iipnrntafh  '»n 
Ihr  I  *ni1,  iiHin^tTpr 
ill*  i*m'<1  i*T^r>  !»">• 
Ir  I,  in'!  Jintir* 
II  i*r>iBt>IVf«  t>y  •lib* 
'^rfUfMu 


OK  THE  ItODENUKlUHI,  BY  THE  ENGLISH  CALLED  NEW  HAVEN;   AND  OP  OTHER 
PLACES  OF  MINOU  IMPORTANCE. 

All  the  villages  settled  by  the  p:ngllsh  from  New  Holland  or  Cape  Cod  unto 
Stamford,  within  the  Dutch  limits,  amount  to  about  thirty,  and  maybe  estimated 
at  nearly  five  thousand  persons  capable  of  bearing  arms;  their  cattle,  including 
cows  and  horses,  are  computed  at  thirty  thousand;  their  goats  and  hogs  cannot 
be  stated  ;  it  is  impossible  to  ascertain  precisely  both  the  one  and  the  other,  for 
there  are  divers  places  which  cannot  well  be  put  down  as  villages,  and  yet  are 
beginnings  of  them.  Among  the  whole  of  these,  the  Uodenbergh  or  New  Haven 
is  the  principal;  it  has  a  (Jovernor,  contains  about  thirteen  hundred  and  forty 
families,  and  is  a  province  or  member  of  New  England,  there  being  four  in  ail. 

( 17)  This  place  was  begun  eleven  years  ago,  in  the  year  163S,  and  they  have 
since  hived  further  out  and  formed  Milford,  Stratford,  Stamford,  and  the  Trading 
House  already  referred  to. 

Director  Kiefl  hath  caused  divers  protests,  both  in  Latin  and  other  languages, 
to  be  served  on  these  people,  commanding  them  by  virtue  of  his  commissions,  in 
the  name  of  ihe  Lords  States  Oeneral,  his  Serene  Highness  of  Orange,  and  the 
Honorable  Directors  of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  to  desist  from 
their  proceedings  and  usurpations,  and  in  cane  of  refusal,  warning  them  thereby 
that  satisfaction  should  be  required  of  them,  some  time  or  other,  according 
as  circumstances  might  allow;  but  it  was  knocking  at  a  deaf  man's  door,  for 
they  did  not  heed  it,  nor  give  it  any  attention;  but,  on  the  contrary,  had 
recourse  to  several  subterfuges,  circumstances,  false  pretences  an<l  sophistical 
arguments,  to  give  a  color  to  their  actions,  and  to  cast  a  doubt  and  impeach  our 
lawful  claim  and  valid  title  to  the  premises.  tSeneral  Sluyvesant  hath  also  had 
repeated  differences  with  them  on  this  subject,  but  it  remains  in  statu  quo.     The 


'Jirimitfrin,  in  lliv  |iiiiiliKl  IVrdxy*,  i.viJ.iiUy  *  ty|i.,gr«|iliip*l  ertur.— Rin 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS  :    IV.  289 

farthest  that  lliey  have  ever  been  willing  to  come  is,  to  declare  that  the  matter 

could  never  be  arranged  in  this  country,  and  that  they  were  content  and  vtry 

desirous  that  their  High  Mightinesses  should  arrange  it  with  their  Sovereigns, 

and  as  this  is  very  necessary,  inasmuch  as  the  English  already  occupy  and  have  n,  E„g„,h  t,„, 

seized  nearly  the  half  of  New  Netherland,  which  hereafter  can  well  be  of  great  N^n.nj/  "•* 

importance,  so  it  is  earnestly  to  be  desired,  that  their  High  Mightinesses  would 

please  to  press  this  matter,  before  it  proceed  farther,  and  the  breach  become 

irreparable. 

We  should  now  pass  from  this  to  the  South  river,  by  the  English  called 
Delaware  bay,  with  a  view  first  to  describe  the  boundaries  in  this  way, 
consecutively;  but  we  cannot  omit,  in  passing,  to  say  that  there  was  here,  both 
in  Director's  Kieft's  time  and  in  that  of  General  Stuyvesant,  a  certain  Englishman 
who  called  himself  Sir  Eduard  I'loeyden,  and  styled  himself  Earl  Palatine  of  •"'  ''■''"""'  •'i'*?- 

''  ■'  <li-n,    hjirl  Palallw 

New  Albion;  he  represented  and  claimed  that  the  country  from  the  west  side  ';L,Il"'mn.ui'''ihi 
of  the  North  river  unto  Virginia,  was  his,  by  grant  from  King  James  of  England,  Z«'.u 
but  he  said  he  did  not  wish  to  create  any  dilliculty  with  the  Dutch,  though  he 
was  very  much  piqued  at  John  I'rins,  the  Swedish  CJovernor  at  the  South 
river,  on  account  of  some  affronts  he  had  received  from  him,  which  are  too 
long  to  relate;  he  added,  that  he,  at  a  proper  opportunity,  should  meet  that 
gentleman,  and  take  possession  of  the  river,  in  fine,  according  to  the  English 
reckoning,  it  comes  to  this:  Nothing  remains  for  their  High  Mightinesses' 
subjects;  one  must  have  thus  far,  and  another  must  have  bo  far,  so  that  between 
themselves  they  never  fall  short. 


wliolaorN.  Niilkw. 


(18)  OK  THE  SOUTH  lUVKll  AND  THE  HOUNIJAIIIK.S  THEIIEABOUT. 

As  we  are  now  about  to  speak  of  the  South  river,  and  the  most  Southerly  port 
of  New  Nethe'-land,  we  shall  begin  from  the  commencement,  though  others  have 
also  treated  fully  of  it,  and  shall  stale  every  thing,  at  ihe  same  time,  as  briefly 
as  possible.  The  boundaries,  according  to  our  experience,  extend  at  this  place 
to  Cape  Hinlopen,  four  leagues  south  of  Cape  Cornelius,  in  the  latitude  of  thirty- 
eight  degrees.  The  coast  trends  on  an  avoroge  West,  South  West  and  Westerly, 
and  though  this  Capo  Hinlopen  is  not  nn:ch  esteemed,  yet  it  ought  to  be  taken 
into  consideration  as  being  favorably  situated,  not  only  as  regards  the  convenience 
of  the  country,  but  also  as  relates  to  the  trade  with  the  Indians  on  the  South 
river,  to  secure  which  Ihe  FlnglJHh  and  Swedes  are  making  great  efforts,  as  we  to'  VitiM  »nA 
shall  [iresenlly  show.  Were  the  boundaries  here  settled,  they  would  all  l)e  ^C'!!lT""mtt, 
properly,  and  without  any  further  trouble,  deprived  of  it,  and  thus  the  enjoyment  J!,""„h'M.."''i'™''*' 
of  the  produce  both  of  the  earth  and  of  the  trade,  would  remain  with  their  High 
Mightinesses'  subjects. 


t1*<l  hi'r«  •!•». 


^ 

I 


1  • 


290 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


OF  THE  SOUTH  BAY  AND  SOUTH  RIVER. 


i 

i 


i 


Bnnth  baj  Is  lo  laM- 
tudt  88  drg.  U  inln. 


The  Smith  bax  *** 
dtieoTnnKl  In  tbo 
ycmr  I<09  bjr  lbs 
•hip  Ih*  //'ilM 
Ma»n. 


FnMNtHoa  li  the 
flnl  of  Ihfl  roar. 


Tha  Bouth  riTerU 
Minpartd  to  Iha 
rlvar  Amaxon  bj 
UMta  who  know  IL 


Tbe  nuim*  anna 
•rrotodon  thaBoulh 
flTer  b.'f.»ra  tha 
arrltal  nT  tha  Kn(- 
HaarRwadaa. 


The  South  bay  and  South  river,  by  many  called  the  second  great  river  of  New 
Netherland,  is  situated  in  latitude  38  degrees  63  minutes;  it  has  two  hef.dlands 
or  capes ;  the  most  northerly  is  called  Cape  May,  the  most  southerly,  Capo 
Cornelius,  and  the  bay  itself  was  named  New  Port-May,  but  at  the  present  time, 
Godyn's  Bay.  These  names  were  given  to  the  places  about  the  time  of  the  first 
discovery,  before  they  had  any  others.  The  discovery  itself  was  made  at  the 
same  time  as  that  of  the  North  river,  by  the  same  ship  and  crew,  who  entered 
the  South  bay  befora  they  arrived  at  the  North  bay,  as  is  ail  to  be  read  Id  its 
length  and  breadth  in  Johannes  De  Laet's  Nievive  Wcrtll. 

In  the  year  1623,  at  the  same  time  that  forts  were  erected  on  the  North  and 
Fresh  rivers.  Fort  Nassou  was  erected  upon  this  river,  which,  in  common 
conversation,  is  called  the  South  river ;  but  it  was  the  first  of  the  four,  and  for 
the  same  purpose  and  object  as  the  others,  as  (19)  hereinbefore  related.  The  fort 
stands  on  the  East  shore  fifteen  leagues  up  the  river.  Yet  it  would  have  done  as 
well  on  the  West  bank.  The  bay  trends  neaily  North  and  South ;  it  is  called 
New  Port-May,  or  Godyn's  bay ;  it  is  nine  leagues  long  before  coming  to  the 
river,  and  six  leagues  wide,  so  that  ore  shore  cannot  be  seen  from  the  other.  It 
is  somewhat  dangerous  for  inexperienced  persons,  on  account  of  some  bars ; 
otherwise,  there  is  water  enough  for  those  acquainted  with  the  courses.  This 
bay  and  river  are  compared  to  the  river  Amazon,  by  connoisseurs ;  to  wit,  by 
those  who  have  seen  both.  Jn  general,  it  is  considered  by  every  person  one  of 
the  finest,  best  and  pleasantest  rivers  in  the  world,  on  account  of  its  own  and 
other  attendant  conveniences.  Fourteen  streams  flow  into  this  river,  the  smallest 
of  them  navigable  for  two  or  three  leagues,  and  every  where,  on  both  sides,  are 
pretty  good  flats  in  great  abundance.  Two.  leagues  from  Cape  Cornelius,  on  the 
West  side  of  the  entrance,  lies  a  certain  kill  which  might  well  be  called  an 
ordinary  river,  or  stream,  for  it  is  wide,  navigable  far  up,  and  has  a  fine  roadstead 
for  ships  of  all  dimensions.  There  is  no  other  in  the  entire  bay  equal  to  it  for 
goodness  and  convenience.  The  direct  channel,  in  sailing  up,  runs  close  by  it. 
This  place  is  called  the  Whore  Kill.  What  this  name  is  derived  from,  we  know 
not.  This  much  is  certain,  that  this  place  was  taken  up  and  colonized  by 
Netherlanders  years  before  any  English  or  Swedes  came  there.  The  States' 
arms  were  also  set  up  at  this  place  in  copper;  but  as  they  were  thrown  down  by 
some  insolent  Indians,  the  Commissary  there  resented  it  very  strongly  and 
demanded  the  head  of  the  offender.  The  Indians,  knowing  nothing  bettert 
brought  a  head,  saying  it  was  that  of  the  transgressor,  and  herewith  it  was 
thought  the  affiiir  was  arranged  ;  but  sometime  afterwards,  whilst  our  people 
were  wholly  unconscious  of  the  design,  and  engaged  in  their  field  labor,  the 
Indians  came,  in  the  guise  of  friendship  and,  distributing  themselves  all  around, 
according  to  the  number  of  the  Dutch,  overpowered  and  murdered  them,    la 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


291 


this  way  was  this  Colony  again  reduced  to  nought,  howbeit  sealed  with  blood 
and  purchased  dearly  enough. 

There  is  another  creek  on  the  East  side,  called  Hogs  creek,  three  leagues 
below  the  mouth  of  the  river.  Some  English  people  had  settled  there,  but  were 
driven  away  by  Director  Kieft,  who  protested  against  them,  having  been,  in  some 
degree,  assisted  by  the  Swedes.    They  agreed  together  to  keep  out  the  English. 

The  Swedisli  Governor,  thinking  his  opportunity  now  come,  had  a  fort,  called 
Elsenburch,'  erected  at  this  place,  and  took  great  liberties  with  every  one,  even 
with  the  Company's  yachts,  or  such  as  would  go  up  the  South  river  ;  for  before 
this  fort  must  they  all  strike,  none  excepted,  and  two  men  are  here  sent  on  board 
in  order  to  ascertain  whence  the  yatchs  or  ships  come.  It  is  nothing  less  than 
searching ;  it  will  probably  terminate  in  that.  What  right  these  people  have 
to  do  so,  we  know  not;  we  cannot  comprehend  how  servants  of  other  powers. 
(20)  as  they  represent  themselves,  but  by  what  commission  is  not  known  here, 
make  themselves  so  much  masters,  and  assume  authority,  over  land  and  property 
belonging  to  and  possessed  by  others  and  sealed  with  their  blood,  independent  of 
the  Charter. 

The  Minquas  Kill  is  the  first  up  the  river,  and  there  the  Swedes  have  built 
Fort  Christina.'  This  place  is  conveniently  situated,  for  large  vessels  can  lie 
right  against  the  bank,  to  load  and  unload.  Amongst  the  rest,  is  a  place  up  the 
river  called  Schuylkill,  a  fine  navigable  stream  which  also  was  heretofore,  in 
possession  of  the  Netherlanders;  but  what  is  its  condition?  The  Swedes  now 
have  it  also  mostly  under  their  control.  There  are,  moreover,  several  beautiful 
and  pleasant  islands  and  other  places,  heretofore  also  in  the  occupation  of 
the  Netherlanders  and  still  bearing  the  names  they  gave,  and  various  other 
circumstances,  which  afford  sufficient  and  conclusive  evidence  that  the  river 
belongs  to  the  Netherlanders  and  not  to  the  Swedes.  Their  beginnings  can  of 
themselves  convict  them  ;  for  one  Minnewits,  who  had  previously  been  Director 
at  the  Manhatans  for  the  West  India  Company,  came  to  this  river  eleven  years 
ago  —  in  the  year  1638 — with  the  ship  de  KulmersleuteP  and  the  yac!  de 
Vogelgryp,  representing,  on  the  contrary,  to  the  Netherlanders  who  resided  at  the 
river  on  behalf  of  the  Company  and  of  Mr.  Van  der  Nederhorst,  that  he  was  on  a 
voyage  to  the  West  Indies,  and  that  he  wished  first  to  transact  some  business 
there  in  passing,  and  to  take  in  a  supply  of  wood  and  water,  when  he  should 
dep.irt.  A  while  afterwards  some  o*'  our  people  returned  thither  and  still 
found  them  there;  but  then  they  already  had  prepared  a  little  garden  of  salad, 
pot  herbs  and  such  like.  Our  people  wondered  at  this;  inquired  what  it 
meant,  and  if  they  intended  to  remain  there?    They  offered  divers  reasons  and 


Br  tha  mtirdH  *t 
the  c4>lonli*u  ftt  the 
Whore  Kill,  lh« 
Oolonl*.  for  a  time, 
•toad  Hill. 


The  SwedMi  ereet 
fun  ICtetDburgh. 


The  Swodn  hen 
no  right  to  tlie 
iottth  nrer. 


DIrart  placet  on  the 
South  river  in  pea- 
aeaaioD  of  ov  peo- 
ple. 


The  Swerf^  eooM 
mi«ni»M  on  the 
i><>uih  rtT<r  with  a 
triok. 


TheSwedeaisakea 
IIW»  (tnien ;  after- 
warda  a  liMt. 


'  Tha  D«mt  of  tbi*  fort  ia  itill  praaerved  in  Uiat  of  EUiulioruugh,  •  towiiahip  in  Sclam  oouat;,  New 
Jeraof. 

'  Tlia  craek  liaa  in  «ona«qaanea  obtainaJ  tha  name  of  Cbriatina  creek.    It  it  in  the  State  of  Dalawir*. 

'  Or  the  krj  of  Kalinar.  Calmar  ia  an  anclriit  town  in  8wei)eii,  latitude  S6°  40',  longitude  18*  38' ; 
ita  fotlreaa  w-a  formerly  eunaidered  the  kty  uf  the  kinKdoin.  It  ia  faiiini>»  i;i  Swediah  hiatury  for  tha 
lauding  of  (it    arua  Vaa*,  in  1  ft'.'O,  when  about  to  delirar  bia  country  from  tlx  d.-.u-JBation  of  forei^  ten. — Ki>. 


1 

~1 

292 


The  Bwedn  protest- 
ed agtlnat,  and  the 
SlaWi'  Amu  hi  up. 


The  Swedes  throw 
down  tlw  SlatoA 
AruM. 


Tb«  Ooi  M>^'?.T'»  •«•- 
▼anta  t^a  fnmleh 
fbtler  Informallnnon 
the  proceedinga  of 
the  bwedva. 


The  Enitllah  ex|iel- 
led  from  ilie  buuib 
tint. 


Tlie  English  again 
hanker  after  (be 
South  rlTer. 


TtaeDlrerloradonot 
people  11,  but  ot>- 
atruci  papulation. 


The  Hrlhi-rlandori 
rt-qiK-ai  a  piare  >*n 
the  tlouth  rlviT,  but 
In  Talo. 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Bubterruges  in  explanation;  nevertheless,  some  presumed  that  such  was  their 
design.  The  third  time,  'twas  clearly  seen  by  the  building  of  a  fort,  what  their 
design  and  intention  were.  Director  Kieflt,  on  obtaining  information  of  the 
matter,  protested,  but  in  vain.  It  was  their  determination  not  to  depart  thence, 
as  the  sequel  of  the  matter  clearly  and  plainly  showed.  As  a  proof  of  this, 
the  arms  of  their  High  Mightinesses  were  erected  above  Machihachansio,'  at  the 
Sankikans,''  by  order  of  Director  Kieft,  in  token  that  the  river  with  all  the  adjoining 
countries  and  circumjacent  lands  and  superficies  were  under  the  control  and  in 
the  possession  of  their  High  Mightinesses.  But  what  fruit  did  that  bear,  save 
lasting  scorn  and  decreased  respect?  For  the  Swedes  with  insufferable 
insolence,  have  thrown  them  down,  and  so  'tis  allowed  to  remain;  and  'tis 
considered,  especially  by  the  Governor,  a  brilliant  achievement.  'Tis  true  that 
several  protests  were  made  both  against  this  and  other  matters  that  occurred, 
but  they  produced  as  little  effect  as  the  flight  of  a  crow  (21)  overhead,  and  it  is 
to  be  feared  that  if  this  Governor  had  an  adequate  force,  there  would  have  been 
more  mad  freaks  with  him  than  with  the  English  or  any  of  their  Governors. 
And  this  is,  in  brief,  the  case  of  the  Swedes ;  the  Company's  officers  ought  to 
be  able  to  make  a  pertinent  report  on  the  subject,  as  they  have  in  their 
possession  all  the  papers  and  documents,  to  which  and  to  the  journals,  we  refer. 
The  English  have  also  sought  at  divers  times  and  places  to  annex  this  river, 
leing,  as  they  say,  the  nearest  to  it ;  but  they  have  been  prevented  hitherto 
in  this,  by  divers  protests,  and  also  by  their  being  expelled  by  force,  well 
knowing  I  hat  if  they  but  once  happen  to  settle  there,  the  river  would  be  lost,  or 
cause  considerable  trouble;  for  they  would  swarm  to  it  in  great  numbers.  It  is 
currently  reported  here  every  day,  and  we  are  informed,  that  the  English  will 
soon  repair  thither  with  several  families.  'Tis  to  be  borne  in  mind,  that  if  these 
people  come  to  settle  there,  they  will  so  rapidly  spread  themselves  over  every 
place,  that  shortly  neither  Dutch  nor  Swedes  will  have  much  to  say  there;  at 
least,  there  will  be  a  risk  of  losing  the  river,  in  whole  or  in  part,  if  some 
particular  precaution  be  not  taken ;  and  this,  then,  would  be  the  fruit  of  want 
of  population;  yet  with  all,  the  Directors  of  the  Company  have  not  to  this  day 
paid  any  attention  or  regard,  worth  mentioning,  to  the  matter.  Tl.ough  it  has 
been  communicated  to  them  fully  and  by  divers  letters,  they  have  been  a 
serious  obstruction  and  an  impediment;  for  it  fares  with  this  as  with  the  rest  — 
Greed  hath  befooled  Wisdom  ;  for  the  report  now  prevails  that  the  English  will 
build  a  village  and  trading  house  there :  and,  in  truth,  if  they  begin,  there  is  no 
one  here  on  the  part  of  the  Company  who  can  prevent  them,  or  apparently  offer 
them  much  opposition.  And  not  longer  ago  than  last  year,  divers  freemen,  among 
whom  were  even  some  of  ourselves,  and  all  of  whom  without  exception  had  or 
could  have  good  employers  in  Fatherland,  requested  liberty  to  make  a  settlement 
there;  to  wit,  a  trading  house,  some  bouweries^  and  plantations,  on  condition 


'  Or  Mitgnhifutthou,  of  tho  Dutch  Miir  i;  auppftaed  to  be  llio  creek  at  liurdentown,  N.  J. 

•  Tronton  FnlU.   Aeflius  Uittori/  uf  Xtw  Swtdtn. 

'  Here  sgnin  the  word  ii,  incorrectly,  Brouwrytn,  in  !!i>-  VrtoogK  —  V.o, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV.        ' 

and  provided  some  suitable  Freedoms  and  Exemptions  were  granted ;  but  this 
the  General  refused,  saying,  he  could  not  do  it  as  he  had  no  order  nor  instructions 
to  that  effect  from  the  Hon"*  Lords  Majors;  but  if  they  chose  to  make  a 
beginning  there,  without  Freedoms  or  such  \\ke,  that  could  in  some  respect  be 
done.  And  when  we  represented  to  his  Honor  that  such  were  oifered  us  by  the 
neighbors  all  round,  if  we  would  only  declare  our  willingness  to  acknowledge 
ourselves  members  of  their  government,  and  that  this  place  ran  a  thousand 
dangers  from  the  Swedes  and  English ;  his  Honor  replied,  that  he  well  knew  it, 
and  that  it  was  as  we  represented,  whereof  in  fact  he  was  fully  aware.  Reason 
was  on  our  side,  but  the  instructions  he  had  from  his  superiors  were  such  that 
he  could  not  justify  it  before  them.  Now  we  are  blind  in  these  matters,  but 
one  of  (22)  two  things  must  be  true  ;  either  it  must  be  the  fault  of  the  Director 
or  of  the  Company,  or  of  both.  Whichsoever  be  the  case,  the  one  shifts  the 
blame  on  the  other,  and  between  them,  all  runs  to  ruin.  Strangers  possess 
the  land  and  fare  right  well,  and  mock  us  if  we  say  any  thing.  They  enjoy 
free  Privileges  and  Exemptions,  the  like  of  which,  were  our  Netherlanders  to 
possess,  they  would  (with  God's  lelp,  without  which  we  can  do  nothing) 
doubtless  flourish  as  well  as,  if  not  better,  than  the  English.  Therefore,  the 
Company,  or  its  servants,  have  been,  up  to  this  time,  the  obstruction  and 
the  cause  that  the  country  does  not  make  greater  progress.  It  is  not  to  be 
expected  that  'twill  fare  any  better,  but  much  worse  whilst  it  is  under  their 
control,  such  is  their  greediness  and  misgovernment ;  but  the  right  time  to  treat 
of  this  matter  is  not  yet  arrived. 


29a 


TheDlrralorblamM 
the  Company  for  tho 
want  of  population* 


Straneen  mjoy 
FreatloiDi  and  i'rlv- 
ileget. 


Then  la  no  hope 
lh^t  'twill  fare  bet 
ttT  with  tliti  country 
io  t(U)K  as  it  is  tut^* 
)ecl  to  Uia  Company. 


OF  THE  CONVENFENOE  AND  EXCELLENCE  OP  THE  WATEIW. 


There  are,  in  New  Four  chief  riyam in 

Now  NallwrlaiHi. 


Having  treated  of  the  situation  of  the  land  and  its  boundaries,  and  having 
spoken,  consequently,  of  the  location  of  the  rivers,  it  will  not  be  foreign  to  our 
purpose  to  add  a  word  respecting  the  goodness  and  convenience  of  the  waters, 
which  are  salt,  brackish  and  fresh,  according  to  their  locality 
Motherland,  four  principal  rivers;  the  most  southerly  is  commonly  called  the 
South  river,  the  bay,  before  entering  the  river,  Godyn's  bay ;  the  river  is  so  named 
not  because  its  course  is  south,  but  because  it  is  the  most  southerly  river  of  New 
Netherland.  It  is  immediately  south  of  another,  which  is  also  the  principal  and 
best  as  regards  trade  and  population,  and  is  called  Uio  Montanjes,  on  account  of 
some  mountains,  or  Mauritius'  river,  commonly  the  North  river,  because  its 
course  is  mainly,  and  for  a  great  distance,  towards  the  north.  The  third  is  the 
East  rivku,  so  named  because  it  stretches  East  from  the  Manatluins.     This  is  Tim  Ea>i  nrpr,  to 

.  ,  pallwl     b«cau8e     It 

esteemed  by  many  not  a  river  but  a  bay,  because   tis  very  wi>Je  in  some  places,    uns  east  .nj  w«i. 
and  opens  at  both  ends  into  the  sea.     We,  however,  consider  it  a  river,  and  it  is 


•■%      ! 


'■■:  I 


894 


NE  W.YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


ifr 


Many  ilrMRM  II  lo 
•reel  isllta  oo> 


A  f  rati  muy  lbnn> 
Ulu  and  wellt  !■ 
Now  KnUlwIind, 
•onie  of  wblch 
•moke  Ir  winter 
(torn  hf  at,  and  are 
right  ootd  In  turn* 


New  NetherUod 
Yield*  tn  DO  pror- 
laoe  in  Europe. 

New  NetkerloHl 
Ij  well  suited  Mr 
irad*. 


New  Nelherland 
ean  be  very  pruHla- 
bie  heroanrr  lo  the 
Metlierlaud  uatlou, 


Thanki  lo  Ood  Ibr 
having  laTorrd  the 
Nrlherlaiid  nation 
Willi  tliii  oounirjr. 


generally  so  reckoned.    The  fourth  \a  the  Fresh  river,  because  its  water  is,  for 

the  most  part,  fresh,  more  so  than  that  of  the  others.    In  addition  to  these  rivers, 

there  are  still  many  and  various  bays,  harbors  and  inlets,  very  convenient  and 

useful,  some  of  which  fully  deserve  the  name  of  rivers.     Tnere  is  also  abundance 

of  lakes,  some  large,  some  small,  besides  navigable  kills,  which  are  very  like 

rivers,  and  multitudes  of  creeks  very  useful  for  navigating  over  all  parts  of  the 

country,  as  the  (23)  Map  of  New  Netherland  will  demonstrate  to  us.     There  are, 

besides,  many  and  various  waterfalls  and  streams  adapted  for  the  erection  of 

all  sorts  of  mills  for  man's   use,   and  innumerable  small   rivulets  and  brooks 

throughout  the  whole  land,  as  arteries  through  a  body;  the  water  of  all  is  fresh, 

except  of  some  few  at  the  sea  side  which  are  salt  and  fresh,  or  brackish,  all  very 

good  drink  for  wild  and  domestic  animals  ;  discharging  their  surplus  waters  into 

the  rivers  or  into  the  sea.     In  addition  to  all  these,  there  are  fountains  and 

springs,  innumerable,  every  where  throughout  the  country,  even  at  places  where 

they  would  not  be  expected,  as  on  ciifTs  and  rocks,  from  which  they  burst  forth 

like  water  spouts;  and  some  are  of  such  a  nature  that  they  are  worthy  attention, 

not  only  because  they  are  all,  except  those  in  the  thickets,  very  clear  and  pure, 

but  many  have  this  peculiarity,  that  in  the  winter  they  smoke  from  heat,  and  in 

summer  are  so  cool  that  even  in  the  hottest  part  of  the  season  the  hand  can, 

with  difficulty,  tolerate  them  on  account  of  the  cold.     And  this  circumstance 

renders  them  very  pleasant  for  the  service  of  man  and  beast,  by  whom  they  can 

be  used  without  danger;  for  should  any  one  drink  thereof,  it  does  him  no  harm, 

even  though  it  be  very  warm  weather.     This  much  being  stated  regarding  the 

property,  convenience,  goodness  and  fertility  of  this  province,  in  which  respects  it 

need  not  yield,  as  far  as  our  limited  experience  extends,  to  any  province  in 

Europe ;   and  as  relates  to  trade,  wherein  Europe,  and   especially  Netherland, 

excels,  this  province  not  only  lies  very  convenient  and  suitable  for  it,  but  were 

thef'?  only  population,  would  be  found  to  have  exported  more    ommodities  by 

and  of  itself  to  other  countries  than  it  need  to  import  from  elsewhere.     These 

being  considered,  'twill  be  very  little  labor  for  the  intelligent  to  estimate  and  to 

compute  exactly  what  importance  this  naturally  noble  province  is  to  the  Netherland 

nation,  what  service  it  might  herearier  be  to  if,  and  what  a  refuge'  it  would  be 

for  all  the  needy  in  Netherland,  as  well  of  high  and  middle  as  of  low  degree,  for 

it  is  much  easier  for  people  of  industry  to  obtain  a  living  here  than  in  Netherland. 

We  cannot  sufficiently  thank  the  Fountain  of  all  (ioodness  for  having  conducted 

us  into  so  good,  so  fertile  and  so  wholesome  a  land,  which  we,  however,  did  not 

deserve,  on  account  of  our  manifold  sins  exceedingly  increased  by  us  every  day  in 

this  country.     We  a;  .  also  beholden,  in  the  highest  degree,  to  the  Indians,  who 

not  only  surrendered  this  rich  and  fertile  country,  and  for  a  trifle  made  it  over  to 

us,  but  did,  over  and  above,  also  enrich  us  with  their  valuable  and  mutual  trade,  so 

that  there  is  none  in   New  Netherland,  or  trading  to  that  country,  but  is  under 

obligation  therby.     Great  is  our  shame  now,  and  fortunate  should  we  be  did  we 

duly  acknowledge  this  benefit,  and  in  return  for  what  the  Indians  had  shared 

with  ui  of  their  substance,  endeavor,  as  much  as  in  us  lay,  to  divide  with  them 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    IV. 


295 


the  Good  Eternal.  It  is  to  be  (24)  feared  that  for  this  injury  they  will  stand  up 
against  us  at  the  last  day.  Lord  of  Hosts!  Torgive  us  that  we  have  not  hitherto 
comported  ourselves  better  in  this  matter ;  but  grant  us  the  means  and  direct 
our  hearts  that  we  in  future  duly  acquit  ourselves  herein  unto  the  salvation  of  our 
own  and  their  souls,  and  the  glorifying  of  Thy  Holy  name,  for  Christ  his  sake, 
Amen. 

'Tis  respectfully  submitted  that  the  trouble  which  will  attend  the  adjustment 
of  the  boundaries,  and  the  expenses  to  be  incurred  at  first  for  the  increase  of 
the  population  of  this  Country  ought  to  be  disregarded,  and  it  ought  to  be  borne 
in  mind  that  beginnings  are  difficult,  and  that  sowing  would  be  irksome  were 
men  not  comforted  by  reaping.  We  trust  and  are  confident  that  your  High 
Mightinesses'  very  great  experience  will  accomplish  this  belter  than  we  are  able 
to  suggest;  but  it  may  probably  appear  strange  to  your  High  Mightinesses  and 
some  other  friends  before  whom  this  may  come,  that  we  speak  so  highly  as  we 
do,  and  as  we  know  to  be  true,  of  this  place,  and  yet  complain  of  its  indigence 
and  poverty  and  beseech  help,  assistance,  redress,  diminution  of  burdens, 
population  and  other  similar  benefits  for  it,  and  show  that  it  is  in  a  poor  and 
ruinous  condition  ;  yea,  so  low,  that  unless  it  receive  especial  aid  and  assistance 
it  will  utterly  fall  away  and  be  ruled  by  foreigners.  It  becomes  therefore 
incumbent  to  point  out  the  true  reason  and  cause  why  New  IVetherland  is  in  its 
present  low  condition,  which  we  shall  do  as  correctly,  minutely  and  truthfully  as 
will  be  in  any  wise  possible,  according  to  the  facts  as  we  have  seen,  found  and 
heard  them ;  but  as  this  relation  not  only  will  call  forth  and  experience  much 
opposition  and  reproach,  as  it  will  greatly  excite  many  against  it,  we  therefore 
most  humbly  pray  your  High  Mightinesses  and  all  well  wishers  whom  this  may 
reach,  not  to  allow  the  truth  to  yield  to  falsehoods,  previously  trumped  up  and 
invented ;  and  not  to  admit  any  evidence  against  it,  except  of  such  impartial 
persons  as  have  not  either  direcHy  or  indirectly  been  injuriously  affected  by,  nor 
had  a  hand  in,  the  ruin  of  New  Netherland,  nor  are  otherwise  under  obligation 
to  it.  And  with  this  observation,  we  proceed  to  the  reasons  and  sole  cause  of 
the  evil,  which  we  truly,  though  briefly  and  indistinctly  set  forth  in  the  beginning 
of  our  petition  to  your  High  Mightinesses. 


The  expente  and 
trouble  of  eetlllnf 
the  iKiondary  muH 
be  dtin-Kerdrd  end 
the  COR'  equencM 
oonildered. 


The  relation  of  the 
rvarone  and  eaaeea 
of  the  low  condition 
of  New  Nelherlaod 
will  Irritate  and  b« 
haleftd  to  manjr. 


4 

* 


(25)  OF  THE  REASONS  AND  CAUSE  OP  THE  GREAT  DECAY  OF  NEW  NETHERLAND. 


As  we  shall  treat  of  the  reasons  and  causes  by  which  New  Netherland  has  been 
reduced  to  its  present  low  and  ruinous  condition,  so  we  consider  it  necessary  Grst 
to  enumerate  them  separately  ;  and,  in  accordance  with  our  daily  experience  ns 
far  as  our  knowledge  extends,  we  here  assert  in  one  word,  and  none  better  offers, 


296 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


ui.** r^n'*""™.!?  that  the  cause  is  bad  government  with  its  attendants  and  consequences.     With 

"  ""'  ■  our  best  light  we  cannot  perceive  any  other  than  this  to  be  the  sole  and  true 

?i^w%'hOTTan"'  ta  fou"<lation  stone  of  the  decay  and  ruin  in  New  Netherland.     This  government 

«.'|.S'oiing"'i'i°In«"  froni  which  so  much  abuse  proceeds,  is  two  fold  ;  to  wit,  in  Fatherland  by  the 

jrjny,'  anViho'^icL"  ^  ■';'•;■    '  d  in  this  Country.     We  sliall  first  briefly  proceed  to  point  out  some 

orciera  otid  mistakes  of  Fatherland,  and  afterwards  pass  to  the  others,  and  see  how 

they  iiuvo  here  grown  up  and  waxed  strong. 

wd  "Zfr^'r!!™      I"  'he  infancy  of  this  country,  the  Directors  adopted  wrong  plans  and  in  our 

*"'"'■  opinion  looked  more  to  tlieir  own  profit  than  to  the  country's  welfare,  and  trusted 

more  to  interested  than  to  sound  advice.     This  is  evident  from  the  unnecessary 

expenses  incurred  from  time  to  time  ;  the  heavy  accounts  from  New  Netherland  ; 

the  taking  up  Co!  rut:;  m   ,tly  by  Directors;  their  carrying  on  commerce,  to 

which  end  trade  has  been  regulated,  and  finally  from  not  colonizing  the  country. 

It  seemed  at  first  as  if  the  Company  did  intend  to  settle  this  place  with  its  own 

«r«ni.*'2"r"ihe  Servants,  which  must  be  a  great  mistake  ;  for  so  soon  as  their  time  was  up,  they 

oouDirya  ic  ntme.  fgj„jjjgj  home  Carrying  with  them  nothingexcepta  trifle  in  their  purse  and,  for  the 

country,  the  bad  reputation  of  great  hunger,  &c.     Meanwhile  there  was  no  profit 

but  heavy  monthly  bills,  as  the  accounts  from  New  Netherland  will  testify. 

Had  the  Hon"''*  West  India  Company  attended  in  the  beginning  to  population, 
instead  of  incurring  great  expense  for  things  unnecessary,  which  might  be 
attended  to  at  more  favorable  times  and  then  could  also  be  better  done,  the  New 
Ne'  lerland  account  would  not  be  so  large  as  it  is  now;  first,  by  the  construction 
of  the  ship  Nieuw  Necrlant,  at  an  excessive  expense ;  of  three  costly  mills,  by 
making  brick,  burning  tar,  manufacturing  ashes,  salt,  and  similar  undertakings, 
which  through  bad  management  and  calcuh.tiou,  came  wholly  too  little  or 
nothing,  notwithstanding  the  excessive  expenditure.  Had  this  been  (26)  applied 
to  colonizing  the  country,  and  transporting  cattle,  the  place  might  now  be  of 
considerable  importance. 
Such''b«u.'J"^nd  'i'^^s  country  and  its  position  are  much  better  and  more  convenient 
Sm NewEnlimnd!  than  that  occupied  by  the  English,  ar  '  had  not  self  interest  and  private 
speculation  been  attended  to,  assuredly,  the  North  or  New  England  would  not 
have  outstripped  us  so  much. 

Had  the  first  Exemptions  been  honestly  carried  out,  according  to  their  tenor 
and  not  with  particular  views,  the  friends  of  New  Netherland  would  certainly 
have  made  greater  exertions  to  bring  out  settlers,  and  to  take  up  land.  The  other 
clauses  which  were  introduced,  have  always  discouraged  individuals  and  kept 
them  down,  sc  that  those  of  them  who  had  any  skill,  on  becoming  aware  of 
the  facta,  dare  venture  nothing.  It  is  very  true  that  the  Company  hath  brought 
over  some  persons,  but  it  did  not  persevere,  so  that  little  advantage  followed ; 
it  had,  also,  no  proper  commencement,  for  'twas  done  as  if  without  any  plan. 

It  is  impossible  to  relate  and  pertinently  to  describe,  in  what  and  how  many 
instances  the  Company  hath  injured  and  obstructed  this  country.  It  was 
unwilling  that  our  own  nation  should  take  up  land,  as  appears  from  the  case  of 
Jacob  Walingen  and    his  associates,  at  the  Fresh  river  and  now  recently  as 


The  CompRn?  re- 
JixU  Jaoiih  Walln- 
iren  at  the  Fieah 
river. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


297 


Nelhi'ftand'i  low 
condition  Hm  »Iw> 
with  lb«  Cumpanj. 


regards  the  South  r  /er,  and  in  the  meanwhile  have  foreigners  intruded  there, 

and  nothing  has  been  done  except  a  prohibition  and  protest  against  it.     Nothing 

else  could  well  be  done,  for  the  garrisons  are  not  sent  out  complete  agreeably  to  ^he  ittuit  or  New 

the  Exemption,  so  that  the  fault  of  New  Netherland's  low  condition  lies  as  much 

at  the  door  of  Fatherland,  as  of  this  place ;  yea,  the  seed  of  the   war  was, 

according  to  Director  Kiefl,  first  sown  in  Fatherland,  for  he  said  that  he  had 

express  order  to  exact  the  contribution  from  the  Indians ;  this  would  have  been 

very  good,  had  the  country  been  peopled,  but  in  this  int.  .mce  it  was  premature. 

Trade,  without  which,  when  lawful,  no  country  prospers,  has  also  fallen  off  so  i>((iiini»te  trad* in 

J    r         r  ^,^   Nt-Uitrland  It 

much  in  consequence  of  the  Company's  acts,  that  it  is  without  a  parallel,  and  more  ^  jju""  '•t  ""• 

slavish  than  free,  owing  to  high  duties  and  all  the  inspections  and  trouble  that 

accompany  it.    We  highly  approve  of  inspection  according  to  the  orders  given  by  i!nug^'S^,'fo7**J 

the  Company  to  its  officers,  and  so  far  as  'tis  done  to  check  smugglers,  who  have  Milnto™"'"'    "" 

ruined  the  country,  and  now  go  out  from  all  parts;  but  it  ought,  nevertheless,  be 

executed  without  partiality,  which  is  not  always  the  case.     The  duty  is  high;  of 

inspection  and  seizures  there  is  no  lack,  and  thus  lawful  trade  is  turned  aside, 

except  some  little  which  is  carried  on  on\y  pro  formd,  in  order  to  push  smuggling 

under  this  cloak.     Meanwiiile  the  Christians  are  treated  almost  like  Indians  in  Christiana  an  treat- 
ed  almost  like  lo- 

the  purchase  of  necessaries  which  they  cannot  do  without;  this  causes  great  ""*"•• 

complaint,  distress  and  poverty.     Thtis,  for  example:  —  the  merchants  sell  their 

dry  goods,  which  are  subject  to  little  loss,  at  a  hundred  per  cent  advance,  and 

that  freely,  according  as  there  is  a  demand  for,  or  scarcity  of  this  or  that  article; 

(27)  petty  traders  who   bring  small  lots  and  others  who  speculate,  buy  up  those 

goods  from  the  merchants,  and  sell  them  again  to  the  common  people  who  cannot 

do  without  them,  often  at  another  advance  of  cent  per  cent,  more  or  less,  according 

as  they  are  persuaded  or  disposed.     More  is  (aken  on  liquors  which  are  subject  to 

considerable  leakage,  and  those  who  purchase  such  from  them,  pursue  a  course 

similar  to  that  <>tated  of  the  dry  goods,  and  generally  with  so  much  shrewdness,  oooda  >re  aoid  in 

that  the  goods  are  disposed  by  the  first,  second  and  third  hands,  at  an  advance  of  oueTtwo  ud'thrM 

.,  ,  III-  -ii/-  hundred    per  oeot 

one  and  two  hundred,  and  more  per  cent.     It  would    be  impossible  for  us  to  •druutt. 

enumerate  all  the  practices  that  are  had  recourse  to,  for  the  purpose  of  promoting 

self  or  individual  interest;  whilst  little  thought  is  bestowed  on  introducing  people 

into  *he  country.     We  intended  to  be  silent.     But  the  people  have,  moreover, 

bee     driven    away   by   harsh    and    unwarrantable   proceedings ;  their   Honors, 

however,  authorized  this,  for  they  instructed  Director  Kiefl  to  pick  out  faults  The  Dirw-tort order 

'  '  that  >  partial  ihonkl 

where  none  existed,  and  to  Kin  ;ider  a  partial,  as  a  complete,  error  and  SO  forth, 
has  also  been  seen  how  the  letters  of  the  Eight  Men  have  been  treated,  and  the  [5;^^,,. 
result;  besides  miiny  additional  orders  and  instructions  which  are  not  known  to 
us,  and  are  alike  ruinous:  but  laying  this  aside  for  the  present,  with  a  word  now 
and  again  by  way  of  remark,  let  us  proceed  to  examine  how  their  servants,  and 
the  Directors  and  their  friends,   have  fattened   here  from  time  to  time,  having 
played  with  their  employers  and  the  people  as  *.he  cat  plays  with  the  mouse 
would,  indeed,  be  very  easy  to  give  an  account  of  t 

from  the  beginning,  but  as  the  most  of  us  were   not  here  at  that  time,  and 
Vol.  I.  38 


J^    be  c  maidered   u  a 
aompltite  error,  ami 
trare«l     the 


It    The  Directora  play 
with    Uirlr  luiulera 

•ir  management  and  course  "t"wau"i'mmJ?. ' 


I: 


898 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


The  innirt  of  Klefl'a 
xlmlnlUralloB  uill 
continnw. 


The  DIraeInn  •<)- 
Tanoe  their  own, 
under  the  pretence 
or  the  pabllc  inter- 


The  DIreeton  pley 
the  ibiolut*  muter. 


Slrednr  Kleft  K"e 
out  here  that  ho  waa 
BoTeretgn,  anil  had 
finreretgn  power 
here  anperior  to  the 
Gumpany. 


Btnrreaant  alao  re- 
Aiaaa  appeal. 


gtiymanl  tppliea 
to  hlmieir  the 
maxlni.  The  Frtnce 
la  abore  the  law. 


T)i»  i-loao  of  DlrM- 
tnr  Kieft'a  adminU- 
Iraiion  llliutnted  bj 
examplca. 


consequently  not  eye  witnesses,  and  as  it  was  long  ago  and  has  partially  escaped 
recollection,  and  did  not  seem  to  us  so  bad  as  afterwards  when  land  was  granted 
free,  and  the  freemen  began  to  increase,  we  shall  therefore  pass  over  the 
beginning,  and  let  Mr.  Lubbert  van  Dinglagen,  Vice-Governor  of  New  Netherland, 
describe  the  administration  of  Director  Wouter  van  Twiller,  with  which  he  is 
known  to  be  conversant,  and  treat  only  of  the  two  last  sad  and  senseless 
extravagances  —  we  should  say,  administrations — of  Director  Kieft,  which  is 
now  in  truth  past,  but  its  evil  consequences  remain  ;  and  of  Director  Stuyvesant, 
which  still  stands,  if  that  can  be  said  to  stand  which  lies  completely  prostrate. 

The  Directors  in  this  country  being  at  a  distance  from  their  masters,  looked 
close  to  their  own  advantage.  They  have  always  known  how  to  manage  their 
own  affairs  handsomely,  with  little  loss  to  thembelves,  yet  under  plausible 
pretexts,  such  as  public  interest,  &c.  They  have  also  comported  themselves  just 
as  if  they  were  Sovereigns  of  the  country;  as  they  would  have  it,  so  must  it 
always  be,  and  as  they  desired  it,  so  it  was.  "  The  Board  of  Managers,"  say 
they,  "are,  indeed,  masters  in  Fatherland,  but  we  are  masters  in  this  land. 
As  they  decide,  so  'twill  go;  there  is  no  appeal."  And  it  has  not  been 
difficult  for  them  hitherto  to  put  this  in  practice ;  for  the  people  were  few,  and 
the  majority  of  these  (28)  very  simple  and  uninformed;  they,  moreover,  had 
business  with  the  Directors  every  day,  and  if  there  were  any  men  of  intelligence 
among  them,  who  could  walk  on  their  own  feet,  efforts  were  made  to  conciliate 
these.  It  was  impossible  at  first  fully  to  comprehend  their  policy,  which  was 
always  artful  and  insidious,  especially  as  it  was  so  often  successful  in  this  respect, 
and  had  sometimes  quite  a  long  duration.  Director  Kieft  himself  said,  and 
allowed  others  to  repeat  it,  that  in  this  country  lie  was  Sovereign  and  the  same 
ns  the  Prince  in  Netherland.  He  was  told  so  repeatedly  here,  and  never  made 
any  particular  objection  to  it.  The  refusal  of  appeal  and  other  such  acts,  prove 
it  so  conclusively,  that,  in  our  opinion,  it  does  not  require  any  further  evidence. 
This  present  Director  does,  also,  the  same  thing,  for  he  too  was  quite  at  home 
in  refusing  appeals.  He  also  quotes  right  readily  this  maxim,  "  The  Prince  is 
above  the  law,"  and  applies  it  to  his  own  case  with  so  much  arrogance,  as  to 
make  even  himself  ashamed.  These  Directors,  then,  having  the  power  in  their  own 
hands,  could  do,  and  did  whatever  they  chose,  according  to  their  good  will  and 
pleasure,  and  whatever  was,  mubt  be  right,  because  it  was  agreeable  to  them. 
'Tis  well  known  that  those  who  arrogate  to  themselves,  and  exercise  power,  for 
the  purpose  of  issuing  such  commands  as  they  please,  frequently  command  and 
require  more  than  they  really  ought ;  and  whether  it  he  proper  or  not,  there  are 
always  some  persons  there  to  praise  it;  some  through  a  desire  to  witness  and 
abet  evil;  others,  from  fear;  and  thus  do  people  still  continue  to  complain,  with 
Jan  Vergas,  de  clemenlia  ducit,  of  the  clemency  of  the  Duke.  But  that  we  may  give 
no  one  reason  to  suspect  that  we  blow  too  hard,  'twill  be  proper  to  illustrate  the 
close  of  Director  Kieft's  administration,  and  the  government  of  Director 
Stuyvesant  a  little  before  our  departure  by  a  few  examples,  but  we  willingly 
admit,  that  it  will  not  be  in  our  power  lully  to  relate  all  the  particulars,  as  they 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


299 


were  transacted  so  oeeretly,  and  with  so  much  duplicity  and  guile.  We  shall, 
however,  expose  some  of  them  according  to  our  ability,  and  let  an  opinion  be 
formed  of  the  Lion  by  his  paw. 

Casting  our  eye,  then,  over  Director  Kieft's  administration,  we  come  first  to 
the  Church,  and  we  shall  speak,  after  that,  of  the  public  property,  both 
ecclesiastical  and  civil.  But  as  this  man  is  now  dead,  and  some  of  his  proceedings 
and  acts  are  freely  discussed  by  Jochem  Pieterss  Cuyter  and  Cornells  Molyn, 
we  shall  dispose  of  this  point  as  curtly  as  we  possibly  can. 

Previous  to  Director  Kieft's  bringing  the  unnecessary  war  upon  the  country, 
his  principal  aim  and  object  were  to  take  good  care  of  himself,  and  to  leave 
behind  him  a  great  name,  but  without  any  expense  either  to  himself  or  the 
Company;  for  he  has  never  yet  done  anything  remarkable  for  the  country  by 
which  it  was  improved.  With  that  view  he  considered  the  erection  of  a  Church 
very  necessary,  being  a  public  work,  the  rather  as  it  was  in  contemplation  at 
that  time  to  build  (29)  a  place  of  worship  in  llenselaerswyck.  Bearing  this  in 
mind,  he  communicated  his  views  to  the  church  wardens,  of  whom  he  himself 
was  one,  who  readily  approved  of  and  praised  the  project.  The  place  where  it 
should  stand  was  then  discussed.  The  Director  wished,  and  insisted  that 
it  should  be  located  in  the  fort,  where  it  was  erected  in  spite  of  the  others.  And 
truly,  the  location  is  as  suitable  as  a  fifth  wheel  to  a  coach ;  for,  besides  being 
small,  the  fort  lies  on  a  point,  which  would  be  of  more  importance  in  case  of 
population ;  the  Church,  which  ought  to  be  owned  by  the  people  who  defrayed 
the  expense  of  its  construction,  intercepts  and  turns  aside  the  Southeast  wind 
from  the  gristmill  which  stands  in  that  vicinity ;  and  this  is  also  one  of  the 
causes  why  a  scarcity  of  bread  prevails  frequently  in  summer  for  want  of 
grinding.  But  this  is  not  the  sole  cause ;  for  the  mill  is  neglected,  and  having 
been  leaky  most  of  the  time,  it  has  become  decayed  and  somewhat  rotten,  so 
that  it  cannot  now  work  with  any  more  than  two  arms,  and  has  gone  on  thus  for 
all  of  five  years.  But,  returning  to  the  Church  from  which  the  gristmill  has 
for  the  moment  diverted  us;  the  Director  concluded,  then,  to  have  one  built  and 
on  the  spot  which  he  preferred.  He  lacked  money ;  and  where  was  this  to  be  got? 
It  happened,  about  this  time,  that  Everardus  Bogardus,  the  clergyman,  gave  in 
marriage  a  daughter,  by  his  first  wife.  The  Director  thought  this  a  good  time  for 
his  purpose,  and  set  to  work  after  the  fourth  or  fifth  drink  ;  and  he  himself  setting 
a  liberal  example,  let  the  wedding  guests  sign  whatever  they  were  disposed  to 
give  towards  the  Church.  Each,  then,  with  a  light  head,  subscribed  away  at  a 
handsome  rate,  one  competing  with  the  other;  and  although  some  heartily 
repented  it  when  their  senses  came  back,  they  were  obliged,  nevertheless,  to 
pay;  nothing  could  avail  against  it.  The  Church,  then,  was  located  in  the  fort, 
in  opposition  to  every  one's  opinion.  The  honor  and  ownership  of  that  work 
must  be  inferred  from  the  inscription,  which,  in  our  opinion,  is  somewhat 
ambiguous,  and  reads  thus:  Anno,  1642.  Willem  Kieft,  DiaECTBUE  Generael, 
heeft  de  gemeente  dcten  temple  doen  bouwen.  But,  laying  that  aside,  the  people, 
nevertheless,  paid  for  the  church. 


or  the  Church  nnd 
•cclftiastlcal  pru- 
p«rly. 


TTnne<<e«*ry  Wtr 
bruught  upon  lh« 
*o\uMj  bj  Kwlk, 


Kleftwaioneoftha 
church  wardeni. 


ne  nuHf  tha 
church  lo  b«  urected 
In  the  fort  i|r*)ntt 
the  will  or  all  iha 
Church  Warileus 
and  CommonaUjr. 


Tha  mill  la  obatruct- 
ed  bjr  Iba  cbureb. 


Erfry  one  at  the 
wedrfing  lubfM^ribeU 
what  h(*  would  fflre 
to  the  church,  which 
many  aflerwaf da  re- 
gretted ;  but  Ihujr 
muat  pay. 


Th^rit  ti  no  cbnrch 
prupertj. 


The  plate  hu  been 
[KM«e<l  aronnU  lor 
tut9  tchoul. 


300  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

It  is  now  our  time  to  speak  of  the  church  property,  and  to  do  the  truth  no 
violence,  we  are  not  aware  tiiat  there  ever  lias  been  any,  or  that  the  church  hath 
any  revenue,  except  what  is  given  to  it.  Neither  the  Company  nor  the  Director 
ever  took  the  least  pains  or  trouble  to  obtain  or  provide  any. 

The  plate  has  b?en  a  long  time  passed  around  for  a  Common  school  which  has 
been  built  with  words ;  for,  as  yet,  the  first  stone  is  not  laid ;  some  materials 
have  only  been  provided.  However,  the  money  given  for  the  purpose  '.ath  all 
disappeared  and  is  mostly  spent,  so  that  it  falls  somewhat  short;  and  nothing 
permanent  has  as  yet  been  effected  for  this  purpose. 
I'for.K'o.?^",?!  (30)  The  Poor,  who,  however,  are  best  provided  for,  have  nothing  except  what 
cnmpony'na  Be'  's  collcctcd  in  the  church,  in  addition  to  a  few  fines  and  voluntary  ofierinjrs  from 

ther  principul     nor      ,.i|.  .  -iii 

KYhrm'  *"  *"'  inhabitants;  but  a  considerable  portion  of  the  money  is  in  the  hands  of  the 

Company,  who  took  it,  from  time  to  time,  and  retained  it.  They  have  long 
promised  to  pay  interest,  but  notwithstanding  all  that  is  done  in  the  matte, 
neither  principal  nor  interest  can  be  obtained  from  them. 

There  is,  occasionally,  a  flying  report  of  an  hospital  and  of  asylums  for  orphans 
and  for  old  men,  &c.,  but  as  yet  not  a  sign  of  an  attempt,  order  or  regulation  has 
been  made  about  them.     From  all  these,  then,  it  is  sufficiently  apparent,  that 
uk%7'^R;"'.hSib  scarcely  any  proper  care  or  diligence  has    been   used    by  the   Company  or   its 
P'"i«="7-  officers,  for  any  ecclesiastical  property  ;  and,  as  far  as  can  be  ascertained,  nothing 

in  the  least  has  been  done  from  the  beginning  up  to  the  present  time,  but  on  the 
contrary,  every  care  and  pains  have  been  taken  to  attach  minions  closely,  or  to 
mnke  new  ones,  as  we  shall  hereafter  show  in  its  own  time,  ana  now 
proceed  and  see,  what  have  been  the  public  resources  of  the  government  up 
to  the  time  of  our  ueparture,  so  that  it  may  be  manifest  what  pains  and  diligence 
the  Directors  have  used  and  exercised  in  tliis  particular. 

There  was  not  indeed  at  first,  in  Director  Kieft's  administration,  so  favorable 

an  opportunity  as  since,  because  the  dutiei  on  the  peltries  were  collected  in 

Fatherland,  and  the  freemen  had  not  yet  granted  any  excise,  but  after  the  public 

^'rrJiid'VV.';  c«li»ni'ty  — we  mean,  the  rash  war— was  brought  on  us,  the  duties  on  the  peltries 

"""  began  to  collected  in  this  country,  and  an  effort  was  made  to  impo&e  a  beer  excise, 

about  which    a   conference  was    had  with    the    Kight  men,    then   fhosen  from 

among  the  people,  who  did  not  understand  it;  but  requested  to  know  in  what 

manner  and  on  what  footing  it  would  be  established  and  how  Icng  it  was  to 

continue.     Director  Kiel't  promised  that  it  should  continue  only  until  the  arrival  of 

a  Company's  ship,  a  new  Director,  or  until  the  end  of  the  war.     And  though  all 

"b^tJ!^"  """'■'y  <'<»"1j'*'<1  t''i«.  anJ  't  was  not  agreed  to,  yet  ho  introduced  it  by  force.     The 

beer  belonging  to  the  brewers  who  would  not  consent  to  an  excise,  was  distributed 

among  the  soldiers  as  a  prize,  and  so  it  bus  continued  ;  but  it  has  produced  great 

strife  and  discontent ;  for  from  that  time  forward  the  Director  endeavored  to 

Th. nir«-ior b««iiu  divide  the  country  and  to  establish  a  faction;  those  who  were  on  hia  side  could 

™;7hlr,«7ii«„';  ""'  •^■^  "'"'**•  ''"w«ver  badly  they  behaved;  those  who  were  opposed  to  him 

wouiMd.  ^vero  always  wrong,  however  well  they  noted,  and  the  order  to  consider  half  an 

error  as  a  whole  one,  wo«  then  strictly  enforced.    So  great  wui  the  Director'! 


NrlhorlauU. 


The  l»»r 
Inirvtlured 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV.  301 

jealousy  that  he  could  not  without  suspicion  suifer  disinterestsd  persons  to  visit 
his  partizans. 

After  the  war  had  been  terminated  according  to  the  Director's  own  statement,  Tha  wn  win  not 
though  m  our  opmion  it  will  never  be  finished  until  the  country  be  peopled,  every  ["»"  p^^p"*  **  *» 
one  hoped  that  this  excise  would  cease  ;  but  Director  Kieft  postponed  thr.t  until 
the  arrival  of  (31)  a  new  Director,  who  was  very  nnxiously  wished  for,  and  finally 
appeared;  but  like  the  crowning  of  Rehoboam  ;  for,  instead  of  abolishing  the 
beer  excise,    his   first  act   was   to  superadd  thereto  a  wine  excise   and  other  BfiiyiM.nt    nub- 

11111  ^      t         ^  liiheB  tbtt  w!'  "ex- 

intolerable  burdens;   so   that   some  of  the  Commonalty,  as    they  then  had  no  <='••• 

advocate,  were  themselves  under  the  necessity  of  remonstratinir,  but  instead  of  The  p^pie  pemion 

the  relief  they  expected,  they  received  a  somewhat  sharp  reprimand  from  the 

Director,  and  subsequently  obtained  a  written  answer  which,  as  was  his  custom,  he 

had  couched  in  so  lengthy  and  so  diffuse  a  style,  that  poor  humble  people,  such  as 

are  here,  must  inevitably  commit  mistakes  regarding  it.     And  thus  hav  further 

attempts  been  made  from  time  to  time  to  impose  new  taxes  and  burthens.     In  fine, 

it  is  so  managed  that  a  considerable  sum  was  received  iu  Director  Kiefl's  time,  as 

well  from  duties  as  from  other  sources  which  are  estimated  to  amount,  one  year  Ki.ti  .ire w  fmm  ihe 

with  another,  to  16,000  guilders,  exclusive  of  the  customs  paid  iu  Fatherland,  '".""«    goMvn  « 

which  must  indeed  be  also  collected  from  the  poor  people  here,  for  the  goods 

are   afterwards   sold,   and  are  now  intolerably  dear.     The  revenue   reached   a 

somewhat   higher   sum   in    Director   Stuyvesant's   time.     It   is   estimated   that  fuI'iJ^SSjpnidi;* 

about   30,000   guilders   are   now   drawn    from   the    people,   yearly,    in    duties 

confiscations,  excise,  &c. ;  and  yet  it  is  not  fair,  that  the  more  one  has  the  more 

he  will  have.     It  was  however,  allowable,  that  as  much  as  possible  should  be 

contributed  when  it  was  to  be  employed  for  the  public  eood  ;  and  inasmuch  as  it  '"  ""•  p\'/"'^'  '' 

•       .'  r  -n  '  Wat    provided    and 

was  promised  and  enacted,  in  all  placards,  that  all  the  money  was  to  be  employed  |r,|,i^i  ""mnnly 
for  commendable  and  necessary  public  works,  let  us  now  examine  for  a  moment  "or "'u.'* "ISfp'ie'i 
what  laudable  public  works  there  are  in  this  country,  and  what  fruits  all  the 
donations  and  contributions  have  hitherto  borne.  But  in  order  not  to  commit 
any  error  in  this  matter,  we  must  not  be  understood  to  include  the  goods  and 
effects  of  the  Hon'''"  Company,  and  which  are  its  property,  for  whatever  belongs 
particularly  to  any  person,  never  was  public;  and  the  (Company's  property  in  this 
country,  including  forts,  cannon,  ammunition,  farm-houses,  warehouaes,  dwelling- 
houses,  buildings,  horses,  cattle,  vessels,  and  whatever  else  may  be,  possibly 
amount  lo  between  60,000  and  7U,0()0  guilders.  And  it  is  very  probable  that  the 
debts  against  it  are  sonitA'hat  more,     liut  laying  this  aside,  we  shall  turn  our  'iVi'>uth"n>"i'fi.m!t'' 

ill-  III  Ihlog  more. 

attention  to  the  public  property,  and  see  how  the  money  has  from  lime  to  time 
been  employed  according  to  the  placards.  If  we  are  correctly  informed,  and  have 
fully  investigated  and  examined  all  these,  we  cannot  ascertain  or  find  that  any 
thing  —  we  say  any  thing  —  big  or  little,  worth  m.  ioning,  was  done,  built  or 
constructed,  during  Director  Kiell's  administration,  in  which  the  people   were  "oihint  .lone  r.i 

■^  '        ■  ih»|i«»pl*liiKi<ft'« 

concerned  or  had  any  interest,  except  the  Church,  of  which  we  have  already  ""* 
spoken.     Yea,  so  much  negligence  and  carelessness  prevailed  in  the  matter,  that 
nothing  was  proposed,  underlakeu  or  done  with  even  an  ostensible  appearance  of 


Tht'  C'lmpanv'*  ef- 
Krla  la  N.  Krihrr- 
land  aniniint  la 
alxml  tmxui  lo  M,- 
IKKi      Bullilrn     Iu 


ia 

I 

S 
t 
I 
I 

! 
I 


||.' 


m 
m 


80S 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


.5 

19 


5 


satisrying  the  people;  on  the  contrary,  whatever  (32)  was  contributed  by  the 

Commonalty  was  absorbed  among  the  Company's  property;  and  the  effects  and 

Th«  pabiio  revenue  means  evcn  of  the  latter,  both  in  one  place  and  the  other,  have  been  squandered 

•nil  the  Oimpany'a  '  r  7  -]  ^• 

grope,v«re«i«im-  for  the  purposc  of  malting  friends,  securing  witnesses,  and  in  order  to  get  rid  of 
accusers  on  the  subject  of  the  waging  of  the  war.  Even  the  Negroes,  which  were 
obtained  with  Tamandere,  were  sold  for  pork  and  peas ;  something  wonderful  was 
to  be  performed  with  this,  but  they  just  dripped  through  the  fingers.  There  are 
yet  sundry  other  Negroes  in  this  country,  some  of  whom  have  been  manumitted 
on  account  of  their  long  service  ;  but  their  children  continue  slaves,  contrary  to  all 
public  law,  that  any  one  born  of  a  free  Christian  mother  should,  notwithstanding, 
be  a  slave,  and  obliged  so  to  remain.  It  is  impossible  for  us  to  relate  every 
thing  that  has  occurred.  Whoever  did  not  assent  and  applaud  was  watched,  and 
when  the  opportunity  offered,  was  remembered.  We  now  submit  to  all  intelligent 
persons  what  fruit  this  has  borne,  and  what  a  way  this  was  to  obtain  good 
testimony.  Man  is  by  nature  covetous,  and  he  is  especially  so  who  is  needy. 
But  we  shall  give  some  few  instances  of  this,  when  we  treat  of  Director  Kieft'g 
Jjj^'^  ij^ljj;  administration  in  particular,  and  now  to  proceed  to  that  of  Director  Stuyvesant, 
"""'"""""•  and  to  see  what  has  been  its  course    lere,  up  to  the  time  of  our  departure 

etu.»«i.Di  I.  un-       Mr.  Stuyvesant  has  been,  almost  the  whole  of  the  time  from  his  first  cominfl- 
ihe^o rnipaoj-i  .f-  to  our  leaving,  busy  building,  laying  masonry,  constructing,  breaking  up,  refitting 
and   so  forth;   but  generally,  on    the  Company's  account  and    little  to    their 
advantage,  for  on  some  things  more  is  expended  than  they  are  worth  ;  however 
he  at  first  put  the  church  in  order,  which  had  come    into  his    hands   in  very 
Alter  ihe  w"o.i.n  bad  repair,  and  shortly  afterwards  constructed  n  wooden  wharf,  each  of  which 
rr'ih"V'piV ''"""'  '*   °^  great   use    and   very  convenient;    but   subsequent   to   this   we   know  of 
nothing   either  done  or   made,  that   is  entitled   to  the  name  of  public  work. 
Notwithstanding,  the  receipts  have  been  sufficiently  ample,  as  is  evident  from  the 
yearly  account;  yet,  like  dropsical  people,  the  cry  was  still  incessantly  for  more. 
As  a  consequence,  great  discontent  arose  in  a  short  time  every  where,  not  only 
among   the    burghers,  who   had   very  little  to  say,  but  also  even  among  the 
Company's  officers,  so  that  divers  protests  passed  between  them  on  account  of 
the  expense  and  waste  consequent  on  unnecessary  councillors,  officers,  servants 
and    so    forth,    entirely    unknown    to    the    Majores,    and    by    reason    of    the 
appropriation  and  employment,  for  private  purposes,  of  funds  and  means  which 
were  raised  from  the  public;  but  all  in  vain;  little  or  no  improvement  followed. 
And  the  more  people  tried  to  aid,  restore  and  mend  matters,  the  worse  has  it 
been ;  for,  swayed  by  pride,  a  determination  entirely  contrary  was  adopted,  as 
illi"i'wiri"'iii*'h^  "  ''  ^*''^*  *  disgrace  to  follow  advice,  and  as  if  every  thing  should  proceed  from 
'^''••'  one    head.     The  fruits  of  this  conduct  can   speak   and    testify   of  themselves. 

People  have  been  here  now  so  long,  and  would  beat  every  bush  ;  yet  not  a  thing 
Nn  renuiina  hu  had  been  done  concerning  weights  and  measures  or  the   like,  previous  to  the 

r*rr      T.r.'n      \nlin.  T  4^      I 

iiiwrt       •p«iin(  o3<i  July,  of  the  year  104!),  at  which  time  the  people  were  notified  that  an  order 

""**'  on  the  subject  would  be  issued  the  ensuing  August,  which  the  Fiscal  would  then 

(33)   enforce  —  this  waa  as  much   as  to  say:   "Water  the  pigeons."      Much 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    IV. 

discontent  and  division  also  frequently  prevail  among  the  people  in  regard  to 
tlie  weights  and  measures ;  and  as  these  were  never  stamped,  there  can  be  no 
uniformity.  The  belief  likewise  obtains,  that  some,  whose  consciences  are  large, 
have  two  sets  of  them,  but  we  cannot  c'^rm  the  fact.  The  Company's  grain 
measure  has  always  been  suspected ;  but  who  dare  say  so  ?  The  payment  in 
Wampum,  which  is  the  currency  here,  has  never  been  placed  on  a  sure 
footing,  although  the  Select  men  requested  it,  and  showed  how  it  could  be 
done,  and  added  conclusive  reasons  in  support  thereof.  But  it  has  always  been 
misconceived  and  distasteful.  And  when  any  thing  was  said  to  the  Director  on 
these  and  similar  subjects,  more  than  pleased  him,  a  great  deal  of  ill  and  spiteful 
language  was  received ;  even  those  who  were  ofiicially  brought  to  speak  with 
him  of  such  things,  if  he  were  not  in  good  humor,  were  berated  as  rascals, 
bear  skinners,  &c. 

The  Fort  under  which  people  will  take  shelter,  and  from  which,  it  seems,  all 
authority  proceeds,  lies  like  a  mole-hill  or  a  ruin.  It  does  not  contain  a  single 
gun-carriage,  and  there  is  not  a  piece  of  cannon  on  a  suitable  frame,  or  on 
a  sound  platform.  It  was  proclaimed,  at  first,  that  it  should  be  repaired, 
constructed  with  five  bastions,  and  be  made  a  first  class  fort.  The  Select  men 
were  also  asked  for  money  for  the  purpose ;  but  they  excused  themselves  on  the 
plea  that  the  people  were  very  poor.  Every  one  w„s  also  greatly  dissatisfied, 
and  feared  that  the  Director  would  be  more  harsh  and  severe,  could  he  once  rely 
on  his  fort.  It  remains  sticking  between  these.  He  will,  doubtless,  contrive  by 
various  circumstances  to  throw  the  blame  on  the  Commonalty,  who  are  innocent, 
although  the  Director  desired  to  have  the  money  from  them,  and  pretended  to 
have  an  order  to  that  effect  frum  their  High  Mightinesses ;  for  had  he  applied 
to  that  object  one-fourth  of  the  money  which  was  collected  in  his  time  from  the 
Commonalty,  it  would,  certainly,  not  have  fallen  short,  as  the  wine  excise 
was  imposed  expressly  for  that  purpose.  But  so  it  was ;  a  tl  ousaiul  ways 
were  sought  to  shear  the  sheep  before  the  wool  had  grown.  Thus,  in  regard 
to  public  workd,  there  is  little  difference  between  Director  Kieft  and  Director 
Stuyvesant;  for  after  the  erection  of  the  Church,  the  former  became  negligent 
and  instituted  personal  actions  against  whomsoever  he  had  a  prejudice.  The 
latter  hath  had  much  better  and  more  opportunities  to  assist  the  people  than 
his  predecessor;  for  he  had  no  war.  He  differs  from  him  also,  being  more 
active  and  malignant  in  looking  up  causes  of  prosecution  against  hit  innocent 
opponents,  than  ever  bis  predecessor  had  been. 


303 


nor  rrepertl  n  g  Wa  m- 
puni,  though  tollcl- 
ted. 


BtujrvfMnt    berates 

the  pfliirlpil  nipii 
■innnir  IhH  people 
•n  ratcals  and  b«ar 
■kinnen. 


Thn  fort  la  like  « 
mnle  heap,  an<l  all 
lu  rannuo  out  of 
order. 


Th<»  mrm^y  enltfo- 
Uii  tr<Hn  the  p«Hm|j 
WW  n(»t  ■xpciidcd 
en  the  tori. 


The  Direrlnn  intt)- 

(Ut«    p^rtoOMl    •lllU, 
bill     i;:t.i>V«««et     It 

irorte    Iti    that   r*> 
tpect  than  KlefU 


11 


•> 


t 


Th«    TwelT©    and 
Eltcht    mctn      have 


The  Plrecit)r«  give 
out  (hut  thty  are 
Soreri-ignt, 


Bocuntft  every  one 
Uy  at  ihe  Hirrctnr'i 
dnnr  the  bloo<!  ihat 
WW  fhwf,  h"  en- 
deavored Ui  remove 
U  fhiin  bl«  ahottl- 
dera. 


The  Berretary 

brlBtf*  faU*  ruporta. 


Tt(*>  i*e!ttl>ineni  aol 
•nUraly  ma>A-eut. 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


(  34  )  THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  DIRECTOR  KIEFT  IN  PARTICULAR. 

SuflRcienl  has  been  said  relative  to  what  Director  Kieft  hath  done  in  civil  and 
ecclesiastical  matters ;  whether  buildings,  resources  or  revenues.  It  remains  for 
us  to  visit  the  Council  chamber  and  bring  out  some  specimens,  according  to  our 
promise.     Herein  we  shall  also  study  conciseness. 

The  Council  consisted,  then,  of  Director  Kieft  and  Monsieur  La  Montangie; 
thd  Director  had  two  votes  and  Mr.  La  Montangie  one;  and  yet  'it  was  a  high 
crime  to  appeal  from  their  judgments.  Cornells  van  der  Hooykens  sat  with 
them  as  Fiscal,  and  Coruelis  van  Thienhoven  as  Secretary.  And,  moreover, 
whenever  anything  extraordinary  came  up,  the  Director  had  a  few  additional 
invited,  according  to  his  pleasure  ;  these  were  mostly  ofticers  of  the  Company. 
This,  however,  happened  but  seldom,  yet  it  produced  dissatisfaction.  Neither 
the  Twelve  men  nor  the  Eight  after  them,  had  voif"c  or  opinion  in  cases  before 
the  court ;  they  were  chopen  in  view  of  the  war  and  some  other  occurrences,  in 
order  to  serve  as  a  cloak  and  a  catspaw.  In  other  respects,  they  were  of  no 
consideration,  and  little  regarded  when  they  proposed  anything  in  opposition  to 
the  views  of  the  Director,  who  imagined  himself,  or  would  fain  persuade  others, 
that  he  was  Sovereign  and  that  it  was  absolutely  in  his  power  to  do,  or  to 
permit,  everything;  and  he  heeded  little  that  the  safety  of  the  People  was  the 
supreme  law,  as  was  clearly  manifest  in  the  ./ar;  although  an  effort  was  made  by 
subterfuges  and  piles  of  certificates  and  petitions,  to  shove  the  respo  isibi'ity  on 
others,  when  the  spit  was  turned  into  the  ashes.  But  this  was  done  because 
things  went  too  far,  and  every  one  laid  the  damage  and  bloodshed  at  his  door. 
La  Montangie  said  that  he  protested  against  it,  but  that  he  was  mixed  up  with 
it  against  his  will  and  to  his  deep  regret ;  and  afterwards,  when  it  did  take  place, 
that  he  pretended  to  assist  to  the  best  of  his  ability.  Secretary  Cornelia  van 
Tienhoven  also  says,  he  had  scarcely  any  hmd  in  it  a.id  that  he  had  done 
nothing  in  the  premises  except  by  the  express  order  of  the  Director ;  but  this 
was  not  believed,  lor  thtre  are  some  who  heard  Ln  Montangie  say,  that  had  not 
the  Secretary  brought  a  false  report,  the  affair  would  have  never  happened. 
There  are  also  some  others  who  know  it,  and  almost  every  one  believes  it,  to  be 
■0,  and  indeed  it  seems  v?ry  likely.  No  confidence  was  placed  in  Fiscal  Van  der 
Hooykenx  in  consequence  of  his  drinking,  in  which  all  his  science  consisted; 
neither  had  he  any  experience  in  this  country,  and  at  Mie  commencement, 
frequently  cursed  the  wai  as  being  against  his  wiiL  so  that  the  responsibility 
remains  and  must  test  with  the  Director  and  Secretary  Thienhoven.  To  Cie 
Director  was  intrus.ed  the  supreme  authority;  did  any  one  advise  (U5)  him 
to  the  country's  ruin,  he  must  not  follow  such  advice,  and  afterwards  endeavor  to 
throw  the  blame  off  his  shoulders  on  people  who  will  ;>x,.U8o  themselves  although 
they  are,  in  our  opinion,  rot  wholly  blameless.  We  believe  the  war  to  havo 
been  caused  by  the  exaction  of  the  cuutributioii,  lor  which  the  Director  said  he 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 

had  the  order  of  the  Mnjores,  and  by  Lis  own  imprudent  expeditions,  which 
manifested  themselves  chiefly  in  the  mysterious  toast;  but  there  are  friends 
whom  this  ciosaly  concerns  and  who  have  already  undertaken  it.  We  shall  leave 
the  matter  to  them,  and  give  a  lew  specimens  of  his  aspirations  after  sovereignty, 
omitting  several  others  for  the  sake  of  brevity. 

At  this  point  we  are  met  by  one  Franciscus  Douthy,  an  English  clergyman  here, 
and  one  Arnoldus  van  Hardenbergh,  a  free  mercnant,  also  of  this  place;  but  as 
this  will  probably  come  before  your  High  Mightinesses  in  full  session,  in  tlie  cases 
in  which  they  appear,  we  shall  give  merely  a  sumn  iry  of  them.  This  clergyman, 
Franciscus  Douthy,  came  to  New  lingland  at  the  commencement  of  the  troubles 
in  England,  in  order  to  escape  them,  and  found  that  lie  had  got  out  of  the  frying 
pan  into  the  fire.  He  betook  himself,  inconsequence,  under  the  protection  of  the 
Netherlaoders,  in  order  that  he  may,  according  to  the  Dutch  reformation,  enjoy 
freedom  of  conscie-ice,  which  he  unexpectedly  missed  in  New  England;  and  the 
Director  granted  i;nd  conveyed  to  him  an  absolute  patent,  with  manorial  privileges. 
He  added  some  families  now  to  his  r.ettlement,  in  the  course  of  one  year;  but 
the  war  breaking  out,  they  were  all  driven  off  their  lands,  with  the  loss  of  some 
people,  and  the  destruction  of  many  cattle,  of  almost  all  their  houses,  and 
whatever  they  had  ;  they  returned  a  while  after  that,  and  having  consumed  more 
than  they  knew  how  to  obtain,  they  came  to  tl  ^  Manathans,  whither  all  the 
refugees  at  that  time  fled,  and  Master  Douthy  was  minister  there.  After  the  flame 
of  war  had  died  away,  and  peace  had  been  concluded,  in  such  a  manner, 
however,  that  no  one  had  much  reliance  on  it,  some  returned  again  totl.eir  land. 
The  Director  would  fain  see  this  man  go  back  to  his  land,  in  order  that  evp<y 
thing  should  have  the  appearance  of  being  arranged,  but  as  peace  was  doubtiul, 
and  Master  Douthy  had  no  means  to  begin  with,  he  was  not  in  a  hurry;  he 
went,  however,  sometime  after,  and  resided  there  half  a  year,  but  he  again 
removed,  as  it  was  seized ;  for  in  the  hope  that  some  others  would  establish  a 
village  here,  a  auit  was  instituted  against  the  Minister,  and  carried  so  far,  that 
the  land  was  con(i:<cated  Master  Douthy  finding  himself  aggrieved,  appealed 
from  the  judgment.  '..  e  Director  answered,  there  was  no  appeal  from  his 
decision  which  must  bo  final,  and  in  consequence  of  his  rem,  ik,  sentenced  the 
Minister  to  be  imprisoned  for  the  space  of  24  hours,  and  then  pay  25  guilders. 
We  have  always  considered  this  act  tyrannical,  and  regarded  it  as  an  instance 
of  sovereignty.  Arnoldus  van  Hardenuergh's  case  resembles  this  very  much  iii 
ita  result,  for  after  Seger  Theunisse  had  been  murdered  by  the  Indians,  at  the 
IJeeregat,  and  the  yacht  \un\  r»turned  to  the  Manathans,  the  Director  and 
e'ouncil  appointed  Arnoldus  van  Hardenbergh  and  (;}(i)  two  others,  curators  of 
of  the  estate,  and  the  yacht  was  #enrclied.  And  in  it  was  found  some  property 
which  had  not  been  entered,  wherefore  the  Fiscal  summoned  the  curators  into 
court,  and  claimed  that  the  property  was  forfeited  to  the  Company.  The 
curators  opposed  it,  and  gave  Iliinl.Mtli.T<;|i  ciinrge  of  the  suit,  who  alter  some 
proceedings,  was  cast.  As  he  now  found  hunself  aggrieved  as  iigmt  lor  the 
general  owners,  he  appealed  to  siicli  judges  as  the  owners  would  elect.  Tlien 
Vol..  I.  39 


305 


Ortlie  SoTerefgnty. 


1      !      1 


or  Fnncfa  Doathy. 


k'riinelR  Dootbf 
itrivt'n  from  hU 
taoil. 


Francit  Doatbjr 
wan  mtnlMer  at  U.e 
Manalhaa*. 


It  wmi  '•tpoctMl  Hi  \i 
Mr.  I>ntiihjr  wiiold 
hHve  MfMpaUi  p»t>- 
itlt'<i,  whtrli  ntA 
Wins  iliin«,  It  waa 
conttfcatod. 


IlarHenlMTith  bolnr« 


in? 
hi 

5 


306 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


5'P» 


Budenberch      ap- 

8 Mia   uul  pan   ■ 
DO  or  K  galldMi. 


Copy  of   Ina    MS* 
Mac«. 


Thli  >I'^  U  LintiMd 
wr'Init  Ui«  mlnUltr 
DouUiy. 


Orth«alntil«PolMM 
tn  lb*  ground  ))rieflk 


Tbrre  U  *  ooDtn- 
dlcttoQ  in  one  knd 
tha  Mine  piltnu 


the  game  was  repeated ;  it  was  a  high  crime ;  the  Fiscal  made  great  pretence  and 
a  judgment  was  pronounced,  the  contents  whereof  were  as  follows:  —  "Having 
•'  seen  the  written  demanu  of  Fiscrl  Van  der  Hoeikens  of  and  against  Arnoldus 
"  van  Hardenburch,  and  that  in  relition  to  the  appeal  from  our  judgment,  dated 
••  28""  April  last,  as  appears  by  the  signature  of  the  above  named  A.  van 
•♦  Hardenberch,  from  which  judgment  no  appeal  can  lie,  as  the  commission  of 
••  their  High  Mightinesses  the  Lords  States  General  and  his  Highness  of  Orange, 
"  proves  to  him ;  therefore,  the  Director  General  and  Council  of  New  Netherland, 
'♦  regarding  the  dangerous  consequences  which  tend  to  the  injury  of  the  supreme 
•'  authority  of  the  magistracy  of  this  country,  condemn  the  aforesaid  Arnoldus 
•'van  Hardenberch  in  the  fine  of  25  guilders,  payable  immediately,  or  to  be 
•'  imprisoned  until  the  fine  be  paid,  as  an  example  to  others."  If  the  lion  be  now 
known  by  his  paw,  it  can  be  seen  that  these  people  make  nothing  of  the  name 
of  your  High  Mightinesses,  His  Highness  of  Orange,  the  honor  of  the  magistracy, 
and  have  used  the  words,  dangerous  consequences,  an  example  to  others  and 
more  of  the  like  description,  in  order  to  play  off  their  own  personages  therewith. 
We  "la/e,  therefore,  placed  this  act  alongside  of  that  perpetrated  against  the 
MinisUir  Douthy ;  and  many  more  such  pieces,  or  similar  ones,  are  to  be  found 
in  the  record,  if  the  entries  be  not  altered,  which  is  gravely  suspected,  as 
alterations  have  been  sometimes  seen  in  them.  It  is,  then,  sufficiently  apparent, 
that  pretty  much  every  thing  has  gone  amiss,  and  herewith  shall  we  quit  the 
subject,  and  pass  on  to  Director  Stuyvesant's  administration,  with  a  word, 
however,  first  regarding  the  clause  sinisterly  introduced  into  the  patents,  as  the 
sequel  will  enable  one  easily  to  determine.  For  by  the  patents  absolute 
conveyance  was  granted  to  the  people  who  then  thought  all  vas  safe,  and  that 
they  were  masters  of  what  they  possessed.  The  patents  were  next  called  In,  on 
pretence  that  something  had  been  forgotten  in  them ;  but  it  was  not  so,  only 
'twas  imagined  that  something  had  been  surrendered  in  the  grant,  and  therefore 
a  clause  was  added  to  the  patents,  which  were  signed  anew ;  this  con"'".t8  directly 
with  the  patent,  so  that  without  distorting  its  tenor  in  the  least,  ihere  is  now  a 
contradiction  in  one  and  the  some  patent;  for  the  old  deeds  read  thus:  —  "And 
they  enter  on  the  laud  and  valleys  which  appertain  thereunto  of  old."  And  the 
clause  says,  —  No  valley  to  be  used  before  the  Company;  which  can  easily  use  all 
of  it  and  have  their  competency.  (37)  Another  clause  is  usually  inserted  in  the 
patents,  which  is  objected  to  by  every  one,  to  wit :  That  they  must  be  subject  to 
all  burthens  which  are  already,  or  shall  hereafter  be  imposed. — That  can  be 
carried  out  ad  infinitum,  and  it  has  already  been  enforced  against  divers  inhabitants, 
and  has  discouraged  others  from  undertaking  anything  on  cuch  conditions. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


807 


THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  DIRECTOR  STUYVESANT,  IN  PARTICULAR. 


We  sincerely  wish  we  were  already  through  this  administration,  for  it  hath  heen 
heavy  upon  us,  and  we  are  conscious  of  our  feeble  power ;  we  will,  nevertheless, 
wake  a  beginning,  and  as  we  have  already  treated  of  the  public  property, 
ecclesiastical  and  civil,  we  shall  examine  into  the  administration  of  justice  and 
the  rendering  of  judgment  between  man  and  man,  and  demonstrate,  as  with  a 
finger,  in  the  first  place,  the  manner  of  the  Director  and  Council.  As  regards 
the  Director,  his  manner  in  court  has  been,  from  his  first  arrival  unto  this  tin-.e, 
to  browbeat,  dispute  with  and  harass  one  of  the  two  ptirties ;  not  as  beseemeth 
a  judge,  but  like  a  zealous  advocate.  This  has  caused  great  discontent 
every  where,  and  has  gone  so  far  and  had  such  an  effect  on  some,  that  many 
dare  not  bring  any  suits  before  the  court,  if  they  do  not  stand  well,  or  passably 
so,  with  the  Director ;  for,  whom  he  opposeth  hath  both  sun  and  moon  against 
him.  In  addition  to  the  fact  that  he  hath  himself  appointed  and  obliged  so 
many  Councillors,  some  of  whom  also  are  well  disposed,  so  that  he  can  constrain 
the  others  by  plurality  of  votes,  he  likewise  frequently  submits  his  opinion  in 
writing,  and  that  so  fully  and  so  amply  that  it  takes  up  some  side,  and  then 
his  word  is:  "Gentlemen,  this  is  my  opinion;  if  any  one  have  aught  to  object 
to  it,  let  him  express  it."  If  any  one,  then,  on  the  instant,  offer  objection,  which 
is  not  very  easy  unless  he  be  well  grounded,  his  Honor  bursts  forth,  incontinently, 
into  a  rage  and  makes  such  a  to-do  that  it  is  dreadful ;  yea,  he  frequently  abuses 
the  Councillors  as  this  and  as  that,  in  foul  language  better  befitting  the  fishmarket 
than  the  Council  board ;  and  if  all  this  be  tolerated,  he  will  not  be  satisfied  until 
he  have  his  way.  To  prove  this  by  example  and  certificates,  though  possible, 
would,  however,  carry  us  to  too  great  a  length.  But,  we  all  say  and  affirm,  that 
such  has,  from  the  commencement,  heen  and  still  continues  daily  to  be,  the 
common  practice,  and  that  this  is  the  conduct  and  bearing  in  the  Council  of 
the  Director  who  is  president  and  head  thereof.  Let  us  now,  also,  cursorily 
speak  of  each  of  the  other  Councillors.  Lubhert  van  Dinklagen,  the  Vice- 
Governor,  hath  'oi'  a  long  time  exhibited  great  dissatisfaction,  and  on  several 
occasions,  and  for  diver!?  matters,  (39)  hath  protested  against  the  Director  and 
his  appointed  Council,  but  it  is  only  of  late,  after  some  others  had  offered 
opposition.  He  had  been  previously  so  inlluenced  by  fear  that  he  durst  not 
oppose  the  Director,  but  was  obliged  to  let  many  things  take  their  course  and 
submit  to  them,  to  which,  he  afterwards  declared,  he  had  great  objection  because 
they  were  unjust,  but  he  saw  no  other  way  to  secure  peace;  for  the  Director 
himself  said,  in  Council,  that  he  would  treat  him  worse  than  Wouter  van 
Twilltr  had  ever  done,  if  he  would  not  obey  his  wishes.  This  man  is  then 
overruled.  Let  us  now  proceed  further.  Monsieur  La  Montanie  had  been  in 
the  Council  in  Kieft's  time,  and  was  then,  by  many,  greatly  suspected  ;  he  hath 
no  commission  from  Fatherland ;  was,  also,  driven  off  his  land  by  the  war ;  is 


BlujTTmnt'i  idmln- 
iitntioD  beare  btrd 
OD  the  tnbabiunu. 


SlnyTfMnl  utt  lh« 
advocsle  and  n<it 
the  Judge  In  the 
ourt 


Stu7TeMnt  will  not 
admit  01  any  contra* 
diction  or  advloo. 


ninclairen  li  great- 
\j  diHaililled. 


m 


Ja   MonUlne  dftr* 
Dui  fpoak  (re9\j. 


308 


Brian  Nuton  dim 
not  undenund  our 
lanipiafle,  and  iniul 
iay  Yci. 


CoDimluary    Adri- 
aen  Keyser. 


The  CaplalM  of  the 
Bhipa  havH  a  Tot*^  in 
the  Omncil,  and 
bluyvraaiil  raila  at 
them  a«  thit-vtts 
which  they  du  not 
nuliee. 


The  Dlrwtor  beai^ 
ing  m  much  fntiu 
I'BuluB  Lenaerlae 
ca^jwa  tU  suriuiBf^a. 


The  Fiieal  n 
moDthe  out  of  the 
Ooaacll. 


The  riKal  ii  none 
oTUm  wImM 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

deeply  in  the  Company's  debt,  and  is,  therefore,  under  the  necessity  of 
dissembling;  but  it  is  Bufficiently  notorious,  and  has  been  heard  from  hir.iself, 
that  he  was  not  pleased  with,  and  disapproved  of  that  administration.  Brian 
Muyson  [Nuton],  lieutenant  of  the  soldiers,  comes  next.  This  man  dreads  the 
Director,  and  honors  him  as  his  benefactor ;  besides  being  very  ignorant  and 
inexperienced  in  tha  law,  he  is  totally  unacquainted  with  our  Dutch  language, 
so  that  he  is  entirely  unqualified  to  reply  to  the  elaborately  written  opinions, 
except  that  he  indeed  must  and  will  say.  Yes.  Adrian  Keyser,  the  Commissary, 
who  came  here  as  Secretary,  is  also  sometimes  admitted  to  the  Council.  This 
man  hath  not  forgotten  much  law,  but  says,  himself,  that  he  lets  God's  water 
run  over  God's  field.  This  man,  then,  can  say  nothing,  and  dare  not  say 
anything;  for  so  much  devolves  on  him  that  it  is  best  that  he  keep  quiet.  The 
Captains  of  the  ships  have  also  a  vote  in  the  Council  when  they  are  ashore, 
such  as  Jelmer  Tomas  and  Paulus  Lenaersse,  who  was  appointed  Naval  agent 
on  his  first  arriving  here,  and  has  always  had  a  seat  in  the  Council,  but  he  is, 
now,  a  freeman.  Every  one  can  easily  imagine  the  amount  of  knowledge  these 
men,  who  have  spent  all  their  lives  at  sea  and  have  been  brought  up  to 
ship  business,  possess  of  matters  of  law  and  of  husbandmen's  disputes ;  besides 
which,  the  Director  keeps  them  so  dependent  that  they  dare  not  speak,  as  will 
appear  from  this  circumstance  at  Curasao,  before  the  Director  ever  saw  New 
Netherland.  As  they  were  discoursing  about  the  value  of  Caracks,  the  Director 
himself  said  to  the  minister  and  others:  "Domine  Johannes,  I  thought  1  had 
"  bi ought  honest  skippers  with  ma,  but  I  find  that  I  have  brought  a  pack  of 
thieves."  And  this  was  said  of  these  gentlemen  Councillors,  but  principally 
of  the  Naval  officer,  for  Captain  Jelmer  was  mostly  all  the  time  at  sea.  But  they 
let  it  pass  unnoticed,  a  sign  that  they  were  dependent ;  they  did  not  fare  the  worse 
for  it,  however,  for  Paulus  Lenaertse  hath  but  trifling  wages  and  yet  has  built  a 
better  dwelling-house  here  than  any  other  person.  How  this  is  done,  is  too  deep 
for  us;  for  though  the  Director  is  aware  of  thest  .hings,  he  nevertheless  observes 
silence  when  Paulus  Lenaertse  begins  to  get  excited,  which  he  would  not  suffer 
from  any  other  person  ;  and  this  gives  rise  to  divers  unfavorable  surmises.  To 
complete  the  bench  of  justice,  there  still  remain  the  Secretary  nlid  the  Fiscal 
Hendrick  van  Dyck,  who  has  bt  -n  formerly  here  as  Ensign.  Director  Stuyvesant 
excluded  him  twenty-nine  (39)  months  from  the  Council  board,  for  the  reason, 
among  others,  as  his  Honor  stated,  that  he  cannot  keep  a  secret,  but  divulges 
whatever  is  done  there.  Me  aho  frequently  declared  that  he  was  a  villain,  a 
scoundrel,  a  thief,  &c.  And  all  this  is  well  known  to  the  Fiscal,  but  he  dare  not 
adopt  the  right  course  in  the  matter ;  and,  in  our  opinion,  ''is  not  advisable  for 
him  to  do  so;  tor  he  is  a  man  wholly  intolerable  alike  in  words  and  deeds. 
What  shall  we  say  of  one  whose  head  is  a  trouble  to  him  and  whose  screw  is 
loose,  especially  when  it  is  sur  ounded  by  a  little  sap  in  the  wood,  which  is  no 
rare  occurrence,  as  he  is  master  at  home.  Cornelia  Van  Thienhoven,  the 
Secretary,  comes  next.     A  great  deal  might  be  said  of  this  man ;   more  even 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    IV. 

than  we  are  able  to  set  forth.  For  brevity's  sake,  however,  we  shall  select  here 
and  there  a  few  traits.  He  is  crafty,  subtle,  intelligent,  sharp-witted — good 
gifts  when  properly  applied.  He  is  one  of  those  who  have  been  longest  in  this 
country ;  is  thoroughly  acquainted  with  every  circumstance  relating  both  to  the 
Christians  and  the  Indians.  With  the  Indians  even,  he  has  run  about  like  an 
Indian,  with  little  covering  and  a  patch  before  him  through  lust  for  the  prostitutes 
to  whom  he  has  ever  been  excessively  addicted,  and  with  whom  he  has  had  so 
much  intercourse,  tliat  no  punishment  nor  menaces  of  the  Director  can  drive  him 
from  them.  He  is  a  great  adept  at  dissimulation,  and  even  when  laughing, 
intends  to  bite,  and  professes  the  warmest  friendship  where  he  hates  the  deepest. 
To  every  one  who  has  business  with  him — and  there  it.  jcarcely  one  but  has  — 
he  gives  a  favorable  reply,  promises  assistance  and  assists  scarcely  any  body,  or 
leads  them  ccMnually  off  on  some  course  or  the  other,  except  the  Minister's 
friends.  In  his  words  and  acts  he  is  loose,  false,  deceitful  and  given  to  lying; 
prodigal  of  promises,  and  when  it  comes  to  performance,  nobody  is  home.  The 
origin  of  the  war  was  attributed,  principally,  to  him  and  some  of  his  friends. 
The  Director  was  led  astray  by  his  false  reports  an  '  lies,  and  this  is  the  opinion 
and  declaration  of  both  reliable  Indians  and  Christians.  Now  if  the  Voice  of 
the  People  be,  according  to  the  maxim,  the  Voice  of  God,  of  this  man  hardly  an^' 
good  can,  with  truth,  be  said,  and  no  evil  concealed.  With  the  exception  of 
the  Director  and  his  party,  the  whole  country  cries  out  against  him,  as  a  villain, 
a  murderer  and  a  traitor,  and  that  he  must  quit  the  country  or  there  will  not  be 
any  peace  with  the  Indians.  Director  Stuyvesant  wfjs,  at  first  and  also 
afterwards,  well  informed  of  this  ;  who,  nevertheless,  retained  him  in  office, 
and  gave  him  so  much  latitude  that  everything  follows  his  beheat  more  than  if 
he  were  President;  yen,  who  even  says,  that  he  is  well  content  to  employ  him  ; 
but  that  stone  is  still  rolling.  We  are  convinced,  and  do  believe,  that  he 
misleads  the  General  in  many  respects,  and  causes  him  to  do  much  evil  that 
otherwise  would  not  be  committed.  In  a  word,  he  is  a  proximate  cause  of  his  ruin 
and  of  the  country's  difficulty  ;  but,  it  seems,  the  Director  can  not,  or  will  not  see 
it.  For,  when  some  persons  represented  the  matter  to  him,  'twas  of  no  avail ; 
but  an  effort  was  made  to  palliate  it,  and  so  to  manage  that  no  one  in  Fatherland, 
where  the  truth  may  be  freely  spoken,  could  molest  him  for  the  purpose  of 
getting  at  the  truth,  which  is  by  no  means  their  object.  The  attributes,  then,  of 
the  members  of  the  Council  having  been  fixed,  it  is  easy  to  conjecture  that  the 
(40)  Court  people  stood  by  each  other  for  the  purpose  of  upholding  the  imaginary 
Sovereignty.  And  in  order  to  gloze  over  that  matter  altogether,  Nine  men  were 
choaen  as  representatives  of  the  entire  Commonalty,  and  it  was  in  the 
commissions  and  instruction  declared,  that  what  these  men  did,  should  be  the  act 
of  the  whole  people ;  ns  it,  indeed,  was  when  it  accorded  with  the  Director's 
opinion  a.id  views,  for  iney  re'^rwent  the  entire  people.  But  when  it  happened 
otherwise,  then  they  were  Boobies,  usurers,  rebels,  and  such  like.  But,  to 
understand  this  properly,  'twill  be  best  briefly  to  state,  in  chronological  order, 
every  occurrence  here  during  his  administration,  and  how  unjustly  those  have 
been  treated  who  have  8«  ught  the  good  of  the  country. 


309 


The  Becretary  hit 
been  lon{(  tn  the 
country,  and  ii  rery 
adroit.  With  tha 
Indians,  be  runs 
like  an  Indian :  be 
ts  now  a  downright 
HachbyeUlBt. 


Tli-  caujft  of  the 
war  IS  principallj 
atuiliu!<i(l  to  him. 


or  him  nnthlns 
l^nod  can  bn  said, 
uiid  nothing  bad 
concealed. 


Nine  men  rhrwen 
and  represent  the 
entire  CuinmonaUy. 


Many 
Imuw. 


The 


810  NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

His  first  arrival — for  we  speak  not  here  of  what  passed  on  the  voyage — was 

peacock  like,  with  great  state  and  pomposity ;  the  report  that  his  Honor  wished  to 

remain  here  only  three  years  and  other  boasts  induced    ome  to  think  that  he  would 

not  act  the  father.     The  word  Myn  Heer    jenbrael  and  such  like  titles,  were 

piaurds  never  known  here  before.     He  was  busy  almost  every  day  issuing  proclnmalions 

of  various  sorts,  most  of  which  were  never  observed  and  have  long  since  died, 

K.in.t  ""^.TSi,"™  ^he  wine  excise  excepted,  for  that  was  a  source  of  profit.     The  proceedings  against 

hiw7'S,"n!i™bie."  the  Eight  men,  particularly  against  Joclium  Piettrs  Cuytter  and  Cornelis  Molyn 

occurred  also  in  the  beginning,  and  the  Director  manifested  so  much  partiality 

therein,  that  he  afforded  many  an  opportunity  of  judging  of  his  character  and  its 

nature,  but  little  to  his  advantage  ;  for  every  one  clearly  saw  and  remarked  that 

Director  Kieft  had  more  favor  and  aid  and  counsel  in  his  suit  than  his  adversary, 

and  that  one  Director  was  the  advocate  vS  the  other,  as  Director  Stuyvesant's 

h'.nh.^i!l'  "''«,!!  °^"  words  imported  and  signified  when  he  s.id  :  "  The  sp  Boorish  brutes  would 

thlf'taniwi.  """*  hereafter  endeavor  to  knock  me  over  also,  but  I  shall  now  manage  it  so  that 

they  will  have  their  bellies  full  in  all  time  to  come."     And  how  it  was  managed 

the  result  of  the  suit  can  testify,  for  they  must  pay  lines  and  w  re  cruelly  banished, 

and  in  order  that  nothing  should  be  wanting,  when  Come      Molyn  pleaded  for 

grace  until  intelligence  of  the  result  of  his  appeal  in  P'ati  ■■Hand  should  bo 

received,  he  was  threatened,  as  Molyn  who  is  a  living  man  hath  himself  declared, 

in  these  or  similar  words:— "Had  I  known,  Molyn,  that  you  would  have  divulged 

our  sentence,  or  brought  it  before  their  High  Mightinesses,  I  should  have  had 

""hl'og."'*'*'"^'"  y°"  hanged   forthwith  on  the  highest  tree  in  New  Nftherland."     Now  as  this 

occurred  before  two  pairs  of  eyes,  it  can  be  denied  ;  it  may  not  be  true,  but 

what  is  remarkable,  it  is  so  confirmed  by  similar  cases  as  not  to  admit  of  a  doubt ; 

for  it  once  came  to  pass  in  the  Minister's  house,  after  their  departure,  when  the 

Consistory  had  met  there  and  was  risen,  that  one  Arnoldus  van  Herdenl ,  rch 

related  the  proceedings  relative  to  Seger  Theunisse,  and  how  he  h;»d  appealed  as 

curator,  from  the  judgment,  whereupon  the  Director,  who  had  sat  there  as  an 

?o"^1I^c^n^/»'lor''  ^^^^^'  ^°°^  "P  t^he  word  and  answered:  "People  may  think  of  appealing  during 

thi!' mSnT'lSih  '"y  time— should  any  one  do  so,  I  would  have  him  made  a  foot  shorter,  pack  the 

fromhrjadgS!^  pieces  off  to  Holland  and  let  him  (41)  appeal  in  that  way."     O'cruel  words! 

what  more  could  a  Sovereign  do "?     And  all  this  is  still  furtiier  confirmed,  for  after 

Jochem  Pietersse  Cuyter  and  Cornelis  Molyn  went  to  Fatherlaiui  to  prosecute 

their  appeal,  and  letters  were  received  here  from  them,  and  it  was  rumored  that 

they  were  maintained  or  would  be  successful,  the  Director,  speaking  of  Jochim 

Pietert's  Cuyter  and  Cornelis  Molyn,  openly  declared  at  various  times  and  on 

siuyiwant     Mn-  manv  occasions,  both  in  presence  of  inhabitants  and  strangers,  that  "  Even  tho' 

Icrnnn  ilie  or.ler  "'     ,  o        ■ 

i!l!^d"ihB'8i»w!?'''''  '"*'y6*"''"  ^"ti  bring  a  States'  order  they  would  be  no  better  off  than  they  were; 
I  should  immediately  send  them  back,  unless  their  High  Mightinesses  summon 
me."  His  Honor  has  always  maintained  that  no  appeal  lay,  or  could  lie  from 
this  country,  and  that  he  was  sufficiently  able  to  prove  it.  And  when  some 
would  not  believe  it,  especially  in  cases  against  the  Company  or  its  chief  olRcers, 
a  great  many  extracts  from  divers  authorities  were  quoted,  not  much  to  'he  point 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 

however.  In  the  beginning,  also,  when  Director  Kieft  was  still  here,  the  English 
Clergyman  requested  permission  to  depart  to  the  islands  or  to  Netherland,  as  he 
had  lived  and  labored  a  long  while  without  proper  maintenance,  and  as  his  land 
was  now  confiscated;  but  he  always  received  .<n  unfavorable  answer  and  was 
threatened  with  this  and  that.  Finally,  it  came  to  pass  that  he  may  depart  on 
condition  of  promising  imder  his  hand  that,  wherever  he  should  go,  ho  would  not 
mention,  nor  complain  of  the  manner  he  was  treated  here  in  New  Netherland  by 
Director  Kieft  or  Stuyvesant.  This  the  man  himself  declares.  Mr.  Dinklagen 
and  Commander  Looper,  who  were  then  members  of  the  Council,  also  vouch  for 
its  truth.  If  the  Directors  can  now  justify  it  to  their  own  consciences,  'tis  a 
wonder  what  they  will  then  do  with  such  certificates  j  and  many  other  things  of 
a  similar  character  have  occurred,  but  very  secretly. 

At  first,  the  Hon*"'"  Director  also  began  to  condemri  very  severely  the 
contraband  trade,  which  indeed  was  a  very  commendable  act,  were  the  law 
passed  and  enforce  ' ;  but  he  would  himself  do  what  he  forbade  to  others,  and 
this  the  people  will  not  understand.  His  Honor  said  and  openly  maintained, 
that  it  was  lawful  for  him  on  the  Company's  account  to  sell  powder,  lead  and 
guns  to  the  Indians,  but  for  no  one  else ;  that  he  would  have  a  resolution  passed 
to  that  effect  and  even  commence  the  work.  What  the  purport  of  the  resolution 
is,  we  know  not;  but  the  character  of  the  action  is  notorious  to  every  inhabitant, 
for  through  his  employes  the  Director  ha'h  publicly  carried  on  trade  with  the 
the  Indians;  and  he  hath  deprived  freemen  of  one  or  two  guns  which  they  had 
brought  with  them  for  their  own  use  and  amusement;  for  some  of  which  he 
paid  what  he  thought  proper,  for  others  nothing;  and  then  sold  them  to  the 
Indians.  But  this  could  amount  to  nothing,  and  had  little  effect;  some  other 
course  must  be  adopted.  And  with  this  view,  one  Gerrit  Vastrick,  a  trader,  was 
authorized  to  bring  with  him  a  case  of  guns,  as  is  ascertained,  in  order,  as  it 
was  reported,  to  supply  the  Indians  with  a  sparing  hand.  (42)  The  transaction 
with  this  case  was  so  public,  that  not  a  man  at  the  Manhatans  but  knew  of  it, 
and  people  had  plenty  to  do,  to  quiet  the  public;  every  one  made  his  own 
comment,  for  it  was  remarked  that  the  vessel,  as  others  indeed  before  it,  had 
not  been  inspected,  and  it  was  presumed  that  a  great  quantity  of  guns,  powder 
and  lead  were  on  board  the  ship  for  the  Governor,  but  as  the  (irst  did  not  succeed 
very  well,  nothing  was  said  respecting  the  remainder.  But  this  might  have 
passed  off  did  not  every  one  remark  what  an  excuse  and  justification  the 
Director's  doing  so  afforded  to  all  others,  both  the  skipper  and  trader,  who  had 
early  information  of  it  and  now  were  reported  to  have  brought  out  guns  to  a 
large  amount.  And  greater  credit  was  attached  to  this,  as  they  proceeded  to 
the  right  place  and  the  returns  they  realized,  though  dumb,  speak.  This 
created  inexpressible  dissatisfaction  among  the  common  people,  and  even 
among  the  other  officers,  and  had  not  the  people  been  both  persuaded  and 
restrained,  something  serious  might  have  been  the  consequence.  It  is  also 
added : — "  The  Director  is  in,  and  carries  on,  all  sorts  of  business  all  over  the 
"  country,  for  he  hath  various  stores  of  his  own  ;  he  is  a  brewer,  hath  buuweries. 


311 


A  pfomtoe  wu  re- 
Qiilreft  from  Die 
Engllili  njtnlster 
thai  he  ihould  nol 
My  how  be  WW 
ireated. 


StuyTfunt  Mill 
powder  and  lead  to 
the  Indiana. 


8tnyTeaant  Importa 
acateofguDt. 


The  Pirettor  cnrrlw 
on  all  aorta  of  bnat- 
nvaa. 


<3 


3|> 
J1 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


"/ 


^ 


A 


•^ 


2e 


1.0 


1.1 


11.25 


^1^  1^ 

lit 

lU 


IM 


i.4 


?.2 


"2.0 


I 

1.6 


PhotogTdphic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


^jk 
^ 


<F 


>^ 


v^ 


4^^. 


^ 


<> 


7i  WIST  MAIN  STREIT 

WIISTIR.N.Y    I4SSC 

(716)  t72-4S03 


812 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


a 


Order  of  the  Dirco- 
lor»  to  sell  powder 
•nd  Icid. 


Prnoefid  Inn  against 
Jacob  Keyniirns 
HDil  Jacob  Bchor- 
inerhuorn. 


Proerrdlni^  agalnil 
JooatTbeuniaBack- 


rmmcdlnga  aitalnai 
Pleter  van  dor  Lin- 
den. 


Plarard  (hf  lh»  pro- 
iMtloo  of  aril  doera. 


The  Director  l«rl|iht 
nuiy  to  cunllKala. 


"  is  part  owner  of  ships,  a  merchant  and  a  trader  both  in  lawful  and  contraband 
"  articles."  The  Director,  however,  disregards  what  is  said,  and  exhibits  the 
Company's  order  for  so  doing,  adding  that  he  should  leceive  by  the  Volckenitr 
a  supply  of  powder  and  lead  for  this  purpose.  In  fine,  he  who  forbids  the  trade 
to  others  on  pain  of  death,  will  carry  it  on  himself,  both  covertly  and  publicly, 
and  desires,  contrary  to  all  sound  principles,  that  his  example  shall  not  be 
followed.  And  if  others  happen  to  follow  it,  which  indeed  is  too  often  secretly 
the  case,  then  away  v/ith  such  people  to  the  gallows.  This  have  we  witnessed 
in  the  case  of  Jacob  Ryntgens  and  Jacob  van  Schermerhoren,  who  were  capitally 
prosecuted  for  this  ofience,  and  a  great  deal  of  difficulty  was  experienced  before 
they  could  be  got  off,  and  even  then  they  were  banisned  as  felons  and  their 
property  was  confiscated.  By  the  repeated  interposition  of  several  worthy 
citizens,  the  banishruent  was  revoked,  bat  the  pioperty  which  was  somewhat 
considerable,  they  being  importers,  remained  confisraied. 

We  cannot  refrain  from  relating  here  what  happened  to  one  Joost  Theuniss: 
Backer,  as  he  has  complained  to  us  that  his  case  was  one  of  gross  injustice,  which 
it  indeed  is.  For  the  man,  being  an  honest  Burgher  here,  of  good  repute,  though 
moderate  means,  was  thrust  into  prison,  cind  charges  raked  up  against  him  from 
every  hole  and  corner,  on  the  intbrtnation  of  one  of  the  Company's  servants,  who, 
according  to  the  statement  of  the  General  and  Council,  had  richly  merited  the 
gallows  three  times,  and  for  whom  even  a  new  one  had  been  erected,  which, 
however,  he  had  out  of  mercy,  escaped ;  finally,  not  a  shadow  of  a  charge 
being  estpblished,  the  accused  was  liberated,  after  13  days  imprisonment,  on 
giving  sufficient  bail.  If  the  Fiscal  should  find  anything,  he  is  to  institute 
his  action,  but  up  to  this  time  nothing  has  been  done.  A  considerable  time 
having  elapsed,  we,  as  organ  of  the  Commonalty,  respectfully  demanded,  at 
his  request,  as  his  bail  was  importunate,  that  the  man  should  have  his  trial 
and  be  (43)  punished  according  to  his  deserts,  if  he  were  guilty  ;  if  not,  that  he 
be  discharged.  But  it  availed  nothing,  for  we  received  injurious  language, 
and  the  Fiscal  was  allowed  to  vomit  forth  whatever  came  into  his  mcuth,  and  the 
man  became  the  subject  every  where  of  dislike,  and  was  al'used  as  a  hideous 
monster.  Did  he  petition  for  anything,  even  if  it  were  just,  he  received  coarse, 
angry  abuse;  his  petition  was  not  received,  and  justice  was  denied  him.  These 
things  cause  great  dissatisfaction,  anu  excite  thoughts  of  abandoning  the  country. 
Pieter  van  der  Linden  fared  no  better,  but  he  was  not  imprisoned,  though 
many  were,  the  most  of  whom  are  frightened,  and  would  speak  if  they  dare.  Now 
as  the  Company  itself  carries  on  the  forbidden  trade,  the  people  think  that  it  is 
no  sin  for  them  too  to  prosecute  it,  if  they  can  do  so  with  impunity.  And  this  gives 
rise  to  an  incredible  amount  ol  smuggling  and  fraud.  It  does  not  appear  to 
prevail  this  year  as  much  as  usual.  The  publication  of  a  placard  offering  freedom 
and  protection  here  to  those  liable  to  civil  or  criminal  prosecution  in  New 
England,  hath  also  greatly  embittered  the  minds  of  the  F.nglish,  and  it  was 
considered  to  be  by  every  one  of  evil  consequence.  Mr.  Sluyvcsant's  promptness 
at  confiscating,  causes  also  great  discontent  among  the  inhabitants.     Scarce  u  ship 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 

comes  in,  or  near  this  place,  that  he  does  not  look  o.i  as  a  prize,  unless  it  be  the 
property  of  friends.  Great  pretensions  will  be  set  up  on  this  subject,  though 
with  slender  profit.  Their  merits  we  shall  not  question ;  but  confiscation  hath 
made  so  mLch  noise  in  New  Netherland,  that  none  of  those  in  any  way  in  bad 
odor,  considers  his  property  secure.  Were  the  noise  thereof  confined  exclusively 
to  the  country,  it  were  well ;  but  he  has  spread  it  himself,  throughout  the 
neighboring  English,  both  north  and  south,  even  to  the  West  Indies  and 
Caribbee  Islands;  everywhere  there  is  such  evil  report,  that  not  a  ship  dare 
venture  here  from  those  parts.  Worthy  and  reliable  people  who  come  thence 
here  by  way  of  Boston,  and  others  trading  hence  to  Boston,  assure  us  that  more 
than  26  ships  <vould  come  annually  here  from  the  Islands,  were  they  not  af'aid 
of  confiscation.  This  refers  only  to  these  places ;  the  same  report  flies  all  over, 
and  carries  similar  terror,  so  that  this  Vulture  issorely  destructive  of  the  prosperity 
of  New  Netherland ;  it  diverts  trade  and  renders  the  people  discontented  ;  for 
other  places,  not  so  convenient  as  this,  have  more  shipping.  All  permanent 
inhabitants,  whether  merchant,  burgher,  farmer,  planter,  working  man  or  servant, 
suffer  great  damage  in  consequence;  for  were  there  plenty  of  shipping  here, 
everything  would  be  cheeper,  and  necessaries  more  easily  obtained  than  now; 
whether  goods  or  articles  which  the  people  themselves  get  through  God's  blessing, 
out  of  the  earth,  or  otherwise  raise,  they  would  meet  a  more  ready  and  a  more 
profitable  demand.  People  and  privileges  create  trade.  New  England  and 
Virginia  especially,  afford  a  clear  example  that  this  policy  causes  prosparity.  Now 
all  the  debts  and  claims  are  called  in  which  Director  Kiefl  lel>  uncollected,  and 
which  were  due  for  the  most  part  by  poor  and  impoverished  people,  who 
commenced  with  nothing  and  who  lost  their  savings  in  the  war,  by  which  they 
were  compelled  to  (44)  abandon  their  houses,  lands,  cattle,  and  other  means; 
and  when  they  pleaded,  that  they  were  unable  to  pay — that  they  had  lost  their  all 
by  the  war ;  that  Master  would  please  only  to  have  patience  — they  were  repulsed, 
and  the  resolution  thereupon  adopted  and  indeed  put  into  execution,  to  the  effect 
that  those  who  do  not  discharge  the  claims  of  the  Company,  must  pay  the  interest, 
notwithstanding  the  debts  were  incurred  in  and  by  the  war,  and  the  people  are 
unable  to  pay  either  principal  or  interest.  Again,  he  will  not  pay  the  just  debts 
which  Director  Kieft  hath  left  behind  on  the  Company's  account,  whether 
consisting  of  earned  monthly  wages,  delivered  grain,  or  any  other  lawfully  proved 
liabilitiei;  and  when  we  object  to  this,  that  it  is  identically  the  same,  people 
growl  and  will  have  it  so.  We  have  by  petition  and  remonst.ance  so  far 
succeeded,  that  the  collection  of  the  debts  is  postponed  lor  a  time. 

In  addition,  the  Company's  land  is  so  burdened,  taxed  and  kept  down,  that  the 
inhabitants  are  unable  to  compete  with  their  neighbors  of  Virginia  or  New 
England,  or  to  undertake  anything.  It  appears,  and  all  the  inhabitants  of 
New  Netherland,  ns  far  as  our  knowledge  extends,  believe,  that  the  Directors  in 
Holland  pay  no  Iieed  or  attention  to  New  Netherland,  except  when  something  is 
to  be  received  from  it,  which  is  a  reason  that  less  is  received  by  them.  The 
extreme  distress  of  war  which  hut  prevailed  hero,  clearly  demonstrates  that  they 

Vol.  I.  40 


313 


Rnmor  nf  eonfltea- 
tion  raaiM  much  In- 
Jury  and  dlrerti 
trade. 


rienljr  of  shipplaf 
nuikea  goud  trade. 


Tbe  DlreelAr  ealb 
in  itae  debts,  even 
tl)<«e  oodlrecled  In 
llie  war;  and  will 
nnr  altuw  any  Jul 
bfbet. 


Tlie  PInMfwa  tn 
Hi'iland  <'ari-  mttb- 
l"f  fit  N  Neth  r- 
ltn<l  exr*pt  to  t%,- 
eeire  tomm  dutlea. 


N 


WW 


314 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


'\  ai 


Ho  Illil*  •nsplclnn 
as  tn  iha  manBge- 
meiit  of  the  war. 


Trada  ia  IimtIIj 
taxed  and  this  must 
be  paid  bjr  the  p«o- 
pi*. 


The  PIraetftFa  say  If 
we  wsnt  antthing 
wo  must  addrejia 
their  lllith  Mlahtl. 
nessea  or  the  Cum* 
iwaj. 


The  reaolutlnn  as  to 
a  delegatton  sp* 
firoted  bj  the  fJI. 
rector. 


ftMtifeaant  eneonr- 
■gfetheaendlDg  the 
deputation. 


never  inquired  whetlier  New  Netheriand  aank  or  swam ;  for  when  application 
was  made  to  them  in  such  emergency  for  aid  and  assistance,  which  they  were 
bound  by  honor  and  by  promise  according  to  the  Exemptions  to  furnish,  unasked, 
they  never  attempted  to  do  anything  in  the  case  at  their  own  expense.  We  let 
the  expense  go.  They  never  caused  any  good  order  or  regulation  to  be  adopted 
in  the  matter,  although  such  had  been  beneficently  ordered  and  recommended  by 
your  High  Mightinesses.  They  never  even  authorized  an  investigation  to  be 
made  into  the  causes  and  true  origin  of  the  war,  or  attempted  to  punish  those 
who  had  rashly  commenced  it.  Hence  no  little  suspicion  attaches  to  their  order 
concerning  it;  'tis  certain,  at  least,  that  their  officers  were  chosen  more  from 
favor  and  friendship,  than  from  merit;  this  does  not  improve  their  affairs,  but  it 
is  for  the  most  part  the  stockholders'  damage  and  loss.  Many  of  the  others 
doubtless  understood  their  designs.  In  fine,  they  fall  far  too  short  in  the 
protection  they  owe  the  country,  for  it  bears  no  resemblance  to  it.  Yet  they 
know  well  how  to  increase  the  public  burdens,  for  in  the  instances  in  the 
Exemptions,  in  which  they  promise  not  to  exceed  6  per  cent,  they  now  exact  16. 
'Tis  an  old  saying,  he  scrapes  a  good  deal  who  scrapes  half,  but  it  does  not  reach 
that  far.  The  excuses  and  evasions  they  have  recourse  to,  as  regards  merchandise, 
smuggling,  &c.,  which  time  has  taught  them  in  order  to  give  a  coloring  to  their  acts, 
are  of  no  value  nor  consideration,  for  there  is  nothing  in  them  to  be  refuted :  but 
too  much  of  this.  Meanwhile,  we  shall  be  ready  to  do  so,  if  necessity  require. 
There  are  more  of  these  and  innumerable  other  impositions,  which  we  cannot 
detail,  though  (45)  tending  to  the  damage,  injury  and  ruin  of  the  country.  When 
the  inhabitants  or  we,  go  to  the  Director  or  other  of  the  Company's  officers,  and 
represent  the  prosperity  of  our  neighbors,  and  complain  of  our  own  desolate 
and  ruinous  condition,  we  get  no  other  answer  from  them  than  that  they 
effectually  see  and  observe  it,  but  cannot,  nevertheless,  redress  it ;  for  they  obey 
and  must  adhere  to  the  Company's  orders,  and  if  we  have  anything  to  say,  we 
must  petition  their  masters,  the  Company,  or  your  High  Mightinesses,  which  we 
also  have  considered,  in  truth  and  in  deed  to  be  necessary.  It  is  now  more  than 
a  year  since  the  select  men  concluded  and  considered  it  proper  to  send  a  deputation 
to  your  High  Mightinesses.  The  Director  approved  it,  and  not  only  auented  to 
it,  but  strongly  urged  it  also.  It  was  well  advanced  in  the  mill,  so  that  already 
mention  began  to  be  mad<)  of  u  delegate,  but,  however,  nothing  came  of  it. 
For  this  reason :  When  a  commencement  was  about  to  bemade,  the  Director 
required  that  the  proceedings  should  be  according  to  his  pleasure,  and  to  this 
some  who  perceived  the  object,  would  not  consent ;  the  affair  went  to  slsep  in 
consequence.  In  addition  to  this,  the  English,  on  whom  reliance  had  been 
placed,  and  who  were  associated  in  this  business,  withdrew  from  it  at  the 
time  when  the  afl'air  began  to  be  more  urgent,  and  the  Nine  men  were  changed 
the  following  year,  when  Mr.  Stuyvesant  again  urged  the  matter  strongly,  and 
declared  that  he  had  already  written  to  inform  the  Company  that  some  persons 
were  about  to  come  over.  Alter  the  el«'ction,  then,  and  before  the  new 
incumbents  were  sworn,  it  was  verbally ,  or  orally  resolved  and  concluded,  that 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    IV. 

the  deputation  should  be  proceeded  with,  whatever  the  consequences.  Some  time 
elapsed  before  the  Nine  men  were  sworu  in  anew,  on  account  of  some  enlargement 
of  the  commission,  which  was  at  last  issued,  recorded  and  signed ;  but  we  have 
never  been  able  to  obtain  an  authentic  transcript  of  it,  though  the  Director 
frequently  promised  it  to  us,  and  we  have  frequentlf  applied  for  it. 

As  people  had  long  waited  in  vain  for  the  action  of  the  Company  which,  from 
time  to  time,  promised  improvement  but  made  things  worse,  the  Select  men 
adopted  a  resolution  to  delegate  some  persons ;  this  they  sent  to  the  Director  and 
requested  permission  to  speak  to  the  Commonalty  on  the  subject;  but  their 
proposition  was  not  well  received  and  a  very  long  postii  was  annexed  to  their 
written  petition  to  the  effect  that  they  must  act  conjointly  with,  and  follow  the 
order  of,  the  Director  with  many  other  things  which  scarcely  accorded  with  our 
design,  and  were,  in  our  opinion,  impracticable.  For  various  reasons,  which  we 
have  set  forth  in  writing,  we  considered  it  inexpedient  to  act  conjointly,  but 
we  offered  his  Honor,  if  he  would  permit  us  to  proceed,  we  should  not  send  any 
thing  to  Fatherland  without  furnishing  him  a  copy  of  it ;  we  should  be  very  glad  if 
he  could,  then,  vindicate  himself,  but  to  follow  his  directions  in  this  matter  seemed 
to  us  not  to  be  founded  in  reason,  but  was  in  direct  opposition  to  the  welfare  of 
the  country.  Besides,  we  had  never  promised  nor  agreed  to  do  so,  and  were 
bound  by  oath  to  seek  the  prosperity  of  the  country,  as  we  have  always  been 
disposed  to  do,  according  to  the  best  of  our  knowledge. 

(46)  It  ic  stated  in  the  postil  above  mentioned,  if  we  read  it  aright,  that  we 
shall  inquire  how  far  the  people  would  ciiipir.  ;a  with  us  in  this  business,  and 
how  the  expense  should  be  defrayed,  but  the  Director  explained  it  differently  from 
what  we  understood  It.  Now,  as  the  Director  would  not  convene  the  Commonalty, 
as  we  proposad,  nor  allow  us  to  do  so,  we  went  around  from  house  to  house,  and 
spoke  to  the  people.  Fron  this  time  forward  the  General  burned  with  rage, 
and  in  our  opinion  has  never  been  effectually  appeased  since,  although  we  were 
not  aware  but  that  we  had  obeyed  his  order  in  the  premises.  However,  it  was 
concluded  that  the  Nine  Men  should  not  act  in  coniunction  with  hMn,  nor  follow  his 
directions  in  what  appertained  to  the  matter,  and  that  excited  in  his  breast  a  bitter 
and  irreconcilable  hatred  against  them  all,  but  principally  against  those  whom 
he  presumed  were  the  chief  originators  of  it.  And  although  these  persons  had 
always  been  his  good  and  cherished  friends,  and  he  had  even  a  short  time  before, 
esteemed  them  the  honestest,  most  capable,  most  intelligent  and  most  virtuous  of 
the  country,'  yet  as  soon  as  they  did  nut  follow  his  wishes,  they  were  this  and 
that,  some  of  them  rascals,  liars,  rebels,  usurers;  in  a  word,  hanging  was  almost 
too  good  for  them.  Heretofore,  the  expediting  the  deputation  had  been  earnestly 
pressed ;  now,  it  was  time  enough  six  months  hence,  and  a  sheet  of  paper  could 
contain  all  that  was  proper  or  necessary  to  be  stated.  Various  reports  were  also 
set  afloat  among  the  people,  and  an  effort  was  made,  principally  through  the 
English,  to  nullify  the  Board  of  Nine  Men ;  but  all  these  underhand  intrigues 


315 


Find  BMnluUna  Ihr 
the  dH^^iinn  tn 
tlirir  Hi(li  MIgliU- 


Tha  SriMt  Vn 
ina»t  ^oi  euofer 
wllbUMprapl*. 


PmIII  or  the  Dlr«o- 
lor. 


The  IXreeUir  ta 
■treaUjr  'llMa>l«llrit 
Mrceuett  hit  dirfO* 
(Initi  an  nol  lollow- 
ed. 


Various 

mB«t(>  tn  divfift  the 

Bfierd  from  iu  pur- 


■  The  wsrdi  of  their  CommiiaioD.— Eu 


m 


^^Kh 


«16 


OribtBoufh  nottf. 


Tha    notra    Mltr<l 
and  Van  d^r  Uoock 


WhamerwM  pro- 

TKWHmI     WU     ftlWR'a 

111  reoelred  by  th« 
DInelur. 


WHUBgt  IbrblildcD, 


Thnaa  whn  ipMk 
Itv  tha  Otiinlry  are 
Iraalad  raff  bailljr. 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCEIPTS. 

were  discovered,  and  when  it  was  perceived  that  this  labor  would  be  vain,  an 
attempt  was  made  to  create  a  diversion  by  instituting  personal  actions  against 
some  who  were  considered  tne  bell-wethers.*  Accusations  were  made 
against  them  and  they  were  prosecuted  by  the  Fiscal  and  the  other  subordinate 
officers,  who  made  them  out  to  be  about  the  biggest  villains  in  the  country,  where 
they  had  shortly  before  been  recognized  as  the  best  of  persons  and  most  deserving 
children.  To  accomplish  that,  an  opportunity  now  offered  which  (to  use  the 
Director's  own  words)  was  as  precious  to  him  as  his  own  life.  In  the  beginning 
of  the  year  1G49,  we  clearly  saw  and  perceived  that  not  only  should  we  have 
considerable  to  do  as  regarded  the  delegation,  but  that  we  should  with  difficulty 
accomplish  it;  we  therefore  considered  it  necessary  to  make  out  a  series  of 
memoranda  in  order  to  draw  up  a  proper  Journal  from  them,  when  occasion 
allowed.  Thij  task  devolved  on  one  Adriaen  Van  der  Donck  who,  according  to 
h  resolution  which  was  adopted  at  the  same  time,  was  lodged  in  a  room  in  one 
Michiel  Janss'  house.  One  day  when  Van  der  Donck  was  abroad,  the  General 
seized  this  rough  draft  with  his  own  hand,  placed  Van  der  Donck  the  day  following 
under  arrest,  convened  the  Supreme  Council,  accused  him  of  having  committed 
Crimen  less  Majestatis,  and  took  the  matter  so  seriously  that  scarcely  anything 
was  to  be  done — either  the  delegation  must  be  a  joint  one,  and  then  (47)  it 
remained  still  to  be  arranged — or  sufficient  cause  of  action  was  furnished  by  the 
Journal,  as  the  gentleman  designated  the  rough  notes  from  which  the  journal  was 
to  be  prepared ;  "for,"  said  he,  "it  contains  gross  slanders  against  their  11  gh 
Mightinesses."  And  when  we  would  explain  it,  and  requested  the  draft  in  order 
to  correct  it,  as  the  writer  would  not  insist  upon  it,  but  admitted  he  was  fully 
aware  that  there  were  mistakes  in  it,  in  consequence  of  hurry  and  similar  causes, 
as  he  hud  a  great  deal  to  do  and  the  moF'  part  of  it  was  not  revised  ;  our 
petition  was  dc-jignated  a  libel,  unworthy  ot  any  answer,  the  writer  of  which 
would  be  punished  as  an  example  to  others.  In  fine,  we  could  not,  in  any  way, 
manage  to  make  it  right.  Vander  Donck  was  forbad  the  Council  and  our  Sessions 
also,  and  we  were  notified  officially  of  the  circumstance  ;  yet,  he  could  not  ge* 
a  release  from  his  oath,  and  in  order  to  cut  off  the  proper  means  of  proof,  a 
prohibitory  notice  was  issued  to  t  b  effect  ihat  no  testimony  nor  other  document 
should  be  valid,  except  those  written  by  thj  Secretary.  This  was  of  no  service 
to  any  person,  and  it  was  a  general  complaint  that  no  business  cr  '  be  got 
forward.  Director  Kieft  did  the  self-same  thing  when  he  was  apprei  .isive  that 
complaints  would  be  got  up  against  him.  And  this  is  their  usual  course,  to  do 
everything  they  can  think  of  to  uphold  their  acts.  Those  who  were  officially 
obliged  to  take  a  part  in  public  affairs  and  did  so,  were  fortunate  if  they  acted 
in  accordance  with  the  Ueneral's  will  and  pleasure;  if  they  did  not,  they  were 
prosecuted  and  sued,  incarcerated,  guarded  by  soldiers,  so  that  no  person  might 
speak  to  them,  angrily  abused  as  all  sorts  of  dangerous  monsters,  threatened  to 
be  taught  this  and  that  and  everything  was  done,  and  recourse  had  to  every 
expedient  that  could  be  invented  or  ripped  up  against  them.     We  cannot  dwell 


'  Some  legal  procetding*  were  iuatituted  igainat  Viui  der  Donck. — Ed, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


817 


long  on  this,  but  refer  to  the  J'^urnal  kept  of  it,  and  to  th;;  writing  which  the 

Director  himself  will  furnish.    Your  High  Mightinesses,  and  such  other  friends 

as  happen  to  see  it,  can  easily  infer,  from  the  preceding  Relation,  what  trouble 

and  labor  we  have  had  on  our  shoulders,  with  which  we  would  have  most 

willingly  dispensed,  had  it  not  been  for  the  love  of  the  country  and  of  the  truth, 

which,  as  far  as  we  know,  hath  long  lain  in  the  grave.     The  trouble  and  difficulty,  5J5^'™'jjMh"rtaII5 

though  wanting  no  addition,  have  not  wearied  us,  or  rather,  will  not  be  to  us  '-wg  concealed. 

so  great  a  source  of  grief  as  is  the  sorrowful  condition  of  New  Netherland,  now 

lying  at  its   last  gasp.      But  we  hope   and   trust   that   our   affliction   and  the 

Bufferings  of  the  inhabitants  and  people  of  the  country,  will  excite  commisseration 

in  your  High  Mightinesses,  in  order  that  New  Netherland  may  rejoice. 


H'1'»   ,.1? 


( 48 )  IN  WHAT  MANNER  NEW  NETHERLAND  SHOULD  BE  RELIEVED. 

Although  we  are  satisfied  and  fully  aware,  that,  as  respects  public  reforms,  we 
are  but  as  children,  and  that  your  High  Mightinesses  are  fully  competent  in  the 
case,  yet  we  beseech  you  to  pardon  and  excuse  us,  if  we,  according  to  our 
humble  conception  thereof,  make  a  few  suggestions  in  addition  to  what  we  have 
already  considered,  in  our  petition  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  to  be  necessary. 

In  our  opinion  this  country  will  never  flourish  under  the  Hon*"'*  Company's 
government;  on  the  contrary  'twill  waste  and  decay  in  itself,  unless  the 
Company  be,  in  consequence,  reformed.  It  would,  therefore,  be  better  and  more 
advantageous  for  the  country  and  themselves  were  they  rid  of  it  and  the  remnant 
of  their  property  transported  hence. 

To  speak  specifically :  care  ought  to  be  taken  of  the  public  property,  both 
ecclesiastical  and  civil,  which  in  the  beginning  can  illy  be  spared  or  dispensed 
with.  It  is  doubtful  but  Divine  Worship  must  be  entirely  intermitted  in 
consequence  of  the  Clergyman's  departure,  and  the  Company's  inability.  There 
ought  to  be  also  a  Public  school  provided  with  at  least  two  good  teachers,  so  that 
the  youth,  in  so  wild  a  country,  where  there  are  so  many  dissolute  people,  may, 
first  of  all,  be  well  instructed  and  indoctrinated  not  only  in  reading  and 
writing,  but  also  in  the  knowledge  and  fear  of  the  Lord.  Now,  the  school  is 
kept  very  irregularly,  by  this  one  or  that,  according  to  his  fancy,  as  long  as  he 
thinks  proper.  There  ought  to  be,  likewise,  Asylums  for  aged  men,  for  orphans, 
and  similar  institutions.  The  clergyman  who  now  returns  home,  could  give 
fuller  information  on  the  subject.  The  country  must  also  be  provided  with  moral, 
honorable  and  intelligent  rules  who  are  not  very  indigent  nor  yet  very  covetous. 
A  covetous  ruler  makes  poor  subjects,  and  the  mode  in  which  the  country  is 
now  governed,  is  a  great  affliction  and  not  to  be  tolerated;  for  no  one  is 
unmolested  nor  secure  in  his  properly  any  longer  than  the  Director  pleases, 


?3 


81» 


j 

> 

r 

NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANT>SCRIPTS. 

who  is  generally  very  prone  to  confiscation.     And  though  men  act  fairly  and 
give  h.m  his  due.  yet  it  is  necessary  still  to  continue  to  please  him,  if  one  would 
have  quietness.    Good  population  should  follow  good  government,  as  we  have 
demonstrated,  according  to  our  ability,  in  our  petition.     And  although   free 
passages  and  the  fitting  out  of  ships,  were  such  requisite,  would,  at  first, 
cause  expense,  yet  when   the   result  is  considered,  such   an  outlay  would  be 
immeasurably  well  employed,  if  farmers  and   laborers  with  other  people  in 
straitened  circumstances,  of  whom  Fatherland  has  plenty  to  spare,  were  by  that 
means  introduced  with  what  little  they  may  have,  into  the  country.    We  hope 
It  would  then  prosper,  especially  had  it,  what  we  consider  to  be  the  mother  of 
population,  good  (49)  Privileges  and  Exemptions,  which  could  encourage  the 
inhabitants;  attract  navigation  and  profitable  trade,  and  with  the  pleasantness 
convemence,  salubrity  and  productiveness  of  the  country,  allure  everyone  hither' 
If  a  Boundary  were  added  in  the  protection,  to  what  has  been  already  done,  then 
n'  J   ?   /   •'«']'  ^^^^^^'''"g  ''°"'d.  in  human  probability,  go  well,  and  New 
Netherland  could  be,  in  a  short  time,  a  brave  place,  able,  also,  to  be  of  Service 
to  the  Netherland   State,  to  richly  repay  expended  outlays  and  to  thank  her 
benefactors. 

High    and    Mighty    Lords!    We    have    taken    the    liberty    to    write    this 
Remonstrance,  and  to  submit  the  case  as  we  have  done,  through  love  of  tne 
truth,  and  because  we  have  felt  bound  to  do  so  by  our  oath  and  conscience. 
It  IS  true  that  all  of  us,  either  together  or  individually,  have  not  seen,  heard  or 
had  a  knowledge  of  the  entire  contents  in  every  particular;  nevertheless  it 
contains  nothing  but  what  some  among  us  well  know  to  be  true  and  credible 
We  all  know  the  greatest  part  of  it  to  be  truth;  some  are  acquainted  with 
the  remainder  of  it,  and   have  also  heard  it  from  trustworthy  persons,  and 
sincerely  believe  it  to  be  wholly  true.     We  hope  your  High  Mightinesses  will 
pardon  our  presumption,  and  be  indulgent  to  our  plainness  of  style,  composition 
and   method.      In  conclusion,   we  commit  your  High   Mightinesses'   persons 
deliberations  and  measures  with  your  people  both  at  home  and  abroad,  together 
with  all  friends  ol  New  Netherland.  to  the  merciful  guidance  and  protection 
of  the  Most  High,  whom   we  supplicate   to  grant  prosperity  ta  your  High 
Mightinesses  in  time  and  eternity.     Amen. 
Done  this  XXVI II  July,  in  New  Netherland.  1649. 

(feigned)  Adriaen  van  der  Donck.  Augustyn  Harmaa.  Arnoldus  van 
Hardenbergh.  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven.  OlofT Stevens,  (beside  whouname  is  written) 
"  under  protest.  Obliged  to  sign  as  to  the  Heer  Kieft's  administration."  Michiel 
Janss.  Thomas  Hall.  Elbort  Elberts.  Govert  Lokermans.  Hendrick  Hendrixs  Kin 
and  Jan  Everts  Bout.  "^ 

(Underneath  stood) 

After  collating  with  the  Original  Remonstrance  dated  and  subscribed  as  above 
this  IS  found  to  agree  with  it,  at  the  Hague  the  13lh  October  1649  by  me. 

(Signed)        D.  V.  Schklluynk,  Not  Pub. 

1049. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


319 


Vice-Director  DincUagm  to  the  States  General. 

[  From  til*  Origiul  In  th*  Boyd  Archlrn  at  the  Htgne ;  Flla,  Wttt  Indit.  ] 

Great  and  Mighty  Sovereigns. 

Whereas  the  condition  of  that  most  fertile  New  Netherland  is  seriously  impaired  by  the 
war,  and  the  CommoDalty  hath  resolved  on  a  delegation  of  three  of  the  Nine  Selectmen,  in 
order  that  your  High  Mightinesses  may  obtain  full  and  thorough  information  on  every  point,  I 
have  not  been  able  to  dissuade  them  therefrom.  I  cannot  say  but  they  intend  what  is  right. 
These  persons  are  thoroughly  conversant  with  the  situation  of  the  country.  I  hope  your  High 
Mightinesses  will  be  pleased  thereby  and  extend  to  them  a  favorable  audience,  and  give  them 
despatch  as  soon  as  your  High  Mightinesses'  more  weighty  affairs  will  permit,  as  the  people 
will  be  very  anxious. 
God  preserve  yoar  High  Mightinesses  in  continued  health  and  prosperous  government. 

Your  High  Mightinesses' 
At  the  Manhatans  Most  obedient  humble  servant, 

in  New  Nelheriand,  ( Signed )        Lubberthus  van  Dincklaohe, 

the  12'"  August,  1649.  Vice-Director  of  New  Nelheriand. 

Received  IS*  October,  1649. 
(Addressed) 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  States  General 
of  the 
United  Netherlands,  Jcc, 
in 

The  Hague. 


a   n   «    ■■  » 


JResolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceding  Papers. 

[  From  the  BegMer  of  Wett  India  ASkIn,  l«38-iasi,  In  Uu  Eojral  Arehlrea  at  tbt  Haga*.  ] 

Wednesday,  IS'"  October,  1649. 
Folio  ««.  Received  a  letter  from  the  Commonalty,  in  New  Netheriand,  written  in  New 

M«w  Hriheriand.  Amsterdam,  on  the  Island  of  Manhatans,  the  26'*  July  last,  setting  forth,  in 
substance,  that  they  had  concluded  to  depute  hither,  of  their  number,  Adriaen  van  der  Donck, 
Jacob  van  Couwenhoven  and  Jan  Everts  Bout,  for  the  purpose  of  representing  to  their  High 
Lubb«rtu.  ran  Mightinesses  the  state  and  condition  of  affairs.  Received,  also,  a  letter  from 
iiiockia«>.  Lubbertus  van  Dincklage,  Vice-Director  in  New  Netheriand,   written   at  the 

Manhatans  the  12'"  August,  ultimo.  Likewise,  read  a  petition  of  the  aforesaid  three  deputed 
persons,  wherein  they  pray  their  High  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  appoint  some  gentlemen 
from  their  midst  in  order  that  they  may  furnish  some  further  information  respecting  the 
condition  and  state  of  the  aforesaid  affairs  in  the  abovenomed  New  Netheriand.  Whereupon 
deliberation  being  had,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded,  that  the  aforesaid  letter  and  petition  be 


830 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


placed  in  the  hands  of  Messrs.  Huygens  and  the  other,  their  High  Mightiuesses'  Deputies  for 
the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  for  inspection,  who  are  to  examine  and  hear  the 
aforesaid  delegates  and  to  make  a  report  of  the  result  and  issue  thereof. 


Hesdution  of  the  States  General  on  a  Petition  of  the  Guardians  of  Johannes 

Menselaer. 


van 


[  from  tha  B«gl>ter  of  We«  India  AMn,  1J88-1J51,  In  the  Bopd  AnhIrM  it  Uw  Bigua.  ] 

Thursday,  14  October,  1649. 

v.n  wZr™  T  J*"'  T'^'°?  °^  '^°^^"  '""  ^"'^  '"'^  ^°"'"  '""  'r^'"^''  ^°th  guardians  of 
^rd'MeT""""  i°  °  Renselaer,  against  Samuel  Blommaert  and  Johannes  de  Laet,  cum  sociit, 
1  A  ^  u^  '^''^  '"  ^^^  Assembly,  it  is,  after  previous  consideration,  resolved  and 
concluded,  that  the  aforesaid  petition  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  opposite  party  in  order  to 
answer  thereunto  as  to  the  same  may  appertain. 


-»•■»■■» 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  a  Petitim  of  Mes^s.  Blommaert  and  De  Laet. 

[  From  the  BegUltr  of  Wett  InJI*  ASWn,  1688-U61,  In  the  Eoj.1  ArohlTM  at  tho  Stgat.  ] 

Friday,  6  November,  1649. 

Biomn.«i.  ,nd  D.      '^^^  petition  of  Samucl  Blommaert  and  Johannes  de  Laet,  cum  tociu,  against 

^.r.7"  3  •^'"  '"°  ^"'y  ""'^  ^°"''''  "«"  '^^y'^^'  ^^'^  Guardians  of  Jan  van  Renselaer. 
S*Jirr„J'^f'.o'S'iS  '■««P«f' °g  ^  '^«'tain  Colonic  in  New  Netherland.  being  read  in  the  Assembly,  it 
™n,n«...,.  IS,  after  previous  consideration,  resolved  and  concluded,  hereby,  to  order  and 
enjoin  parties,  on  both  sides,  to  furnish  their  respective  papers  within  the  term  of  eight  days 
after  service  hereof,  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies  for  the  purpose  of  examining  the' 
matters  aforesaid,  in  order,  such  being  done,  their  High  Mightinesses  may  then  make  further 
disposition  in  the  premises. 


Mesdution  of  tU  States  Gemral  on  a  Petition  of  the  Guardians  of  Johannes  van 

Pmselaer. 

[  Prom  (he  BecUter  of  W«l  Indli  Air»lr^  1689  -1«51,  In  the  Boral  Archire*  at  the  Hefoe.  J 

Saturday,  13  November,  1649. 
A  certain  further  petition  of  the  Guardians  of  Johan  van  Renselaer,  minor  son 
of  Kihaen  van  Renselaer,  regarding  a  certain  Colonic  on  the  North  River  of  New  , 


Folio  60«. 

Oauitltne  of  Johan 
Tan  Reiuelaer, 
CeclalD  Coloaie. 


Netherland,  being  read  in  the  Assembly,  it  is,  upon  consideration,  resolved  and 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    IV. 

concluded  that  the  aforesaid  petition  be  sent  to  the  Assembly  of  the  Nineteen  of  the  West  India 
Company  at  Amsterdam,  with  request  and  order  that  they  shall,  pursuant  to  their  High 
Mightinesses'  letters  of  the  22  Octo'"  1648  and  26  April  last,  again  answer  whether  they  have 
any  valid  reasons  against  the  request  contained  in  the  petitioners'  two  distinct  petitions  and 
communicated  to  them,  and  if  so,  to  send  the  same  hither,  and  give  information  in  the  premises 
without  being  any  longer  in  default,  on  pain  of  judgment. 


<    H    »    11    » 


Director  Stuyvesant  to  the  States  General. 

I  From  lh«  Original  in  the  Bojril  ArchlTW  at  the  Bigae ;  LoteOe<u  or  Iba  BUIm  Omena ;  Babrtc  Wut  /ikUmA*  OompagnU,  No.  80 ;  6th  dlririon 

of  Ui«  Bundle.  ] 

Right  Honorable,  High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

My  Lords. 

I  duly  received  your  High  Mightinesses'  letter  dated  28""  April,  by  Cornells  Melyn,  who 
has  been,  on  his  humble  petitiot..  gi-aciously  relieved  by  your  High  Mightinesses  of  the 
sentence  pronounced  against  him  by  us  and  our  council  on  the  Fiscal's  complaint,  prosecution 
and  proof.  But  the  appellant  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  meeting  no  party  nor  defence,  the 
papers  and  documents  in  support  of  the  sentence  having  been  lost  with  the  ship  the  Princess, 
we,  therefore,  thankfully  acknowledge  the  prudence  of  your  High  Mightinesses,  who  have, 
with  the  one  ear  received  the  appellant  in  the  case  of  appeal  with  inhibitory  clause,  and  kept 
the  other  ear  open  for  us.  We  have,  therefore,  pursuant  to  your  High  Mightinesses' 
resolutions  and  letters,  allowed  the  exonerated  appellant  to  enjoy,  unmolested,  undisturbed 
and  in  peace,  the  full  effect  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  despatch  ;  which  we  shall,  also, 
consequently,  continue  to  obey  until  your  High  Mightinesses  will  proceed,  with  your 
accustomed  wisdom,  to  the  confirmation  or  reversal  of  the  sentence,  hoping  to  maintain  the 
same  before  your  High  Mightinesses  by  conclusive  arguments.  Yet  we  would,  nevertheless, 
desire,  and  would  have  been  glad  to  see  that  with  the  annulling  and  untimely  extinction  of 
the  (opposite)  party,  before  he  could  have  defended  himself,  party  strifies  had  remained 
extinguished  and  annihilated.  But  Melyn,  the  aforesaid  appellant,  finding  himself  sustained 
by  writ  of  mandamus  in  addition  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  letters,  hath,  previous  to  his 
return,  and  constantly  since,  caused  us  no  inconsiderable  uneasiness  and  trouble,  both  by 
giving  communication  of  those  papers,  and  construing  their  tenor  much  more  liberally  than 
your  High  Mightinesses'  intention  and  meaning  justified.  For,  besides  running  through  New 
England  among  the  English  people  (who  are  not  very  friendly  to  us  and  our  Nation  here  on 
account  of  old  boundary  requisitions  and  claims)  proclaiming  and  parading  your  High 
Mightinesses'  aforesaid  writ  of  mandamus  and  public  letters,  and  His  Serene  Highness'  passports, 
even  before  they  were  communicated  to  us,  to  the  scandal  of  both  and  to  our  disparagement, 
he  greatly  discredited  the  Hon""*  Company  to  the  English,  as  if  it  were  bankrupt,  and 
in  no  repute  with  your  High  Mightinesses.  He  reported,  also,  among  other  things,  in  order 
to  render  this  government  odious  among  the  English  (as  letters  of  advice  and  the  declaration 
of  passengers  state),  that  he  wos  empowered  by  your  High  Mightinesses  to  send  me  a  prisoner 
Vol..  I.  41 


I 


822 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


to  Holland;  that  your  High  Mightinesses  greatly  wondered  that  those  of  New  England  did 
not  drag  me  to,  and  hang  me  on,  the  highest  tree  for  having  caused  ihe  yacht  St.  Beninjo 
to  be  cut  out  of  their  waters,  and  that  we  had  applied  to  your  High  Mightinesses  for  seven  to 
eight  hundred  soldiers  in  order  to  make  war  on  the  people  of  New  England.     The  tendency 
of  these  and  similar  reports,  with  the  exhibition  of  the  writs  of  mandamus  dragged  through 
the  mud  amongst  a  people  who,  on  the  score  of  possession,  are  indifferently  disposed  towards 
us.  we  respectfully  recommend  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  prudence  and  wise  consideration, 
assured  that  the  falsehood  of  the  exonerated  individual,  in  all  this  matter,  will  he  fully  exposed, 
fehoul.l  he.  contrary  to  public  report  and  advisory  letters,  deny  this  to  your  High  Mightinesses, 
h.s  previous  word,  and  deeds  in  Mr.  Kiefi's  time-the  mutinous  and  insulting  service  of  the 
mandamus  on  us  publicly  in  the   church   on   the  S-  of  March,  in  presence  of  the  entire 
population  of  the   Manhatans  and  adjacent  villages,  then  assembled  on  the   public  affairs  of 
the  country,  who,  therefore,   adjourned,   leaving   the   business    untransacted,   to   the   treat 
disparngementof  authority  and  of  our  commission,  and  so  shaped  that  massacre  and  bloodshed 
might  have  been  the  result,  had  we  not  converted  ourselves  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest 
and  permuted  the  indecent  service  of  the  summons-Nay.  ere  we  could  draw  up  an  answer,' 
he  handed  in  his  unfounded  demand,  in  wriiing.  on  the  20-'"  of  the  same  mouth,  and  renewed 
It  on  the  aS'"  of  June-his  illegal  practice  of  collecting  frivolous  and  secret  certificates -his 
reports,  authenticated  in  our  presence  and  that  of  the  Council,  that  the  Hon""  Company  was 
bankrupt-that  your  High   Mightinesses  had  spoken  very  contemptuously  of  the  Board  of 
Directors,  as  being  unworthy  or  unfit  to  govern  your  High  Mightinesses'  possessions -that 
the  supreme  and   secret  Council  of  Brazil  were  imprisoned  and   had  sent  little  bagc  with 
thousands  of  pistoles  to  this  one  and  that  of  your  High  Mightinesses- these   and   similar 
disparaging,  insulting  acts  and  expressions,  seen  and  heard  by  myself  and  many  others,  give  a 
semblance  of  truth  to  the  public  reports  and  advices  from  New  England.     In  order  to  avoid 
wearying  your  High   Mightinesses'   patience  by  an  unreasonably  long  letter,  we  shall  not 
enlarge  any  further  upon  this  point,  the  more  especially  as  it  hath  little  or  no  reference  to  the 
subject  matter  and  reported  sentence.     It  is  not  brought  forward  with  that  design,  but  merely 
in  order  to  exnibit  to  your  High   Mightinesses  the  aforesaid  person's  disposition,  and  how 
mischievous  [he  is]  in  so  rude  a  province. 

Uignt  Honorable,  High  and  Mighty  Lords.     In  all  humble  reverence,  it  had  been  more 
advantageous  and  honorable  for  me  never  to  have  been  favored  with  your  High  Mightinesses- 
Commission,  or  never  to  have  sworn  before  your  High  Mightinesses  to  administer  both  criminal 
and  civil  l:,w  and  justice,  than  pending  your  High  Mightinesses'  Commission  and  our  recorded 
oath,  to  be.  on  a  simple  petition,  so  disparaged  by  neighbors  and  subjects,  and  so  disavowed 
to  the  degradation  of  justice,  of  authority,  and  of  our  granted  Commission,  even  before  parties  had 
argued,  much  less  concluded  the  case  before  your  High  Mightinesses.     We  submit  ourselves 
in  all  humble  oUedience  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  righteous  judgment  and  strict  justice    in 
case  we  can  be  convinced  with  reason  and  truth,  that  we  have  committed  or  done  anything 
contrary  to  the  common  weal,  either  of  beloved  and  worthy  Fatherland,  or  of  this  Province 
or  Its  inhabitants,  or  to  the  prejudice  and  disrepute  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  sovereign 
authority.     We  bow  before  God's  Omnii,cience  and  your  High  Mightinesses'  judgment  in  case 
It  be  shown  and  proved,  that  we,  in  or  regarding  the  pronounced  sentence,  were  impregnated 
with  any  sinister  motive,  passion  or  favor.     Whoso  acquits  the  wicked  and  condemns  the 
righteous  man,  is  equally  an  abomination  to  the  Lord.     We  have  reconsidered  the  proofs,  and 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    IV. 


323 


as  far  as  our  knowledge  permits,  have  given  our  opinion  thereupon  conformably  to  Divine 
and  human  laws;  if  we  have  erred  in  the  application  or  explication  of  them,  we  submit 
ourselves  to  your  High  Mightincses'  wiser  judgment,  and  to  Justinian's  memorable  saying — 
Omnia  tnpere  et  in  nulla  peniiui  peccare  plus  deitiitis  quam  humanitalis  est. 

Passing  by  the  falsehoods  introduced  from  the  appellant's  complaints  into  the  writ  of 
Mandamus,  we  remark  that  we  are  thereby  summoned  to  appear  before  your  High  Mightinesses 
either  in  person  or  by  Attorney,  at  the  proper  day,  or  to  revoke  the  sentence.  The  last  we 
cannot  do  consistently  with  honor  and  oath,  and  the  right  of  the  successful  party.  In  the  first, 
we  should  willingly  obey  your  High  Mightinesses'  intention  and  meaning,  had  it  pleased  your 
High  Mightinesses  and  the  Hon""'*  Directors  to  discharge  and  release  me  from  the  oath  whereby 
I  have  bouiid  myself  at  your  hands  to  this  service  and  government.  Although  no  messenger 
is  better  than  the  person  himself,  it  is  necessary,  for  reasons  aforesaid,  and  in  consequence  of 
the  troubles  and  dissentions  which  have  arisen  and  been  fomented  here  from  time  to  time, 
since  the  arrival  of  the  aforesaid  person,  to  send  an  attorney,  and  thereunto  to  request  and 
empower  our  Secretary,  Cornells  Van  Tienhoven,  with  procuration  and  authority  to  substitute 
such  advocate,  or  attorney  and  lawyer,  ns  he  shall  deem  expedient  for  the  better  dispatch  of 
businesH.  We  shall  only  request  and  pray  your  High  Mightinesses,  with  all  respect,  to  grant 
credit  and  a  hearing  to  the  aforesaid,  our  agent,  or  whomsoever  he  shall  substitute  ;  and  among 
other  weighty  and  important  business  to  be  pleased  to  esteem,  as  recommended  our  granted 
commission  and  authority,  and  to  protect  these  so  far  as  righteousness  permits.  Fir,  through 
the  disparaging  and  false  reports  of  the  relieved  appellant,  and  the  insulting  service  of  the 
Mandamus,  the  authority  and  respect  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  Commission  and  our  quality, 
have  been  so  degraded,  impaired  and  trodden  under  foot,  that  to  our  shame,  the  admiuistratioa 
of  justice  and  the  performance  of  our  duty,  have  thereby  suffered  shipwreck.  This  cannot  be 
repaired  save  by  your  High  Mightinesses'  just  support.  We  call  God  to  witness  our  sincerity, 
that  we  have  never,  knowingly  or  willfully,  intended  injury  or  wrong  to  any  man;  but  a 
peaceable  and  God-acceptable  government  to  be  vindicated  before  your  High  Mightinesses.  In 
the  meanwhile  we  apprehend,  that  this  indecent  service  of  summons  will  have  the  effect  of 
withdrawing  your  High  Mightinesses'  attention  from  more  important  nff'airs,  and  of  calling 
forth  many  complaints,  solicitations  and  appeals,  now  and  henceforth  from  this  and  other 
distant  places;  even  to  the  degree  that  it  will  not  be  possible  to  pronounce  a  definitive 
judgment  here,  from  which  the  losing  party,  either  through  hatred  of  the  judge,  in  order  to 
insult  him,  or  through  the  persuasion  of  others  and  to  create  delay,  will  not  claim  and  demand 
an  appeal.  Your  High  Mightinesses  will  please  excuse  one  word  —  It  is,  as  far  as  I  know,  a 
case  without  example,  that  an  inferior  judge,  deciding  the  law  according  to  the  best  of  his 
knowledge  in  private  cases,  whether  of  debt  or  damage,  should  be  sued  or  called  on  for 
restitution  of  money,  instead  of  the  gaining  party.  But,  in  order  not  to  interrupt  too  much 
your  High  Mightinesses'  important  deliberations  on  higher  and  weightier  matters,  we  will  not 
enlarge  farther  in  this  affair,  but  leave  the  result  commended  to  God  and  your  far-seeing 
judgment;  only  observing  to  your  High  Mightinesses  before  concluding,  that  the  sentence 
pronounced  against  the  appellant  Melyn,  was,  as  appears  by  its  tenor,  not  directed  so  much 
against  the  remonstrance  on  the  subject  of  the  war  and  public  affairs,  as  against  particular 
insulting  libels  on,  and  opposition  to  his  lawful  Superior. 

Duty  should  oblige  us  to  annex  hereunto  the  situation  and  condition  of  public  affairs  here, 
and  the   necessity  of  promoting  the   boundary  line,  population,  the   establishment  of  firm 


1!  r 


324 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


privileges  and  thj  stndii.-  hithe.  of  a  reinforcement  of  soldiers  for  the  maintenance  of 
ponession  and  authority  against  the  perversity  of  the  Natives.  This,  -with  all  respect,  we 
refc  to  the  verbal  information  and  reports  of  the  bearer  hereof,  our  Secretary.  For  which 
purpose  we  have  also  funiidhed  him,  by  way  of  reminder,  with  copy  of  our  previously  drafted 
opinions,  and  with  an  abstract  hereof. 

WherewUh  ending,  we  commend  your  High  Mightinesies  and  the  rest  of  your  subjects  to 
the  merciful  protection  of  the  Most  High.  We  pray  the  Triune  God  for  your  long  and 
prosperous  government,  and  aie  and  remain,  meat.while, 

Your  High  Migiitinesses' 
Manhattanp,  the  Humble  and  Obedi,  nt  Servant. 

10'^  of  August.  1649.  sig„,rt^         p,  Stuyvbsant. 

Received  2C*''  Novamb',  1649. 


■  11  >  »i  » 


Besdution  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceding  Lett^. 

I  From  lb*  Bagbter  of  Wort  India  Aefkin,  1688  - 1«51,  In  Ui«  Bo;aI  ArohlvM'it  Ibe  fligu*.  ] 

Friday,  %th  November,  1649. 
FoiicMj.  Received  a  letter  from  Commandpr  Stuyvesant,  in  New  Netherland,  written  at 

comnj,.  .r  stu,-  Manhatans  the  lO'"  of  Ai^gust  last,  rappecting  the  case  entered  ind  instituted 
Com,!,.  M.i,n.  here  before  their  High  Mightinesses  by  Cornelis  Melya  against  the  abovenamed 
Commander.  Whereupon  deliberation  being  had,  it  is  resolved  5nd  concluded  that  the 
aforesaid  letter  be  plac«d  m  the  hands  o^  Messrs.  Huygens  and  other  their  High  Mightinesses' 
previously  appoiiited  c',.puiies  for  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  for  inspection  and 
exam'nation,  and  to  report  thereon. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  a  Petition  of  Secretary  van  Tieuhaven. 

C  From  Ihe  B.Cl««  of  W«»  Indl.  Alfki™,  lOA'i  -  IMI ,  In  lb.  R„„l  A«hlT«  .1  Ih.  lI.gofc ] 

Thursday,  2d  December,  1649. 
ro.i.»u.  On  petition  presented  to  their  High  Mightinesses   in  the  name  and  on  the 

^iW^JrlZ  , ''"r"  °''  ^°'''**"''  '"»"  Tienhoven.  Secretary  of  New  Netherland,  an  attorney  of 
H.wNe..«,.„<i  the  Direcror  and  Council  over  that  country,  it  i..  after  previous  deliberation, 
hereby  resol.e,!  and  concluded  to  dec!.re  that  the  petiiioner  shall  have  tc  proceed  in  the 
matter  in  appeal  according  .o  the  mode  usually  followed  therein. 


M     -fj 


\n 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


825 


Resolution  of  the  States  Oeneral  on  a  Petition  of  the  Guardians  of  Johannes  van 

Rensselaer. 

[rron  the  KegMw  of  WeM  India  AMn,  1<88— 1«51,  In  the  Boyil  Aroblfet  it  the  Htgne.  ] 

Monday,  13th  December,  lti49. 
F01106I8.  Read  in  the  Assembly  a  certain  other  petition  of  the  guardians  of  Johan  van 

BtnMiaef.  Renseiaer,    minor   sen   of   Kiliaen   van    Renselaer,    again   praying   their   High 

Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  dispose  of  their,  the  petitioners',  previous  petition  respecting  the 
solicited  investiture  of  the  Colouie  Renselaer's  Wyck,  in  New  Netherland,  and  the  violence 
which  Director  Stuyvespnt  is  committing  against  them.  Whereupon  deliberation  being 
had,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded,  to  place  the  aforesaid  petition  in  the  hands  of  Messrs. 
Huygen',  and  the  other,  tlieir  High  Mightinesses'  deputies  for  the  affairs  of  the  West  India 
Company,  for  inspection,  examination  and  conference  with  the  Directors  of  said  West 
India  Company,  at  present  here,  and  to  report  on  the  whole  subject. 


<   H    *   li   > 


Answer  of  Secretary  van  Tienhoven  to  Cornelia  Melyn's  Complaint, 

[tnm  the  Original  lu  the  Bojral  Arehlerei  M  the  H  <fue ;  Lotktlhat  of  the  blatet  General ;  DlrlaloD  Watt  btiUtU,  OmpngnU  No.  tB.} 

[l.    8.] 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands : 

Cornelis  van  Tienhoven,  specially  empowered  by  the  Director  and  Council  of  New 
Netherland  to  maintain  before  your  High  Mightinesses,  in  their  name,  a  certain  penal  judgment 
pronounced,  on  the  i7th  July,  1647,  by  the  aforesaid  Director  and  his  Council  against  the  said 
Cornelis  Melyn,  having  had  communication  of  a  certain  petition  and  its  annexed  documents 
referred  by  your  High  Mightinesses'  order  to  him,  Tienhoven,  to  answer  thereunto ;  in  which 
petition  the  aforesaid  Melyn,  after  a  very  impertinent  and  particularly  false  narrative,  simply 
requests  of  your  High  Mightinesses  ii>  substance,  inasmuch  as  your  High  Mightinesses  have 
*)een  pleased  to  admit  him  in  appeal  from  the  judgment  aforesaid  and  as  the  said  Cornelis  van 
Tienhoven  had  come  over  to  this  country  and  was  residing  at  the  Hague  for  the  purpose  of 
defending  the  came  on  behalf  of  the  abovementioneii  Director  and  Council,  that  your  High 
Mightinesses  would  be  pleased  to  assign  the  said  Tienhoven  time  and  place  for  him  to  make 
his  appearance  and  to  take  cognizance  of  such  demand  and  conclusion  as  he,  Melyn,  should 
presenl  and  take  against  the  aforesaid  van  Tienhoven,  in  his  aforesaid  quality. 

In  order  to  answer  the  said  petition,  the  aforesaid  Tienhoven  says,  not  only  that  he  does  not 
assent  to  the  said  presented  petition,  but  also  even  that  a  request  has  been  already  presented 
by  him  to  your  High  Mig^'tinesses  to  the  same  effect,  which  is  therefore  again  hereby  voluntarily 
renewed,  that  an  early  precise  d..y  may  be  appointed  by  your  High  Mightinesses  on  which  the 
aforesaid  Cornelis  Melyn,  the  Appellant  in  the  aforesaid  case,  shall  Le  ordered  to  institute  his 
action  without  delay  in  order  that  the  Respondent  may  except  to,  or  answer  the  same,  to  be 


"I 

i| 


! 


I' 
til* 


326 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


further  respectively  replied  and  rejoined  to,  according  as  the  merits  of  the  case  shall  be  found  to 
demand ;  or  in  default  thereof,  that  parties  shall  on  the  day  aforesaid,  be  mutually  at  liberty 
to  demand  such  advantage  as,  according  to  custom  and  rule,  the  party  in  attendance  usually 
obtains  against  the  party  in  default.  And  that  the  proceedings  herein  may  be  in  the  ordinary 
style  usually  followed  in  cases  in  appeal,  agreeably  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  resolution,  dated 
the  2d  December  1649. 
Which  doing,  etc. 

Endorsed  : — 

Cornelis  van  Tienhoven's  rescript. 


-♦-.»  ♦  1. » 


%i 


Fullo  914. 
Cornelia  vnn  ThieO' 
hnvtio 

New  Netharland. 


Resolutwn  of  tlie  States  General  on  the  ahove. 

[From  the  Begliter  of  Weet  India  ktt\tt,  1683—1651,  In  the  Bojral  ArchleTei  at  the  lligne.] 

Monday,  13  December  1649. 
Read  in  the  Assembly  a  certain  petition  of  Cornelis  van  Thienhoven,  Secretary 
of  the  Director  and  Council  of  New  Netherland  setting  forth  in  substance  that  he 
hath  come  hither  by  order  of  the  abovenamed  Director,  pursuant  to  the  tenor 
of  the  writ  of  mandamus  in  case  of  appeal,  granted  to  Cornelis  Melyn  by  their  High  Mightinesses 
on  the  2Sth  April  164S,  praying  to  be  informed  how  and  in  what  manner  the  proceedings  therein 
will  be  commenced  and  completed.  Whereupon  deliberation  being  had,  it  is  resolved  and 
concluded  that  the  aforesaid  petition  shall  be  referred  to  Messrs.  Huygens  and  other  their  High 
Mightinesses'  deputies  for  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company  for  inspection,  consideration 
and  examination  of  the  retro  acUt,nnA  to  confer  thereupon  with  the  Directors  of  the  West  India 
Company  here,  and  to  report  on  the  whole  subject  to  their  High  Mightinesses. 


Petition  of  Jomt  TeutiMsen. 

I  rrom  the  Urif lul  In  the  RortI  Archint  it  the  VtfM :  Die  Wul  InJU.  ] 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  the  Lords  States  (Jeneral  of  the  United  Netherlands. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

Joost  Teunissen,  baker,  burgher  and  inhabitant  of  New  Netherland,  most  respectfully 
represents  that  he,  the  petitioner,  was  on  the  S2"*  May,  Anno  1649,  nine  days  before 
Whitsuntide,  cast  into  prison  by  order  of  Director  Stiiyvesant,  without  the  presence  or 
attendance  of  the  Fiscal  and  without  the  knowledge  even  of  the  Council,  and  that  he.  the 
petitioner,  was  accused  with  having  sent  to  Fort  Orange,  powder,  lead  and  guns,  which  articles 
wer«  afterwards  eflectuully  sold  to  the  Indians.     Whereupon  the  Director  threatened  to  cause 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    IV. 


827 


him,  the  petitioner,  to  be  subjected  to  torture,  to  which  intent  he  had  his,  the  petitioner's 
house,  twice  searched  by  the  entire  Council,  himself  also  overhauling  all  the  barrels,  bales, 
cases,  corners,  stores^  etc.,  the  petitioner  remaining  meanwhile,  for  the  space  of  thirteen  long 
days,  in  the  aforesaid  close  confinement  at  the  gate,  and  in  the  place  where  felons  deserving 
death  are  usually  imprisoned,  without  any  one,  even  his  own  wife,  being  admitted  to  him,  or 
to  have  any,  the  least  communication  with  him ;  and  when,  after  minute  search,  nothing  was 
discovered  whereupon  the  Fiscal  could  institute  proceedings  against  the  petitioner,  and  detain 
him  on  suspicion,  he  is  finally  released,  on  the  iterated  request  of  good  friends,  on  condition 
of  giving  Isaacq  Foreest  and  Sibout  Claessen  as  bail,  to  answer  whatever  the  Fiscal  might  from 
time  to  time  deem  proper  to  institute  against  the  petitioner ;  and  after  the  petitioner  was  kept 
for  the  space  of  more  than  a  year  and  a  day  in  rcatu,  nothing  meanwhile  being  produced 
against  th  petitioner,  and  the  secuiities  demanded  to  be  discharged,  he,  the  petitioner,  was 
obliged  to  apply  to  the  Nine  Men,  requesting  them  to  intercede  for  him,  ^hat  his  case  may  be 
taken  up  or  his  bail  discharged,  which  they  did.  But  Stuyvesant  would  not  condescend  to 
answer  the  written  petition  of  the  Nine  Men.  The  petitioner  consequently,  presented  a 
petition  in  his  own  name,  which  he  would  not  once  notice,  wherefore  the  petitioner  presented 
another  request,  copy  whereof  is  hereunto  annexed.  To  this  it  was  answered  on  the  margin 
that  it  must  be  communicated  to  the  Fiscal,  which  having  been  done,  the  Fiscal  veplied  that 
he  must  have  6  to  6  months  time  for  the  purpose,  as  he  knew  nothing  of  the  matter;  this 
hr;  pened  when  the  petitioner  was  on  the  point  of  leaving,  for  which  he  having  asked 
permission,  the  Director  refused  to  grant  it,  but  the  skipper  connived  at  it,  and  consented  to 
bring  him  along.  It  can  be  easily  surmised,  that  the  petitioLier  was  obliged  to  depart  for 
Patria,  as  he  could  not  peaceably  carry  on  his  trade  there,  nor  travel  hither  and  thither  through 
the  country  to  purchase  his  wheat  and  grain,  which  his  business  required  for  bread  for  the  use 
of  the  burghers,  for,  on  twice  applying  to  the  Director  for  a  pass,  he  was  each  time  threatened 
by  him  with  a  caning,  so  that  the  petitioner,  without  ellecting  either  the  prosecution  of  his 
case,  or  the  discharge  of  his  bail,  notwithstanding  Sibout  Claessen  accompanied  him,  has  been 
obliged  to  repair  to  Fatherland,  and  to  cast  himself  in  most  humble  obedience,  into  your  High 
Mifchtinesses'  righteous  and  compassionate  arms,  respectfully  praying  that  you  would  be 
graciously  pleased  to  make  such  provision  that  the  Director,  who  is  too  powerful  for  your 
petitioner,  may  be  estopped  from  giving  him,  the  said  petitioner,  your  High  Mightinesses' 
subject,  any  further  unjustifiable  trouble;  but  that  he  maybe  obliged  to  indemnify  him,  the 
petitioner,  for  the  losses  and  damages  he,  the  petitioner,  hath  suffered  by  his  unlawful 
proceedings,  and  further  allow  him,  the  petitioner,  to  earn  his  living  honestly  and  honorably 
for  himself  and  family,  both  by  his  daily  labor  and  trade,  and  to  transact,  unwatched,  the 
business  necessary  thereunto.     Wtierefore  the  petitioner  will   respectfully  await  your  High 

Mightinesses'  favorable  answer. 

Which  doing,  etc., 

Signed        Joost  Tbuniss.  Baker. 
Read  13'*  December,  1G41). 


828 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Appendix  to  the  preceding  Petition. 

To  the  Hon"''  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  Director  of  New  Netherland,  Cura9ao  and  dependencies 
thereof,  and  to  the  gentlemen  of  the  Council. 

Joost  Teunissen,  baker,  represents  with  all  due  respect  to  your  honors,  and  hui  ibly  prays 
the  Hon"""  General  and  Council  to  be  pleased  to  discharge  him  from  the  suit  formerly  instituted 
against  him,  and  herein  to  release  the  bail,  which  falls  very  onerous  on  him ;  or  in  case  the 
Fiscal  is  still  inclined  to  maintain  his  pretension,  the  petitioner  had  wished,  nay  hoped, 
the  case  might  have  been  long  ago  disposed  of,  and  meanwhile,  as  prayed  for  in  the  last  petition, 
he  again  requests  that  his  case  may  be  terminated  and  the  bail  discharged,  so  that  he,  the 
petitioner,  may  pursue  his  voyage  to  Patria  unhindered,  for  which  he  humbly  solicits  your 
Honors'  permission  to  depart  in  person  in  the  Valckenier,  as  he  otherwise,  by  being  prevented, 
would  suffer  great  loss.     Awaiting  hereunto  a  favorable  answer, 

Remains  your  Honors'  humble  and  obedient. 

In  the  margin  was:  — Copy  of  the  answer  given  to  Joost  Teuniss,  baker,  on  S6  July,  1649. 

These  are  to  be  communicated  to  the  Fiscal,  in  order  to  prosecute  the  case.  Ady  26"'  July, 
1649.     New  Amsterdam  in  N.  Netherland. 

Lower  stood:  By  order  of  the  Hon""  General  and  Council  of  New  Netherland:  Underneath 
was:  Cornells  van  Tienhoven,  Secret :  Still  lower  was:  — Agrees  with  the  original,  which  I 
certify.    Signed  A.  Keyser. 

(Endorsed) 

Petition  of  Joost  Teuniss,  baker,  burger  in  New  Netherland, 
to  their  High  Mightinesses,  the  Lords  States  General 
of  the  United  Netherlands-     13  Decemb'  1649. 


Petition  of  Sibout  Claessen  to  the  States  General 

[  From  Iho  Onglul  Id  tb«  Eoytl  ArchlTM  u  iha  Iligtie ;  Fll*,  Wit  tndU.  ] 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  the  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 
High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

Sibout  CInessen,  house  carpenter,  burgher,  and  inhabitant  of  New  Netherland,  most 
respectfully  represents,  that  he,  having  married  Susanna  Jnnss,  at  the  time  widow  of  Aert 
Teunissen,  her  previous  husband,  who  had  entered  into  a  contract  with  Director  Kieft  to  lease 
a  certain  bouwerie  nar.ied  Iloboquin,  situate  in  Pavonia  on  the  west  side  of  the  North  river, 
for  the  term  of  ten  years  commencing  1"  January,  1041,  whereupon  Aert  Teunissen  fenced 
the  lands,  cleared  the  fields,  and  erected  a  suitable  brew-house,  which  id  yet  standing  there, 
and  brought  thither  eight  and  twenty  head  of  large  cattle,  besides  various  small  stock,  swine, 


HOLLAND  DCX^UMENTS :    iV. 


329 


goats,  &c.,  and  sheep  {crylend  veek),  together  with  many  of  his  own  fruit  trees.  And  thus 
considerahle  value  was  added  to  the  bouwery,  which  Art  Teunissen,  as  lessee,  kept  possession 
of  until  the  year  1G43,  when  the  cruel,  unnatural  and  very  destructive  war  broke  out  and  his 
twenty-eight  large  cows  and  horses  were  killed ;  the  swine,  goats,  and  all  the  other  small 
cattle  and  sheep  {crytend  vcch)  were  destroyed,  the  dwelling-house,  barns  and  stacks  of  seed 
burnt,  the  brew-house  alone  remaining  standing.  After  the  cessation  uilitcr  qualiler  of  the  war, 
in  which  Art  Teunissen  was  murdered,  with  many  others  who  were  killed  before  and  after 
him,  by  the  Indians,  the  petitioner  claimed  as  having  married  the  above  mentioned  widow, 
that  he  was  the  next  to  enter  into  possession  of  this  bouwerie  and  the  residuary  property 
which  was  to  be  inherited.  But  Kyft  resolved  to  lease  that  bouwerie  to  another,  without 
once  considering  the  enormous  loss  the  petitioner's  wife  had  suffered  by  the  war,  and  that 
the  brew-house,  which  was  still  standing,  was  built  there  with  her  own  means  and  therefore 
of  right  belonged  to  her.  The  petitioner  having  understood  Kyft's  intention,  again  spoke  to 
him  in  order  to  prevent  her  loss  by  reasonable  arguments,  so  that  Kyft  most  solemnly 
declared  that  there  was  nothing  of  the  sort  and  that  he  had  not  once  entertained  the  thought 
of  putting  her  out  of  her  lawful  possession,  and  nevertheless  Kyft  leased  the  same  bouwerie 
some  days  afterwards  to  Dierrk  Claessen,  who  also  afterwards  abandoned  it,  so  that  it  now  lies 
empty  or  waste  without  the  petitioner  or  his  family  having  ever  been  able  to  obtain  any 
indemnity  for  the  brew-house  or  other  remaining  property;  which  unjust  act  was  not  only 
confirmed  and  continued,  but  even  surpassed  by  Director  Stuyvesant,  as  can  be  sufficiently 
seen  by  the  following  proceedings. 

The  petitioner,  having  afterwards  sold  to  Joost  Teunissen,  baker,  his  house  at  the  Manhatans, 
as  it  was  convenient  for  trade  and  was  not  well  adapted  for  the  petitioner's  affairs,  in  order 
that  he  might,  in  accordance  with  the  Company's  ordinary  rule,  obtain  another  place  from  the 
Director  or  from  the  Inspector  of  buildings,  yet  was  this  absolutely  refused  him  by  Director 
Stuyvesant.  The  petitioner,  having  afterwards  purchased  a  place  from  Abraham  Pieters, 
when  Stuyvesant  understood  that  he,  the  petitioner,  was  to  be  the  owner  thereof,  he,  Stuyvesant, 
so  diminished  and  encroached  on  said  lot,  in  violation  of  the  tenor  of  the  deed  thereof,  which 
had  been  duly  executed,  and  according  to  which  divers  proprietors  hud  already  occupied  it, 
that  the  petitioner  was  obliged  to  sell  it  at  a  loss  of  one-half,  and  being  unable  to  gel  another 
place  adapted  to  his  purposes,  seeing  that  the  Director  endeavored,  in  every  instance,  to 
inconvenience  him,  he  was,  therefore,  under  the  necessity  of  repairing  to  Fatherland.  Seekinf 
permission  so  to  do,  it  was  refused  him.  Yet,  notwithstanding,  when  the  petitioner  w<3nt  ou 
shipboard,  not  secretly  but  openly,  in  the  face  and  with  the  knowledge  of  the  Director, 
without  his  saying  anything  against  it,  the  skipper  wae  allowed  and  received  permission, 
underhand,  to  convey  him  to  Fatherland. 

VVIierefore,  the  petitioner  most  humbly  supplicates  your  High  Mightinesses,  respectfully 
beseeching  that  you  would  he  pleased  to  a('opt  such  order  that  he  may  enjoy,  without  any 
hindraiice  on  the  part  of  the  Director,  what  so  justly  belongs  to  him,  and  that  he  be 
indemnified  for  the  loss  and  damage  he  hath  already  suffered  by  ihe  Director's  act,  and  further, 
that  he  may  enjoy,  in  all  that  he  is  entitled  to,  the  favorable  and  wonted  protection  of  your 
High  Mightinesses,  the  petitioner's  f/acious  Sovereigns,  and  he  will  remember  the  persons 


Vol.  I. 


48 


i 


880 


NKW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


and  plans  of  your  High  Mightinesses  in  his  prayers  to  the  great  and  good  God  during  his 
whole  life,  and  awaiting  your  High  Mightinesses'  favorable  answer  or  despatch. 
Which  doing,  etc. 

(Endorsed)  ^^'^"^''^        Sibout  Claskn. 

Petition  of  Sibout  Claessen,  house  carpenter  and  burgher  of 
New  Netherland  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  the  Lords  States 
General  of  the  United  Netherlands.    13  Decemb',  1649. 


^  ■■  ♦  ■■  » 


p  ?2 

hi    It 


Mesolution  of  the  States  General  an  the  Petitims  of  Augustyn  Herman  and  others. 

[From  th«  Rrglitar  of  WmI  Indl«  AflUra.  1688-16S1,  In  tba  Boy«l  AtcWtm  *I  the  Hagnt.] 

Monday,  13  Dectmber  1649. 
F0110B14.  Read   to   the   Assembly   three  separate  petitions,   presented   to  their  High 

4"«»«yaH.mn.n.  Mightinesses  in  the  names  of  Augustyn  Herrman,  Joost  Theunissen,  baker,  and 
Sibout  Claessen,  house  carpenter,  all  three  burghers  and  inhabitants  in  New  NetheHand, 
complaining  of  the  Director  there.  Whereupon  deliberation  being  had,  it  is  resolved  and 
concluded  that  the  said  three  petitions  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  Messrs.  Huyghens  and  the 
other  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  for  West  India  Affairs,  to  inspect,  examine,  confer 
thereupon  with  the  Directors  of  the  aforenamed  West  India  Company  here  in  attendance,  and 
report  on  the  whole  to  their  High  Mightinesses. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  ordering  Judgment  to  be  drawn  up  in  tlie  case  of 
Blommaert  and  others  against   Van  Rensselaer^  &c. 

[  From  Iha  BffUter  of  Wm«  Indti  Aflkin,  ItlU  - 1«61,  Id  Uw  Bor>l  ArohlTM  >l  Uu>  U>|iiio.  J 

Thursday,  16"  December  1649. 
Biomn^rtinj  D«      Exhibited  to  the  Assembly  two  bags  filled  with  papers  in  the  case  of  Samuel 
KrnUer.  Blommacrt  and  Johannes  de  Laet  cum  lociit  Plaintiffs  versut  Jan  van  Wely  and 

Wouter  van  Twyller,  guardians  of  the  minor  con  of  Kiliaen  van  Renselaer,  regarding  certain 
Colonic  in  New  Netherland.  Whereupon  delibeiation  being  had,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded 
S:.m  J'^'J.";'™  ""*'  ^°^^  ^^'^  aforesaid  bags  of  papers  sii.  11  be  sent  locked  to  the  provincial  Court 
d«ft  of  j„,U«,.  of  Holland,  Zealand  and  Friesland,  to  inspect  and  examine  the  same,  and  thereupon 
to  prepare  a  draft  of  judgment,  which  being  received  by  their  High  Mightinesses  the 
costs  and  charges  attendant  thereupon  being  calculated,  parties  shall  deposit  with  the  Secretary 
a  sum  to  be  afterwards  disposed  of  pursuant  to  the  tenor  of  the  abovementioned  draft 
of  judgment. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


881 


Manwrandum  of  things  necessary  to  he  done  for  New  NetJierland. 

To  people  it  for  the  benefit  of  the  Company  and  freemen. 

To  anticipate  or  to  prevent  the  English. 

To  encourage  Divine  Worship. 

To  relieve  the  Company  of  divers  unnecessary  officers. 

Means  for  the  support  of  the  requisite  garrisons. 


West  India  Company's  Abstract  of  the  Remonstrance  from  New  Netherland. 

I  FmB  *  US.  in  tfco  Boy»l  ArehlTM  at  tho  Iligiis ;  LokMJtat  of  ih«  Slatet  Oenenl ;  Rubric  W«l  IndUclm  CkmpagnU,  No.  M ;  nh  diTitioD 

of  the  BuBdle.  ] 

Brief  Analysis  of  a  certain  Short  Digest  delivered  in  by  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven 
and  Jan  Evertsen  Bout. 

Chapter  I.    Of  Policy. 
Article  1.  Bxactin»  contributiona,  tho  cause  of  the  war  with  the  Indians. 
8  Remonstrants  ruined;  have  complained  to  the  Directors. 

Divers  placards  under  Stuyvesant ;  in  particular  that  all  merchants  should  submit  tdeir  books  to  him. 
Half  an  error  to  be  counted  a  wholu  one. 
The  people  forbidden  to  meet  on  the  subject  of  the  delegation  to  Netherland. 

Chapter  II.    The  Church,  fc 
Ownorihip  of  the  Church. 

The  collection  for  the  School  diverted. 

Tho  Poor's  money  in  tho  hands  of  the  Company  without  capital  or  interest. 

Chapter  HI.     Of  the  Administration  of  Justice. 

Directors  ( in  Amsterdam) :  A  letter  to  compute  a  half  fault  as  a  whole  one,  and  to  institute  proceedings  against  the 
Colonists,  where  there  was  no  cause  of  action. 
The  Director  2  votes;  yet  there  is  only  one  Councillor. 
Harsh  treatment  of  the  Clergyman. 

Interpolation  of  the  land  patents ;  different  from  the  old  ones. 
Secretary  Comelis  van  Thicnhovcn  descrilied ;  now  in  the  country. 
Stuyvesant:  the  freemen  deprived  of  their  arms,  which  are  sold  to  the  Indians. 
Proclamation  offering  refuge  to  tho  English  who  had  been  guilty  of  criminal  acts  in  Now  England. 
Children  of  manumitted  persons  held  as  slaves. 

Chaptfu  IV.     Of  Revenue  and  Trade. 
The  Company  exacts  16  per  cent  now,  instead  of  5. 
The  authorities  trade  as  well  as  the  subjects,  and     .... 
Kiefl  exacted  duties  from  the  peopV?,  contrary  to  the  Company's  orders. 

The  revenue  and  excise  are  wastc.l  with  the  Company's  property,  to  procure  friends  and  affidavits. 
No  order  exists  in  that  country  reBiK>cting  ells,  weights  and  meniiures,  or  the  currency. 

Chapter  V.    Of  the  Military. 
Onler  to  sell  arms  to  the  Indians,  contrary  U>  the  Company's  Instructions. 
False  reports  of  Secretary  Thienhoven  Uie  cause  of  the  war. 


ajB 


If! 


882 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


SHORT  DIGEST 


EXCESSES  AND  HIGHLY  INJURIOUS  NEGLECT 

WHICH  NEW   NETHERLAND    HAS   EXPERIENCED   SINCE  IT   HAS   BEEN   PLACED   UNDER  THE 

COMPANY. 

Exhibited  the  27th  January,  1650,  at  the  meeting  of  their 
High  Mightinesses'  Deputies,  by  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven 
and  Jan  Evertscn  Bout  —  Adriacn  van  der  Donck  absent — 
and  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Directors. 


§ 


CHAPTER  I. 

OF    POLICY. 

Article  1.  The  Directors  in  Fatherland  loolting  more  to  the'r  own  interests  than  to 
the  general  good,  incur  many  expenses  and  charges  unnecessary  and  burdensome  to  the 
stockholders,  without  therehy  advancing  the  population:  such  as  the  undertaking  of  Colonies 
by  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  the  expensive  construction  of  the  ship  Nieu-Nederlant, 
of  three  cumbrous  mills,  brick  making,  tar  burning,  manufacturing  ashes,  cutting  timber,  etc. 

Excessive  wages  have  been  fruitlessly  paid  in  this  way,  tools  with  a  hundred  similar  things 
uselessly  destroyed,  which,  had  order  been  observed,  would  have  been  highly  advantageous. 
But  by  doing  the  last  thing  first,  and  the  first  last,  the  zealous  and  constant  transportation  of 
cattle,  farmers  and  farming  implements,  required  for  the  cultivation  of  the  soil,  the  support 
of  the  people,  for  labor  and  o4lier  designs,  has  been  neglected.     Remonstrance,  pa'ge  296." 

2.  Our  people,  on  their  petitioning,  would  not  be  allowed,  but  have  been  expressly  refused 
permission  to  take  up  lands,  of  which  the  English  afterwards  took  possession  ;  as  happened  to 
Jacob  Walingh  and  divers  others  —  p.  296. 

3.  The  Exemptions  first  established,  were  subsequently  altered  twice,  to  the  injury  of  public 
and  private  undertakings. 

4.  Levying  contributions  on  the  Indians  which  they  did  not  owe,  was,  according  to  Kieft's 
statements,  in  pursuance  of  orders  from  home ;  and  thus  the  seed  of  the  war  was  sown  in 
Fatherland.  For,  when  the  Indians  refused  to  give,  an  unnatural,  cruel,  unnecessary,  unjust 
and  injurious  war  broke  out. 

6.  The  Directors  (in  Amsterdam)  sent  back  to  Kieft  the  letters  the  "Eight  men  addressed 
to  them  for  information,  and  as  a  warding.  The  writers  were  thereby  forcibly  ruined, 
whereunto  reference  is  made  at  p.  297. 


'  The  figures  at  tb«  eod  of  th«  pitriigra|ibi  in  tbi*  doouoMnt,  ref«r  to  th«  piiKM  of  thi*  volume.  —  Eo. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


883 


6.  The  Directors  are  not  careful  in  the  selection  of  their  agents  and  of  their  governors, 
which  is  therefore  made  without  consideration:  for  the  latter  are  allowed  to  do  as  they  please, 
and  whatsoever  they  do,  is  considered  to  be  well  done ;  and  even  if  guilty  of  any  gross 
misbehavior,  they  are  protected;  those  are  violently  opposed  who  make  any  serious 
representation  to  the  Company  or  to  any  other  proper  quarter;  as  is  more  than  notorious  in 
the  case  of  Joachim  Pieterssen  Kuyter  and  Cornells  Melyn,  and  in  the  present  instance  of  the 
Delegates  from  the  people;  instead  of  discountenancing  evil  doers  and  their  gross  misdeeds,  as 
they  ought  to  do. 

Petitions  are  not  duly  dispatched,  by  which  neglect  many  persons  have  been  obliged  to  alter 
their  plans,  and  have  suffered  serious  loss. 

In  the  commencement  of  Stuyvesant's  administration,  several  placards  were  issued,  and  not 
enforced.  Among  the  rest,  that  all  books,  as  well  of  merchants  as  of  others,  should  be  subject 
to  his  examination. 

7.  Directors  in  New  Netherland  consider  themselves  Sovereigns,  saying  they  are  as  much 
masters  m  New  Netherland,  as  the  Board  of  Managers,  yea,  even  as  the  Prince  or  their  High 
Mightinesses — p.  298. 

8.  The  custom  of  computing  half  a  fault  as  a  whole  one,  was  enforced  by  Kieft  with  bitter 
jealousy  against  those  of  whom  he  entertained  a  prejudice— p.  297. 

9.  The  sworn  Selectmen,  chosen  (in  the  words  of  their  Commission  and  the  amplification 
thereof,)  from  the  best  and  honestest  of  the  people,  were  treated  insultingly  by  Stuyvesant. 
whenever  they  did  not  find  him  in  good  humor,  and  were  berated  as  bear-skinners,  rascals, 
rabble,  rebels;  and  though  they  were  the  people's  representatives,  their  Commission  was 
of  no  weight,  save  when  they  acted  in  accordance  with  the  Director's  pleasure  and  orders— 
pp.  303,  304,  309. 

10.  Stuyvesant's  prejudice  against  Joachim  Pieterssen  Kuytter  and  Cornelis  Melyn,  in  their 
suit  with  Kieft— p.  310,  —  which  he  considered  as  a  private  one. 

11.  The  people  wishing  to  send  a  delegation  to  Fatherland,  Stuyvesant  encouraged  the 
design  with  all  his  influence;  but  when  he  perceived  that  they  would  not  communicate  with 
him,  he  violently  opposed  the  delegation,  not  being  willing  that  the  people  meet,  or  to  allow 
them  to  assemble;  yea,  expressly  forbidding  them  to  sign;  not  permitting,  but  forbidding 
affidavits  to  be  drawn,  except  in  presence  of  Secretary  Tienhoven,  who  communicated  to  him 
every  report  .n  circulation;  the  Company  promising  to  improve  the  government,  sends  out  a 
worse  one — p.  314. 


CHAPTER  II. 
OP  THE  church;  ecclesiastical  i'ropertv  and  benevolent  institutions. 

12.  Contrary  to  the  advice  of  the  Churchwardens  and  the  sound  opinion  of  others,  the  Church 
was  located  in  the  fort,  which  is  exceedingly  small;  so  that  the  Church  occupies  almost  one 
fourth  part  of  it.  Moreover  shutting  off  the  S.  E.  wind  from  the  Mill ;  Director  Kieft's  will 
and  pleasure  herein  must  be  obeyed  —  p.  299. 

13.  The  Church  was  built  by  a  collection  among  the  People,  and  the  Directors  will  have  it 
the  property  of  the  Company  —  p.  299. 

14.  No  care  or  attention  has  hitherto  been  paid  to  secure  or  obtain  Ecclesiastical  property, 
or  to  select  anything  for  the  purpose— p.  300. 


il^ 


334 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


15.  A  plate  has  long  been  going  around  for  a  School,  but  the  money  has  been  diverted  • 
some  few  materials  have  been  bought  for  it,  but  the  first  stone  is  yet  to  be  laid  — p.  300. 

IG.  The  poor's  money  is  mostly  in  the  hands  of  the  Company,  wlio  have  paid  neither 
prmcipal  nor  interest  —  p.  300. 

17.  There  was  indeed  a  flying  report  about  an  orphan-house,  hospital  and  asylum  for  the 
aged,  but  it  amounted  to  nothing  —  p.  300. 

IS.  The  Directors  have  made  no  effort  to  convert  to  Christianity  either  the  Indians,  or  the 
Klacks  or  Slaves,  owned  by  the  Company  there. 

CHAPTER  IH. 

OF    JUSTICE. 

19  The  Directors  have  written  to  Kieft  that  he,  instituting  an  action  against  the  Colonists 
should,  where  there  was  no  cause  of  action  count  one  default,  and  reckon  half  a  fault  as  a  whole 
one,  and  so  forth  — p.  297. 

20.  No  appeal  from  the  Director  is  allowed,  and  Kieft  had  two  votes  in  the  Council;  he 
had,  moreover,  but  one  councillor  John  de  la  Montague,  who  had  only  one  vote.  Cornells  van 
Koykens  was  Fiscal :  Cornelis  van  Tienhoven,  Secretary.  Sometimes,  on  extraordinary 
occasions  which  were  very  rare,  the  Director  allowed  those  whom  he  thought  proper  to  be 
mv.ted  to  a  seat  in  the  Council  but  all  these  were  usually  the  Con>nany'8  servants.  This 
was  the  Court,  where  all  justice  in  New  Netherland  was  administered,  and  no  nigher  nor 
lurther  must  men  go.     Was  not  that  a  poor  provision  — p.  304. 

21.  The  unjust  proceedings  of  the  Directors  against  Francis  Douthey  the  Minister,  who. 
because  he  appealed  from  Kieft's  unrighteous  sentence,  was  put  in  prison,  and  obliged  to  pay 
a  line  of  25  guilders  before  he  could  be  set  at  liberty— pp.  305,  306. 

82.  The  same  proceedings  were  had  recourse  to  against  Arnold  van  Hardenberg,  who  was 
likewise  fined  25  guilders  because  he  appealed  — pp.  305,  306. 

23.  After  transfer  had  been  executed  on  the  patents  to  proprietors,  Kieft  added  thereunto  a 
lit  e  clause  which  was  manifestly  contradictory ;  inasmuch  as  the  patents  include  the  land  and 
valley,  and  the  clause  takes  the  valley  bach  for  the  Company ;  in  addition  to  what  was  contained 
in  the  old  patents,  it  was  conditioned  that  people  must  bear  all  burdens  that  the  Company  will 
impose  thereupon,  which  can  be  extended  ad  infinitum— p.  306. 

24.  Director  Stuyvesant  acts  in  the  Court  as  an  interested  advocate  of  one  party  or  the 
other;  whosoever  contradicts  him,  he  berates  like  a  fishfag— p.  307. 

25.  Vice  Director  Lubbertus  van  Dincklagen  must  accord  with  the  Director,  on  account  of 
the  menaces  with  which  he  is  threatened— p.  307. 

26.  La  Montagu,  is  a  councillor,  but  he  hath  no  Commission  from  Fatherland.  Brian  Nuton 
being  an  Englishman,  understands  neither  laws  nor  language.  ' 

27.  Adriaen  Keyser,  the  Commissary  is  unqualified ;  says,  he  lets  God's  water  run  over 
God  s  land. 

28.  Jelmer  Thomassen,  skipper,  and 

29.  Paulus  Le.ndertsen,  Naval  Storekeeper  (rr/ulpage  mccster)  are  looked  upon  by  Stuyvesant 
as  thieves;  and  it  is  probably  true,  inasmuch  as  Paulus  Leendertsen  has  become  wealthy  in  a 
short  time,  though  ;n  receipt  but  of  a  small  salary— pp.  307,  308. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


88S 


30.  Henrick  van  Dyck  is  Fiscal ;  utterly  intolerable  in  words  and  deeds;  an  addle  pate— 
p.  308.  ^ 

31.  Cornelis  van  Tienhoven  is  Secretary ;  he  is  subtle,  crafty,  intelligent,  sharpwitted  for 
evil;  one  ofthe  oldest  inhabitants  in  the  country;  is  conversant  with  all  the  circumstances 
both  of  Christians  and  Indians;  hath  even  associated  with  the  savages  through  lechery;  he  is 
a  dissembler,  doublefaced,  a  cheat ;  the  whole  country  proclaims  him  a  knave,  a  murderer,  a 
traitor— pp.  308,  309,— inasmuch  as  he  by  false  reports  originated  the  war ;  he  holds  the  office'of 
Secretary,  wherein  he  perpetrates  all  conceivable  sorts  of  blunders  now  against  one,  now  against 
another ;  even  against  his  own  employers ;  he  fleeces  the  people. 

32.  Director  Stuyvesant,  though  heretofore  warned  of  the  Secretary's  qualities,  hath, 
notwithstanding,  employed  and  promoted  him. 

33.  Director  Stuyvesant's  arrogant  and  partial  behavior  towards  Joachim  Pietersen  and 
Cornelis  Melyn,  in  their  absence,  is  to  be  seen  on  p.  310,  saying,  though  they  return  with  an 
order  from  the  States,  he  should  send  them  back  forthwith. 

34.  Francis  Douthey,  an  English  Clergyman,  was  subjected  to  an  utterly  unjust  condition 
before  he  was  allowed  to  depart— never  to  mention  how  illegally  he  had  been  treated  in 
New  Netherland ;  and  because  he  would  not  execute  an  obligation  to  that  effect,  he  would  not 
be  permitted  to  leave — p.  311. 

36.  Stuyvesant  forcibly  seized  fire-arms,  the  property  of  some  freemen,  and  secretly  sold 
them  to  the  Indians — p.  311. 

36.  Divers  persons  are  denied  justice:  there  are  sundry  declarations  to  that  effect. 

37.  Joost  Teunissen  Baker  complained  to  the  9  men  of  open  violence;  having  been 
without  a  shadow  of  proof,  accused  of  smuggling,  by  one  the  Company's  servants  underserving 
of  belief,  he  was,  after  thirteen  days'  imprisonment,  released  on  bail;  and  no  proof  being  forth 
coming  after  the  expiration  of  a  year  and  a  day,  Stuyvesant  refused,  nevertheless,  to  discharge 
the  bail,  which  is  still  bound,  whilst  Joost  Teunissen  himself  is  in  Fatherland.  The  nine  men 
demanding  right  and  justice  in  his  behalf,  were,  however,  unable  to  assist  him. 

38.  Peter  van  der  Linde  is,  in  like  manner,  refused  right  and  justice. 

39.  The  English  were  highly  indignant  at  that  atrocious  proclamation  in  which  he  offered 
free  refuge  to  all  those  who  had  fallen  into  the  hands  of  justice  in  New  England,  no  matter 
what  their  crime  was. 

40.  Confiscating  ships  for  trifling  reasons,  causes  much  trouble  and  diversion  of  the 
trade — p.  312. 

41.  Stuyvesant  went  in  person  to  the  room  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  president  of  the  board 
ofthe  nine  men,  and  took  away  the  rough  draft  or  blotter,  which  he,  by  order  of  the  Selectmen, 
had  filled  up  from  day  to  day  —  p.  316. 

42.  To  cut  off  the  usual  means  of  justice  and  declarations,  the  Directors,  both  Stuyvesant 
and  Kieft,  gave  orders  that  no  declarations  should  be  drawn  up  except  before  Secretary 
Tienho-en,  who  reported  everything  just  as  he  pleased.  And  it  is  to  be  remaked,  that 
such  order  was  issued  or  renewed  each  time  they  became  alarmed  that  certificates  of  their 
misgovernment  were  in  course  of  prcpnration  —  p.  316. 

43.  Children  of  manumitted  si  ives  were  retained  in  slavery,  contrary  to  all  public  law. 


r;9 


Vr   I    fl 


886  NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

OP    FINANCE    AND   TRADE. 

44.  Because  the  Exemptions  have  been  changed  twice,  occasion  has  been  taken  by  the 
D.rectors  and  other  the  Company's  servants,  when  the  merchants  and  inhabitants  plead 
l!.xempt..on  to  say:_The  Exemptions  are  abrogated;  and  where  the  goods  are  at  the  charge 
of  the  inhabuants,  they  are  rated  at  their  full  value.  Wherefore,  whatever  men  please,  is 
a  lowed  to,  or  retained  from  people,  who  are  subject  to  arbitrary  imposition.  'Twas  promised 
at  hrst.  that  the  Company  would  be  satisfied  with  five  per  cent;  it  now  collects  a  duty  of  full 
sixteen  per  cent  —  p.  314.  ^ 

f h„?h  ^"fPf  "7';f  "g«;  carelessness  and  detention  of  goods,  fall  so  heavy  on  the  merchant 
hat  he  had  as  l.ef  be  a  slave  under  the  Turk  as  a  trader  under  the  rule  of  the  Company     Bv 
these  means,  also,  is  the  trade  of  this  country  retrograding  — p.  897. 

46.  There  are  some  few,  on  the  other  hand,  who  stand  well  with  the  Masters  or  the  Master's 
men.  or  do  them  particular  good  turns- with  these  everything  is  done  pro  formd,  by  v^hich 
means  they  drive  a  more  lucrative  trade  than  others.  Hence  arises  this  evil :  the  government 
does  what  the  subjects  do-to  wit.  carries  on  trade  there,  and  that  in  competition  with  the 
people— pp.  311,  312.  *  ^     nuu  wiui  me 

47.  The  Company  hath  never  yet  undertaken  anything  special  for  the  advantage  of  New 
Netherland  whereby  It  has  been  iiiiproved  — p.  300. 

from'it-rsis"''  "  '"'''  '"^  ^''^  "^  ^'''  Netherland.  except  when  something  is  to  be  got 

49.  The  inhabitants  universally  complain  that  they  prosper  less  than  their  neighbors  who 
enjoy  greater  freedom,  as  regards  imposts,  than  our  nation.  The  Directors  and  the  Company's 
servants  make  answer,  tliat  they  are  well  aware  of  it,  and  cannot  help  it ;  complaint  of  it 
must  be  made  to  the  Lords  Majors  and  their  High  Mightinesses  -  p.  314 

50.  The  excise  was  imposed  by  force  ;  that  on  beer  by  Kieft  — p  300. 

61.  Kieft  hath  also  imposed  duties  on  the  People  contrary  to  the  Company's  orders. 

orth.lT^T\  '""T"^  "."  T''"  °"  '''"''  '°"''^'y  '"  '^'  P«''"°"'  •'^"'J  "g-'"^'  the  consent, 
of  the  inhabitants.    Instead  of  removing  that  on   beer  which  was  finally  agreed  to  for  the 

duration  of  the  war.  or  imposed  against  the  public  will,  contributions  were  levied  for  public 
works,  which,  notwithstanding,  have  never  been  constructed  — pp.  301,  302,  303. 

53.  The  Company's  property  in  New  Netherland  amounts  to  about  00(1,70,000  guilders- 
per  contra,  it  is  indebted  as  much  or  more  to  private  individuals  — p.  301. 

64  The  revenue  and  excise  are  incorporated  with  the  Company's  effects,  and  the  one  and 
the  other  employed  to  make  friends  and  to  obtain  certificates  — p.  302 

65  Stuyvesant  hath  built  considerably,  at  great  expense  to  the  Company,  from  which  no 
pront  has  been  derived  —  p.  302. 

56.  Neither  has  any  order  been  made  relative  to  the  e]l  or  weights  and  measure.,  onr  t.  '!,e 
currency  m  wampum  or  coin,  notwithstanding  the  people  have  petitioned  and  .!...„  l,o^  it 
ought  and  could  be  effected  — p.  302. 

57.  The  Company's  grain  measure  is  suspected  — p.  303. 

58.  Stuyvesant  trades  in  articles  of  contraband,  and  carries  on  all  sorts  of  traffic  on  his 
individual  account — pp  311,  312. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    V. 


887 


59.  Stuyvesant  insists  on  the  payment  of  the  debts  contracted  by  individualB  during  the 
war,  or  that  Company  be  paid  interest ;  many  being  impoverished,  little  or  no  choice  is  thus 
left  them — p.  313. 

60.  On  the  other  hand,  payment  is  refused  of  the  lawful  debts  which  the  Company  owes 
individuals,  such  as  earned  monthly  wages,  goods  delivered,  &c p.  313. 

61.  With  a  view  to  win  th^^e  back  whom  he  hath  offended  in  the  highest  degree,  Stuyvesant 
hath  exempted  the  English,  for  a  long  time  past,  from  the  duty  which  the  Dutch  were  obliged 
to  pay;  his  caprice  may  be  hence  inferred.  Great  injury  was  thus  inflicted  on  the  trade  of 
our  nation  and  of  our  merchants. 

CHAPTER  V. 

OF    THH    MILITARY. 

62.  The  Directors,  in  Amsterdam,  have  given  orders  to  Stuyvesant  to  sell  articles  of 
contraband,  such  as  guns,  powder  and  lead,  to  the  Indians  —  pp.  311,  312. 

63.  The  fort  is  dismantled  and  allowed  to  go  to  ruin  ;  and  a  military  force  hath  never  been 
maintained  there  competent  for  the  defence  and  protection  of  the  inhabitants,  but  sufficient 
for  their  ruin  and  destruction  —  p.  303. 

64.  Kieft  falsely  laid  at  the  door  of  the  people  the  blame  of  the  war  which  had  been 
enkmdled  by  him  and  his  adherents,  especially  by  Secretary  Cornelis  van  T;enhoven  by  means 
of  his  false  reports  —  p.  304. 

65.  The  war  was  caused  solely  by  the  exaction  from  and  refusal  by  the  Indians  of 
contributions  which  they  did  not  owe;  the  injudicious  expeditions  and  violence  against  them, 
and  the  cruel  slaughter  which  first  manifested  itself  in  a  mysterious  toast  — pp.  304,  306. 

66.  Jacob  Ryntges  and  Jacob  Schermerhorn  were  banished,  and  their  goods  confiscated,  for 
smuggling:  the  ban  is  removed,  but  the  restitution  of  the  property  is  impossible  — p.  312. 

67.  The  Directors,  in  Holland,  have  not  endeavored,  nor  used  any  means,  nor  given' any 
orders,  to  discover  the  cause  of,  or  to  forbid  the  war,  which  creates  strong  suspicion  that  they 
themselves  authorized  it  —  p.  314. 

68.  The  St.  Beninio,  a  ship  belonging  to  Benjor,  an  Italian  at  Amsterdam,  was  forcibly  cut 
out  of  New  Haven,  where  it  lay  under  the  protection  of  the  English,  and  brought  as  a  prize 
to,  and  confiscated  at  the  Manhattans. 

In  addition  to  these,  there  are  divers  other  excesses  too  numerous  to  particulariae. 


J, -■  f 


Vol  I. 


43 


11  fi 


.i  ts 


f 


838 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


Answer  of  the  Wesi  India  Company  to  the  liemomtrance  from  New  Nethtrland. 


IFrom  lh«  OrlglMl  m  J,,  Ejy.!  jrchlvei  .>  IL.  Imgu,  j  LokMm  of  th.  State.  Oen.ral ; 

of  the  Bundle,  ] 


Robric  Hirt  Inditcht  CotnpaatM'&a.  80 \  Tlh dlTlalon 


Answer  to  the  Remonstrance  delivered  by  the  Delegates  from  New  Netheriand, 
or.  the  27'"  January,  1C50,  to  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  Gene.al  of 
the  United  Netherlands. 

It  appeareth   strange  to  the  Directors  (of  the  W.  L  Company.)  that  the  Remonstrants 
commence  t.ie.r  mtrcduct.on  with  calumnies  againnt  the  Board,  their  Patroons.  complaining  of 
excesses  and  highly  injurious  neglect,  vhich,  if  any  existed,  ought  to  have  been  rep.-esented 
in  season  to  the  laid  Patroons,  by  them  in  virtue  of  their  commission  dated  27  July   1C49 
communicated  for  the  tirst  time, on  th.  O'-  of  Decomber  last,  full  eight  or  nine  weeks  subsequent 
to  the.r  arrival ;  and  that  they  addressed  themselves  to  the  Lords  of  the  Supreme  goverr.nent 
without   havmg   ever   spoken  or  made  any  application  on  the  subject  of  their  commission, 
to  the  Directors,  notwithstanding  the  latter  were  requested  by  th.i:  general  letters  to  lend  them 
assistance.     And  though  under  correcum,  the  Directors  are  of  opinion  that,  by  virtue  of  the 
Charter  granted  by  your  High  .Mightinesses  to  the  Company,  the  said  Delegates,  as  they  style 
themselves,  were  in  duty  bound  to  address  themselves  to  the  Directors  at  the  Chamber  at 
Amsterdam,  and  in  case  of  receiving  no  satisfaction  there,  to  f-te  Assembly  of  the  XiX    where 
your  High  Mightinesses  preside  by  your  Hon""  Deputies.     Being,  with  this  reservation,  disposed 
to  respond  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  invitation,  we  say : 

To  the  tirst  Article. 
If  the  petitioners  know  of  any  Directors  here,  who  have  preferred  their  own  private  interests 
to  the  general  advantage  of  the  Company,  contrary  to  their  oath  and  honor,  they  ought  to  stale 
It,  or  be  bound  yet  to  do  so.  Failing  therein  it  is  answered,  that  the  petitioners  do  in  no  wise 
refer  to  the  Company's  government,  inasmuch  as  they  speak  of  matters  which  transpired 
betore  the  major  part  of  them  were  in  the  country. 

To  the  2nd. 
The  Directors  ignore  this  ;  saying,  if  lands  have  been  refused  for  purposes  of  cultivation  the 
petitioners  ought  to  indicate  who  those  were  that  did  so.  if  they  know  them.   ' 

3. 

The  Exemptions  have  never  been  altered  without  the  knowledge  of  your  High  Mightinesses 
and  that  of  the  XIX..  and  let  it  be  shown  who  aimed  therein  at  their  private  advantage. 

4. 

The  Directors  are  not  aware  that  contributions  have  been  levied  off  the  Indians,  much  less 
that  orders  to  that  eflect  have  been  issued  by  them  or  any  other  person. 


The  letter  was  communicated  to  the  Diret-tnr  with  good  intentions,  in  order  that  he  m.Vl.t 
see,  and  purge  himself  of.  the  accusation  ;  without  any  orders  to  molest  the  signers  of  the  letter 
for  what  they  had  done. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    V. 


339 


6. 

The  Directors  do  not  select  any  agents  but  such  as  they  consider  qualified,  and  ere  approved 
by  their  High  Mightinesses  and  by  thorn  provided  with  regular  Commission  and  Instruction. 
And  as  regards  the  case  of  Jochim  Pitersen  and  Cornelis  Melyn,  who  have  been  punished  for 
reasons  more  fully  set  forth  in  their  sentence,  the  Board  finds  ii  particularly  strange  that 
these  people  dare  complain  that  (to  use  their  own  language)  evil  doers  and  their  gross  misdeeds 
go  unpunished,  when  on  the  other  hand,  'tis  notorious  that  up  to  the  present  time,  no 
application  has  been  made  to  the  Directors.  As  regards  the  complaints  about  the  petitions,  we 
cannot  form  any  other  opinion  but  that  the  Governor  found  suflicient  reasons  to  lay  them  aside, 
and  hath  left  them  unanswered. 

Such  placards  were  never  communicated  to  the  Board  of  Directors. 

7. 

The  Board  has  no  knowledge  of  what  the  Directors  (in  N.  N.)  say;  but  this  is  true  that  the 
latter  represent  the  Supreme  government  and  the  Company,  administering  justice  conformably 
to  Commission  and  Instruction,  in  the  name  of  their  High  Mightinesses,  his  Highness  and  of 
the  Company. 

8. 
We  cannot  understand  what  the  petitioners  would  express  by  the  S""  Article. 


We  never  heard  before  that  the  Director  spoke  harshly  to  those  who  treated  him  respectfully ; 
but  are  now  informed  that  a  certain  person,  who  was  unwilling  to  allow  his  goods  to  be 
inspected,  behaved  with  great  opposition  towards  the  Director.  Wherefore  it  may  be  that  the 
hitter  expressed  hnnself  as  the  occasion  required,  but  we  know  nothing  of  the  matter. 


*•  10. 

The  sentence  can  explain  the  grounds  of  Jochim  I'itersen  and  Cornelis  Melyn's  punishment. 

U. 
We  say  the  Director  was  favorably  inclined  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  Commonalty, 
on  condition  that  he  were  communicated  with,  But  these  men  separated  themselves  from  the 
well-disposed  and  secretly  induced  a  few  low  inhabitants  to  sign  their  names,  who,  also,  Jiave 
contributed  each  a  few  pennies  to  the  delegation,  as  more  fully  can  appear  by  the  particular 
signatures,  or  procuration  atfixed  to  the  Remonstrance;  hence,  'tis  probable  that  these  persons 
abuse  the  name  of  the  Commonalty,  as  the  Uenionstrance  is  signed  by  the  minority,  the  masa 
of  the  people  not  approving  of  those  proceedings,  but  evincing  every  satisfaction  with  the 
present  government,  according  to  the  Uemonslrance  No.  3,  signed  by  i»0  persons  residing  at 
the  Manliatans. 

la. 

The  Church  was  erected,  for  latisfactory  reasons,  in  the  fort. 

13. 

It  roNt  much  more  than  SOOO  guilders  whereof  it  cannot  be  proved  that  the  people  paid 
eight  hundred;  the  collection  taken  up  by  subscription,  hath  realiied  the  least. 


1      ( 


840 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


14 


We  request  that  they  declare  what  they  understaod  by  ecclesiastical  property. 


15 


The  Director  hath  not  the  administration  of  the  money  that  was  taken  up  on  the  plate  • 
but  Jacob  Couwenhoven,  who  is  one  of  the  petitioners,  hath  kept  account  of  it  in  his  quality 
of  churchwarden.  ' 


16. 


'Tis  acknowledged  that  the  Company  is  indebted  to  the  Deaconry,  nine  or  ten  hundred 
guilders,  according  to  the  tenor  of  the  obligation  thereof  drawn  up  in  New  Netherland  A"  1G49 
The  first  interest  thereupon  will  fail  due  A"  1650. 


i7. 


The  Company's  circumstances  admitted  of  the  building  neither  of  an  hospital  nor  orphan 
asylum,  which  are  not  very  necessary  there  as  yet. 

18. 
Every  one  conversant  with  the  Indians  in,  and  around  New  Netherland,  will  be  able  to  say 
that  It  IS  morally  impossible  to  convert  the  adults  to  the  Christian  faith.     Besides,  'tis  a  Minister'! 
business  to  apply  himself  to  that,  and  the  Director's  duly  to  assist  him  therein. 

Chapter  III.     Article  19. 
The  present  Board  of  Directors  seeks  for  proof  as  to  who  those  are  who  have  given  orders  to 
reckon  half  a  fault  for  a  whole  one;  they  cannot  believe  that  such  order  emanated  from  the 
Assembly  (of  the  XIX.) 

90.  • 

The  Charter  accorded  by  their  High  Mightinesses  to  the  Company  shows  that  the  judgments 
of  the  Director  and  Council  are  final. 


Respecting  this  article,  we  refer  to  the  sentence. 


22. 

This  article  we  refer,  as  above,  to  the  sentence. 

83. 

,v^y"  «'« '"/"""^d  ""''  therefore  sny,  that  the  petitioners  will  not  prove  that  the  late  Director. 
\\,IIem  K...rt  hath  c.lled  in  more  than  one  patent;  and  he  subjoined  with  his  own  hand,  that 
he  reserved  the  vnlU-y.  not  for  the  Company,  but  for  the  town  of  Breuckelen  in  general  The 
reason  of  this  revocation  was,  because  Jan  Kvorsen  Bout,  one  of  the  petitioners  who 
...Tupu-H  part  ol  the  valley,  together  with  others  besides  him  who  undertook  to  found  or 
improve  the  town  of  Breukelen  at  their  own  expense,  submilt...!  to  the  Director  how  prejudicial 
twould  be  to  the  town  that  one  man  named  Tunis  Nyssen  shoul.l  have  the  exclu.iv..  pcesnion 
of  so  extensive  a  valley,  directly  contrary  to  the  Freedoms.  The  Director  had  signed" the 
patent  on  the  report  of  Iludde,  the  Surveyor,  without  specifying  therein  the  number  of  m.r^«,.. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


341 


And  after  information  had  been  received  from  said  Jan  Eversen  (one  of  the  petitioners)  and 
others,  the  Director  allowed  Tonis  Nyssen  agreeably  to  the  Freedoms,  as  much  of  said  valley 
as  he  should  have  need  of  in  proportion  to  his  plantation. 


24. 


The  Director  being  president,  gives  permission  to  speak ;  but   it  must  be  shown  that  he, 
sitting  in  court,  pleaded  any  one's  case  as  an  advocatt. 


This  point  demands  proof. 


95. 


26. 


Director  Kieft  did,  with  the  approbation  of  his  superiors,  employ  La  Montagne,  a  very 
learned  man,  as  member  of  the  Council,  although  not  sent  from  Fatherland  expressly  in  that 
capacity,  in  which  he  is  continued  by  Director  Stuyvesanl. 

Brian  Nuton,  Captain  Lieutenant,  having  served  the  Company  a  long  time,  is  also  employed 
as  Councillor;  and  it  is  a  great  untruth,  that  he  does  not  understaud  the  Dutch  language,  but 
it  will  be  proved  that  he  speaks  it  fluently. 

27. 
The  petitioners  must  show  that  Commissary  Adriaen  de  Keyser,  is  unqualified  for  his  office. 

28  and  29. 
We  are  not  aware  that  the  Director   esteems  Jelmer  Tomassen  and  Paulus  Leendersen 
to  be  thieves.     Jelmer  Tomassen  is  in  this  country ;  if  needs  be,   he  will  willingly  answer 
the  petitioners. 

30. 
On  proof  of  this  article  by  the  petitioners,  the  Fiscal  will  be  recalled. 

31. 

As  regards  the  calumnies  against  Cornells  van  Tienhoven,  he  is  prepared  to  answer  the 
petitioners,  if  their  High  Mightinesses  consider  it  necessary. 

88. 

No  person  warned  the  Director  against  the  Secretary,  except  those  who  were  seeking  for  hit 
situation :  that  might  be  proved  in  New  Nethcrland. 

33. 

Dirertor  Sluyvpsant's  demeanor  towards  Jochem  Pitersen  and  Melyn,  is  to  ut  unknown,  and 
it  must  be  proved,  and  not  stated  through  passion. 

34. 

Frunris  Doulhey  being  indebted  to  the  Company  about  eleven  hundred  guilders,  petitioned, 
in  New  Nt-therland,  for  perniisHJon  to  depart.  The  Director  and  Council  are  willing  to  all.  w 
him  to  do  so,  hut  think  they  ought  first  of  all  he  paid ;  his  inrapncity  so  to  do,  was  the  reason 
why  he  was  not  allowed  to  depart,  and  it  must  be  proved  that  the  Director  required  from 
him  any  ohiigation  under  his  hand. 


342 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


35. 


t    I 


We  are  informed  that  the  petitioners  will    in  no  wise  be  able   to  prove  that  Director 
bruyves,.nt   hath  confi^caled   any  person's   arms;    but   'tis  very  true,  that  in  1648.  a  few 

d2tJ  ^  1  '"7  uT  ""^  '""""•  ^''°  ^■'''^  '^'y  '""^  '^^""g'^'  '^^^"^  r°r  their  personal 
defence  And  as  tliey  had  n„r  provided  themselves  with  a  certificate  from  the  Chamber  at 
Amsterdam,  pursuant  to  general  orders,  the  Fiscal  seized  the  guns,  for  each  of  which,  though 
u  .ject  .0  confiscat.on  the  Director  out  of  pure  kindness,  paid  two  beavers  or  sixteen  guilders, 
being  nearly  double  what  they  cost  in  this  country. 

36. 

The  petitioners  ought  to  have  exhibited  the  declarations,  if  any  they  have,  to  the  Board. 

37. 

Joost  Tonissen  having  been  accused,  with  others,  by  the  Company's  Corporal,  of  having 
bougt  guns,  locks  and  barrels  from  him  ;  and  as  the  accusation  was  true,  which  said  Corporal 
repented  agamst  Jacob  Reynsen.  the  Council,  with  the  Fiscal,  went  to  his  (Tonisen's)  hou  e 
and   makmg  a  search,  found  one  Company's  musket,  which  the  Fiscal  took  away  with  him 
fnd  i^ouIon'lT"'  ''°"""  ""'^'^  '■"'""  '"'™^'-.  Joo«t  Tonissen  was'implZ' 

38. 

Wherein  was  Piter  van  der  Linden  refused  right  or  justice  ? 

39. 

VVe  are  informed  that  the  English  in  the  colony  of  New  Haven,  in  New  England,  had. 
c  tr  y  to  ancent  custom,  protected  the  Company's  servants  and  freemen  who  had  run  way 
and.  though  requested,  would  not  allow  them  to  return  ,o  their  Lords  and  Masters  A 
rroc  ,,„,  ,hen  issued,  with  the  advice  of  the  Council,  that  whosoever  won  d  comt 

ove    to  us  frou,  thence,  should  be  protected  in  like  manner.     On  Governor  Ew,n  ll.ti  g    ome 
ng.t.ves  go    who  returned  back  to  us,  .he   proclamation  was  annulled,  the   disle  „b7u 

40. 

The  ships  confiscated  in  New  Netherlnnd   nr«  tho    «»    u„       i     •       ..         ... 
Williu,,  Ki.c. .  .1.     V.    1/    ••         ,""'""•'  ""^^  ♦"«  A/.  PiZ/er,  durmg  the  administration  of 

Z     r  V  ""^"'  "'"'  "''  ""''  ^'"^  ''^'"^  '•""  f>'"'n""kcn,  bv  Director  Stuyvesant 

ndCounc.1    because  the  first  had  not  observed  his  contract,  and  had  articles  of  cot.a.ad 
the  other  h..d  come  wuhout  license  an.!   without  paying  either   duties  or  convoy,  to  trade 
w.tlun  the  lunus  o<  the  charter  granted  to  the  Con.,,any  by  their  High  Mightinesses. 

41. 

Director  Stuyvesant  was  so  informed  by  Thomas  Hall  and  Michiel  Jansen,  co-petitioner.- 

:'::  ir:z;;« '- '-  -'  ^"^  '--^ "« --^  '••  -^  -  -^^^  -  ~i:;;; 

42. 
In  consequence  of  housekeepers  and  other  common  people  in  New  Netherland  comin. 
frequently  beiore  the  court,  with  declarations  drawn  up  by  this  or  t'other  sailor,  and  tiZ 


HOLLAND  DOCl^ENTS:    V. 


343 


who  had  signed  the  declarations  as  deponents,  when  heard  thereon,  frequently  asserting  that 
the  declarations  were  drawn  up  quite  contrary  to  their  meaning,  it  was  ordered  that  no 
declarations  should  be  of  any  force  in  that  country  unless  drawn  up  by  the  Secretary  or 
some  other  public  persou  qualified  thereunto,  but  by  no  means  with  any  such  view  as  the 
petitioners  represent. 


43. 


The  Company's  negroes,  taken  from  the  Spaniards,  beit-  all  slaves,  were,  on  account  of 
their  long  services,  manumitted  on  condition  that  their  children  serve  the  Company  whenever 
it  pleased.  Of  all  the  children,  no  more  than  three  are  in  service,  viz.,  one,  which  Sluyvesnnt 
has  with  him  on  tfee  Company's  bouwerie;  one  at  the  house,  the  Hope;  one  wench  with 
Marten  Krigier,  who  hath  reared  her  from  a  little  child  at  his  own  expense. 

44. 

It  is  not  true  that  the  Company  hath  received  five  per  cent,  but  in  reality  sixteen  per  cent, 
according  to  contracts  made  with  merchants  in  the  premise-s ;  th- y  enjoy,  in  return,  trade 
which  the  Company  might  otherwise  retain  to  themselves  agreeabi;,-  to  the  charter;  and  the 
text  — five  per  cent  — is  incorrectly  applied,  it  having  reference  to  freights  and  not  to  duties; 
according  to  Exemptions,  article  10. 

45. 

The  merchants  are  treated  agreeably  to  the  regulations  made  therein. 

46. 

We  know  not  wliat  the  petitioners  mean  by  this  article. 

47. 

We  think  the  Company  has  done  enough,  to  wit:  in  conveying  over,  at  the  Company's 
expense,  numbers  of  people,  among  whom  were  Jacob  Couwenhoven's  father  and  brothers, 
together  with  cattle  and  other  necessaries. 

4S. 
We  consider  their  duty  to  be  to  receive  wiiatever  is  to  be  paid. 


This  article  is  answered  in  the  deduction. 


49. 


00. 


'Tis  to  be  considered  that,  in  New  Netherland,  only  a  beer  and  wine-excise  is  levied, 
which  is  paid  by  the  Tapsters  alone;  the  rest  of  the  inhabitants  are  untaxed  and  do  not  pay 
any  excise. 

«1. 

The  late  Director  Kieft.  having  great  need  of  money,  collected,  in  New  [Netherland],  in 
supplies  for  the  people,  the  duties  which  the  traders  were  bound  to  pay  to  the  Directors  at 
Amsterdam,  as  the  accounts  of  llio  privileged  merchants  can  show;  some  petty  traders 
(schotten)  paid  in  beavers  or  in  wampum. 


I. 


1:1 

1 


844 


NEW-YOR I  COLONIAL  MANUSCEIPTS. 


62. 


The  burgher,  or  other  .nhab.tants  of  New  Netherland.  do  not  pay  any  beer  or  wine^xcise  ; 
the  >nn  or  tavern-keeper,  alone  is  obliged  to  pay  the  excise,  which  impost  is  less  than  of  right 
belongs  to  the  Company,  and  there  is  no  cause  for  the  inhabitants  to  complain  on  that  account. 

63. 
We  are  of  opinion  that  the  petitioners  are  utterly  ignorant  of  the  Company's  property  and 
very  .mproperly  make  any  estimate  thereof,  that  being,  in  no  wise,  the  petit^oneXusiCs 

64  and  66. 
We  consider  that  we  are  fully  authorized  to  employ  the  Company's  revenue  as  may  be 
necessary,  wuhout  being  obliged  to  render  any  account  to  the  petitfoners  or    uch  pZns 
and  demand  proof  that  the  Company's  property  is  employed  in  getting  certiHcates 

66. 

NeufeT7'.r  w  ^"'  ^"\""  '"""""'^  '""  ^^'-""P"-"  «'"°"«  the  common  people,  in  New 

to     X      wl  r'""  "r''"'  '"""'^  P""'^  ''  '''  ''''  »'■  f°-  f-  «  «tive'r.  was  reduced 

to    .X.     We  are  not  aware  of  any  other  but  the  Dutch  ell.  measure  and  weight,  being  h>  use 
and  an  order  was  .ssued.  last  summer,  that  all  the  inhabitants  should  bring  fheir  w2    s"  o 
the  Company's  warehouse,  to  be  stamped  anew  there.  ^ 

67. 
No  complaint  has  been  heard  against  the  Company's  grain  measure. 

68. 

The  petitioners  ought  to  prove  that  the  Director  trades  on  his  own  account    or  allow, 
rad,ng  ,„  art.cles  of  contraband.     If  he  sell  merchandise,  or  cause  any  to  b    sdd  'ti    h^ 
business  and  'twill  appear  in  account,  and  be  charged  to  the  Company.  ' 

69. 

rr  •;;:  :-.:,■>•  s::;:-  Hs  ~3  =E= 

Company  itself  pays  interest.  ^  ramer  as  the 

60. 
'Tis  strange  that  these  petitioners  should  say  the  Company's  debts  arP  nnf  nn!  i   •  x. 

61. 

» 


I   i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    V. 


845 


Chaptkr  v.     Article  62. 

It  is  not  known,  and  proof  is  demanded,  that  orders  have  been  given  by  us  to  trade  in 
articles  of  contraband. 

63. 
The  fort  belonging  to  the  Company  has,  for  want  of  means,  not  been  properly  repaired  ;  the 
petitioners,  though  requested,  would  not  aid  in  repairing  it,  although  'twas  designed  for  their 
own  defence;  and  the  additional  embarrassments  of  the  Company  prevented  soldiers  being 
sent  thither,  if  any  one  hath  suffered  annoyance  from  the  soldiers,  he  ought  to  have 
complained  thereof  to  the  officer. 

64. 

We  know  not  to  whom  Willem  Kieft,  now  deceased,  attributed  the  war;  but  'tis,  indeed 
true,  that  the  freemen  (accompanied  l)y  Covert  Loockermans,  one  of  the  petitioners),  made 
the  attack  on  the  Indians  at  Corlaer's  Hook,  and  the  soldiers  on  those  at  Pavonia. 

Previous  to  these  expeditions  and   before  war  was  decided  on,  in  the  Council  Chamber 
where  th^  Reverend  Mr.  Bogardus  was  present,  Cornells  van  Tienhoven  and  Hans  Steen  were 
commanded  by  the  Director  and  Council  to  repair  to  Pavonia,  and  to  examine  the  position  of 
the  Indian  huts;  whereof  they  made  a  report. 

65. 

We  never  authorized  nor  countenanced  the  war;  but  on  all  occasions,  ordered  that  every 
possible  attempt  be  made  to  preserve  peace. 

G(i. 
Jacob  Reynfjes  an!  Schermerhoorn  were  not  banislied  for  smuggling;  but  because  they 
purchased  the  Company's  arms  from  its  Corporal,  and  traded  them  away  to  the  Indians;  as 
can  be  proved  by  their  letters,  signed  with  their  own  hands. 

67. 

That  we  have  been  the  cause  of  the  war,  requires  proof;  on  the  contrary  we  have  written, 
by  every  opportunity,  to  endeavor  by  all  means  to  restore  peace. 

68. 

The  ship  Beninjo.  belonging  to  Sieur  Bensio,  being  come  within  the  limits  and  charter  of 
the  Company,  without  permit,  or  consent  of  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  much  less  without 
having  paid  duty,  was  taken  out  of  the  bay  in  front  of  New  Haven,  and  confiscated  in  New 
Netherland.  The  owner  is  in  Amsterdam ;  had  he  thought  that  he  suffered  any  wrong  he 
should  long  since  have  brought  it  before  the  court.  And  it  is  worthy  remark,  that  some  of 
the  petitioners  offered  a  reward  for  the  seizure  or  arrest  of  this  interloper.  The  grounds 
of  the  confiscation  appear  in  the  judgment. 

We  cannot  discover  from  the  Remonstrance  of  the  delegates  from  New  Netherland,  with 
what  view  these  people  have  come  hither,  inasmuch  as  the  entire  of  their  complaints  is' filled 
with  calumnies,  not  only  agninst  the  Director,  but  especially  against  us.  (heir  Patroons.  who 
therefore,  cannot  presume  otherwise  hut  that  these  people  intend,  on  the  one  hand,  to  rid 
liiemselves  of  all  government,  or  on  the  other,  to  pay  in  this  wise  the  Company,  what  many  of 
Vol.  I.  44 


I-     -> 


346 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i'^- 


them  are  for  a  long  time  indebted  to  it ;  and  principally  to  escape  the  tenths  of  their  incomes 
now  due  by  many  for  several  years,  and  which,  on  account  of  their  iterated  complaints  of  the 
losses  they  had  experienced,  were  remitted  up  to  the  year  1648,  when  the  Director  first 
mentioned  them.  The  consequence  was,  the  people  being  under  covenant  in  this  case, 
requested  to  be  exonerated  for  still  another  year  from  the  aforesaid  tythes.  In  this  they  were 
again  favored,  and  it  seems  as  if,  in  return  for  all  this,  they  intend  to  pay  their  Patroons  as 
already  stated.  We  are  respectfully  of  opinion  that,  if  these  people  have  anything  to  represent 
or  to  request,  they,  as  has  already  been  said  in  the  beginning,  ought  to  have  applied  to  the 
Board  of  Directors,  in  conformity  to  their  credentials,  addressed  to  this  Chamber.  Done  at 
the  Hague,  the  31-'  January,  1660. 

(Signed)        P.  Marcus  de  Vogelab. 
Jacob  Pergens. 

ISAACK   VAN    BeECE. 


Petition  of  the  Delegates  from  New  Netherlands 

[  From  .b.  Or.gln.1  in  th,  Boyal  Archlrw  .t  .He  Hague ,  Zotrtto,  of  the  Stale.  Geoeral  t  DItWoo,  Wut  Inii^  OompagnU,  No. ».  ] 

[   L.    S.   ] 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  the  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 
High  and  Mighty  Lords! 

The  Delegates  from  New  Netherland  represent  with  due  respect,  that  they  delivered  into  the 
Assembly  here,  on  the  13-  October.  1649,  a  certain  petition  and  commission,  Setting  forth 
the  sober,  and  utterly  ruinous  condition  of  Ne^  Netherland ;  and,  moreover,  have  communicated 
to  the  committee  divers  other  p  .pers,  together  with  a  perfect  map  of  the  country,  and  its 
situation,  as  well  as  some  samples  of  the  fruits  and  peltries  produced  there;  also,  furnished 
full  verbal  information  on  every  subject  in  particular;  performed,  likewise,  all  the  duties  they 
could  remember,  according  to  the  directions  and  instructions  of  their  principals  in  New 
Netherland,  in  order  to  obtain  thorough  redress.  Whereupon  some  of  the  Board  of  Directors 
were  inclined  to  act  inconsiderately,  as  is  their  usual  custom,  and  to  criminate  and  countermine 
what  the  petitioners  have  done,  accusing  them  of  being  unworthy  of  all  credit,  demanding 
unseasonably  further  proof  of  matters,  in  order,  as  the  petitioners  cannot  but  apprehend,  thus, 
by  controversy,  to  delay  and  protract  the  good  work. 

Independent  of  the  petitioners  and  their  constituents  being  public,  and  for  the  country's 
interests,  sworn  individuals,  who  therefore  in  such  case  deserve  full  credit,  their  proofs  are  as 
palpable  as  the  sun  at  clear  noon,  inasmuch  as  they  have  asserted,  that  disorder  and  an 
insufferable  government,  with  their  consequences,  in  conjunction  with  the  covetousness  of 
some  individuals,  are  the  sole  cause  and  parent  of  all  that  ruin  and  mischief,  as  the  injurious 
fru.ts  thereof  amply  testify,  because  Heaven  has  not  visited  New  Netherland  with  any 
extraordinary,  unavoidable  calamities,  except  such  as  have  originated  with  the  Company  and 
Its  agents.  Again,  that  country  is  more  favored,  and  better  situated  than  New  England ;  the 
Dutch  also  commenced  planting  their  respective  lands  many  years  before  the  English,  yet, 
notwithstanding.  New  England  is  populous,  rich,  prosperous,  driving  an  immense  trade  and 


5 


ii  ,» I 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


mi 


commerce  almost  with  the  entire  universe  ;  yea,  is  flourishing,  whilst  New  Netherland,  on  the 
contrary,  is  a  desert,  usurped  on  the  east  side  by  the  English,  and  on  the  southwest  side  by 
the  Swedes,  despite  of  first  possession  taken  by  this  State;  and  is,  moreover,  impoverished, 
harassed  and  afflicted  ;  yea,  reduced  to  utter  ruin  by  the  aforesaid  bad  government.  Pending 
the  war,  remonstrances  and  complaints  against  it  were  addressed,  in  abundance,  both  verbally 
and  in  writing  to  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  XIX.  Finally,  when  hope  and  help  there 
was  none,  the  matter  was  communicated  to  your  High  Mightinesses.  The  entire  country  hath 
long  felt  the  evil  effects  of  the  war ;  and  felt  it  the  more  through  the  danger  of  Indian  revenge ; 
and  it  will  continue  to  experience  it,  until  those  in  that  country  who  are  responsible  for  the 
mischiefs,  and  were  instructed  and  sworn  by  your  High  Mightinesses  to  correct  the  evil  by 
strict  justice,  are  recalled  home;  until  Cornells  van  Tienhoven,  Secretary  of  New  Netherland, 
now  here  at  the  Hague,  also  a  chief  cause  of  the  ruin  (as  is  to  be  seen  by  the  copy  of  a 
petition  hereunto  annexed ),  be  removed  tut  of  the  country,  and  until  population  be  encouraged, 
of  which  there  is  little  appearance,  unless  your  High  Mightinesses  will  please  to  assume  the 
supervision  and  protection  of  the  coun'ry  absolutely  to  yourselves,  and  to  favor  it  with  a  good 
civil  government,  composed  of  ihose  interested  in  the  country;  unalterable  Privileges  and 
Exemptions  together  with  a  settlemeat  of  the  boundaries,  which  is  very  necessary  for  the 
country  and  its  peace.  Such  is,  also,  very  just;  for  it  was  taken  possession  of  from  Cape 
Hinlopen  to  Staten  Hook  or  Cape  Cod,  by  your  High  Mightinesses'  subjects  and  this  State,  in 
the  year  1609,  before  any  English  or  Swedes  had  thought  of  coming  thither. 

Wherefore  we,  the  petitioners,  in  our  quality  aforesaid,  have  recourse  to  your  High 
Mightinesses,  humbly  praying  and  urgently  beseeching,  as  the  Spring  is  at  hand,  and  the 
season  for  preparation  daily  approaches,  and  the  Delegates  are  here  at  heavy  expense,  that 
the  affairs  of  New  Netherland  and  its  Redress  be  favorably  considered,  and  that  it  be 
provisionally  encouraged  by  the  enactment,  at  an  early  day,  of  a  good  ordinance. 

To  the  end  that  the  worthy  patriots  and  the  well  meaning  people  in  that  country  may  no 
longer  be  frustrated  in  their  hope,  but  entirely  relieved  and  released  from  oppression  and 
slavery ;  and  that  this  State  may  not  be  wholly  dispossessed  of  that  fine  country,  which  alone 
is  of  greater  extent  than  the  Seventeen  Dutch  Provinces,  and  which,  in  the  hour  of  need,  will 
he  found  a  strong  arm,  by  the  assistance  it  will  render  in  people  and  provisions;  for  after 
j-opulation  shall  have  increased,  your  High  Mightinesses  will  carry  on  a  very  large  trade  from 
the  one  to  the  other  of  your  own  countries  — hinc  inde  et  inde  hinc— without  any  save  your 
High  Mightines-es'  having  control  or  authority  overy  it.     Which  doing,  etc. 

je  margin.) 

•;  Statjs  General  of  the  United  Netherlands  have,  after  previous  deliberation,  placed  this 
..  'ranee  in  the  hands  of  the  Lcrds  Aertsbergen  and  the  others  their  High  Mightinesses' 
i^v,iutie8  for  tha  West  India  Company's  affairs,  to  investigate  and  examine  it;  to  extract  the 
important  points  therefrom,  and  report  on  the  whole. 
Done  in  the  Assembly  of  the  most  noble  the  Slates  General,  the  7""  February,  1G50. 

(Signed)        Johan  van  Reeue,  V*. 
By  order  of  the  same,  in  the  absence  of  the  Secretary, 

._    ,        ,v  (Signed)        J.  Spronssen. 

(Endorsed)  ' 

Petition  of  the  Committee  from  New  Netherland  to  their  High 
.    Mightinesses   the    Lords   States    General    of   the   United 
Netherlands:     1650^  i. 


>    '<wl}f 'H 


i 


111 


:m 


ri 


i:c    a 


348 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Petition  of  Cornelius  Melyn,  Patroon  cm  beaten  Island,  with  accompanying 

Documents. 

t  FroB  th.  Nol.ri.1  «,py  «m.ln.,,g  Id  Ihe  Roy^  A,.h.»«  ..  th.  Hague,  L*^a.  of  ,be  S..tM  0.„„iU ,  DirUloa,  »«« IndUcU  C<mpagnU  No  SB.  ] 

[   L.   S.   ] 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  the  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 
High  and  Mighty  Lords ! 

Cornelis   Melyn.  Patroon  on  Stnten  Island  in  New  Netherland,  your  High   Mightinesses' 
humble  servant,  respectfully  showeth :  That  he  repaired  to  New  Netherland  with  your  High 
Mightinesses   Mandamus  in  case  of  appeal  and  favorable  letter,  obtained  here  in  the  year  1648 
ngamst  tl,e  sentence    pronounced  by  Director  Petrus  Stuyvesant   and  his  Council,  on  your 
Petitioner,  and  caused  due  service  of  said  Mandamus  on  the  abovenamed  Director  and  his 
Council,  as  well  as  on  all  others  in  any  wise  concerned,  pursuant  to  the  tenor  of  your  High 
Mightinesses  addition  endorsed  on  the  aforesaid  Mandamus.     Petrus  Stuyvesant.  the  Director, 
treaed  the  service  of  the  Mandamus  with  very  boisterous  .lisrespect.  tearing  it  in  the  presence 
of  all  the  People  out  of  the  officer's  hands,  so  that  your  High  Mightinesses'  own  seal  fell  off. 
and  had  the  Mandamus  not  been  written  on  parchment  but  only  on  paner,  it  would  indeed  have 
been  torn  in  pieces;  all  which  will  further  appear  by  the  return  of  the  officer  in  the  copy 
hereunto  annexed  the  original  whereof  is  in  Petitioner's  possession.     And  notwithstanding 
the  Petitioner  hath  not  been  able  to  obtain,  either  before  or  after  judgment,  nor  even  after 
service  was  made  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  Mandamus,  nor  alter  his  indispensable  protest, 
aught  or  any  of   the  papers  and  documents  against  him  whereby  the  judgment  is  claimed 
o  be  well  sustained,  nor  sufficient  copies  thereof;  notwithstanding  the  declaration  of  Vice- 
Director  Lubberlus  van  Diuclagen,  a  Doctor  of  Law,  as  by  the  return  can  be  seen,  that  he 
(the  petitioner)  is  wronged  by  Director  Petrus  Stuyvesant  and  his  adv  sers   detaining  the 
papers  which  are  favorable  to  the  petitioner,  and  otherwise  apply  to  the  vole  on  the  judgment; 
notwithstanding  also,  that  Henrick  Opdyck,  the  fiscal,  in  answer  to  the  petitioner,  denied 
being  a  party  in  the  suit  against  him,  and  other  councillors  oiler  other  excuses  and  subterfuges- 
yet  he,  your  petitioner,   cannot  obtain    in    fairness   from  Director  Stuyvesant,  according  to 
the  tenor  of  the  abovementioned  Mandamus,  any  revocation  of  the  judgment,  nor  reparation 
of  suffered  defamation  and  los.s ;  but  inasmuch  as  the  aforementioned  Director,  about  fourteen 
days  previous  to  your  petitioner's  last  departure  from  New  Netherland,  did  dispatch  hither 
his  Secretary,  Cornells  van  Tienhoven,  who.  when  summoned,  obstinately  refused  to  answer  on 
service  of  your  High  Mightinesses'   Mandamus,   your   petitioner  hath    finally  found  himself 
obliged  immediately  to  follow  him.  ■'•"■Ben 

Therefore,  in  order  to  complain  of  the  abovementioned  frivolous,  unfounded  judgment,  as 
wel  as  to  institute  his  further  action  which  he  hath  against  the  abovenamed  Secretary,  he 
petitioner  humbly  apol.es  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  respectfully  requesting  that  you  would 
1     pleased  to  appoint   ime  and  place  for  the  said  Secretary  to  appear  and  to  hear  sucfh  demand 

B    ne'shaiurn  T  'r' T'"''"'-''  ''""  '"'^'^  "^""^'  ''""  ""  P""^'i"»''  ""^^  ""  «^^«"»^y.  "«  'he 
same  snail  then  ue  found  requisite. 

VVherefore  the.  petitioner,  most  respectfully,  and  with  all  humility,  prays  that  your  High 
Mightinesses  will  be  pleased  to  help  him,  for  once,  to  the  speedy  expedition  of  his  good  right, 
and  to  take  into  consideration  that  your  petitioner  hath  now  groped  such  a  length  of  time, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


849 


since  the  year  1643.  in  tliis  labyrinth  withoit  any  error  or  fault  of  his,  for  the  advancement 
of  the  public  interests,  being,  in  the  meanwhile,  obliged  to  neglect,  for  so  long  a  time,  hij 
private  affairs  and  family,  being  burdened  with  six  children,  and  to  encounter,  to  his  excessive 
cost  and  great  injury,  all  sorts  of  vexation  and  trouble  in  his  private  alfairs,  on  account  of  a 
public  matter  so  entirely  just ;  therefore  the  petitioner  w^iU  respectfully  expect  your  High 
Mightinesses'  favorable  postil  and  speedy  conclusion,  inasmuch  as  the  time  for  returning  back 
draws  nigh.     Which  doing,  &c. 

(fn  the  margin  was:) 

The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands  have,  upon  previous  deliberation,  placed  this 
petition,  with  the  papers  annexed,  in  the  hands  of  Mess"  van  Aertsbergen  and  other  their 
High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  fo-  the  West  India  Company's  aifairs,  to  inspect  and  to  examine 
them,  and  to  hear  and  understand  the  petitioner  and  Secretary  van  Tienhoven,  who  is  at 
present  here  at  the  Hagu«,  again  and  again,  and  to  make  a  report  on  the  whole  matter  to 
their  High  Mightinesses. 

Done  at  the  Assembly  of  the  Noble  States  General,  the  S'"  February,  1C50. 

(Signed)        Johan  van  Reede,  V. 
By  order  of  the  same. 

IV  A        A.  r^        ,.    ..  ,  (Signed)        Corn"  Musch,  1650. 

(Endorsed)  Cornells  Melyn. 


Schedule  N»  3. 


Sentence  pronounced  by  Director  Sluyvesant  on  Cornelius  Melyn. 


Whereas  Cornells  Melyn,  born  at  Antwerp,  aged  about  five  and  forty  years,  inhabitant  and 
burgher  of  the  city  of  New  Amsterdam,  in  New  Nelherland,  hath  dared,  on  the  2""  May,  1645, 
and  did  (according  to  tlie  sworn  affidavit  thereof  being)  set  himself  in  opposition  and 
contravention  to  justice,  threatening  the  Honorable  Director  Kieft,  at  the  time  his  lawful 
Governor  and  superior,  with  the  gallows  and  the  wheel ;  or,  as  the  delinquent,  according  to 
his  (onfession,  without  torture,  perverted  the  words  to  the  Fiscal  and  other  officers  ordered 
to  execute  the  judgment,  and  said  — Let  those  who  have  given  you  orders,  look  to  it,  that  they 
do  not  reach  the  gallows  and  the  wheel— and  hath  further  resisted  justice  and  the  order  of  the 
Hon"''  Director  Kieft  aforesaid,  so  that  the  Fiscal  was  obliged  to  enter  a  protest  of  contumacy 
and  opposition  against  him,  Melyn,  according  to  divers  otiier  affidavits  taken  and  sworn  to  at 
the  time  he,  Melyn,  was  convicted  of  slandering  justice  and  the  law  here,  saying  — Here  be 
no  justice;  he  was  not  a  subject  of  the  Hon"">  Director;  the  Hon""  Director  may  occupy 
himself  with  the  Company's  servants— he  is  a  headstrong  fool  (««  duyvcls  hop),  with  many 
other  mutinous  and  seditious  words  uttered  against  this  one  and  that,  as  well  soldiers  as 
freemen,  advising  the  Company's  servants  to  leave  its  service,  as  they  could  receive  neither 
money  nor  pay;  that  the  Director,  like  the  biggest  liar  in  the  country,  gave  fair  words  and 
plenty  of  promises,  which  bore  no  fruit,  &c. ;  in  order  to  instigate  the  freemen  not  to  pay 
anything,  as  is  apparent  to  us  l)y  divers  collected  affidavits  and  credible  testimonies,  with  name 
and  surname,  duly  read  in  his  presence;  also,  that  he,  by  his  servants,  endeavored,  even 
before,  or  in  the  beginning  of  the  war,  to  purloin  either  secretly  or  forcibly,  the  maize 
belonging  to  the  Indians  of  Long  Island  at  that  time  not  yet  at  war  with  our  nation,  for  which 
they  even  killed  an  Luglishman ;  whereof,  contrary  to  two  witnesses,  he  knows  nothing.    It 


5  51 


*Sft' 


.i  ,a; 


850 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


appears,  however,  by  his  own  confession  made  in  our  presence,  on  the  16«*  July  of  this  year 

without  torture  or  iron  bands,  that  he  had  a  knowledge  thereof;  confessing  that  his  servants 

with  soldiers  had  so  attempted,  but  contrary  to  order  and  command,  whereof  he,  however 

hath  neither  since  nor  before  complained  nor  given  any  information,  which  is  proof  enough 

that  he  connived  at,  and  silently  assented  to  it:  Moreover  that  he  exacted  and  took  by  force 

from  the  Indians,  when  they  were  hunting  on  Staten  Island,  a  portion  of  their  game,  according 

to  the  sworn  affidavit  dated  the  last  July  A"  1C46;  all  which  matters  are  of  very  dangerous 

consequence,   tending  to   mutiny,  defamation  of  justice   and   supreme   authority,   to  force, 

[violence]  and  exaction.    To  this  is  also  to  be  added,  that  he,  Melyn,  with  one  Jochim  Pietersen 

Cuyter  forged,  conceived,  drafted,  and  wrote  on  the  28"-  October  1644,  in  the  name  of  the 

Eight  Selectmen,  a  most  false  and  calumnious  letter  and  caused  it  to  be  transcribed  and  sent 

to  the  Hon""  Chamber  at   Amsterdam,  thereby  clandestinely,  most  scandalously  charging, 

defaming,  criminating  and  accusing  the  Hon""  Director  Kieft  then  in  loco  their  governor  and 

superior,  of  divers  gravo  and  culpable  errors,  as  is  and  can  be  further  seen  and  read  at  length 

in  the  original,  and  in  the  authentic  copy  thereof. 

Which  We  and  our  Council  having  investigated  and  inquired  into,  at  the  request  of  said 
Director  Kieft,  said  calumnious  letter  has  been  found  to  consist  in  many  points  of  false  and 
defamatory  lies,  as  is  apparent  and  proved  by  experience  itself,  by  the  testimony  of  others 
heard  to  the  number  of  fifteen,  also  by  the  declaration  and  answers  of  the  co-signers 

Whereupon  the  Fiscal  instituting  criminal  action  and  suit,  charged,  accused  and 
convicted  said  Melyn  of  having  here  committed  in  writing  against  the  Hon"-  Director 
Kieft  .he  crime  of  insult,  defamation  and  falsehood,  and  consequently  is  declared  guiltv  of 

Which  documents  and  proofs  having  been  examined,  investigated  and  inquired  into  by  the 
Director  General  and  Council,  and  everything  material  having  been  duly  weighed,  the  case 
was  found  to  be  of  very  bad  consequence,  and  ought  and  cannot  be  tolerated  in  a  law  abidii  «r 
and  well  regulated  g-vernment,  but  must  be  punished  as  an  example  to  others 

Wherefore,  the  Hon""  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  Director  General,  with  the  advice  of  his  Council 
adm.nistenng  justice  in  the  name  of  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General,  his  Serene' 
Highness  the  Lord  Prince  of  Orange,  and  the  Hon""  Directors  of  the  General  li^corporlted 
West  India  Company,  hath  sentenced  and  condemned,  as  he  doth  hereby  sentence  and 
condemn,  the  aforesaid  Cornells  Melyn.  to  be  banished  for  seven  years  from  the  district 
and  jurisdiction  of  New  Netherland.  and  also  to  depart  by  the  first  ship,  revoking  all  previous 
granted  benefits,  actions  and  pretensions  which  he  may  have  obtained,  or  yet  claims  from  the 
Hon  Directors;  and,  moreover,  to  pay  a  fine  of  three  hundred  Carolus  guilders,  to  be 
apphedi  one-third  for  the  Poor,  one-third  for  the  Fiscal,  and  one-third  for  the  Church- 
dismissing  the  Fiscal's  further  demand.  »-"urtn , 

Jui^!"  A-mV"''  '"''''''  "'  ""  "^'"'"''''y'  '"  ^°^'  Amsterdam,  in  New  Netherland,  the  25th 
(Signed)        P.  Stuvvesant,  L.  van  Dincklage, 

Bbian  Neuton,  Paulus  Leendeutsen  van  der  Grift. 

and  Jan  Claessen  Bol. 
After  haying  been  collated,  Miis  is  found  to  agree  with  its  original,  the  IG'"  of  August.  1649 
by  me,  in  the  absence  of  the  Secretary.  "ugusi.  loiJ, 

(Signed)        Jacob  Kieft,  Clerk. 


351 


No.  4. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    V. 

Mandamus  in  cate  of  the  Aitpeal  of  Metm.  Cttyler  and  Mclyn. 
[  Omitted  j  being  already  printed,  tupra,  p.  260.  ] 

Endorsement  on  the  ensealed  Mandamus: — 

The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands,  To  all  those  who  shall  see  or  hear  this 
read,  health.    Be  it  known, 

That  we,  having  looked  into  the  further  petition  presented  to  us  this  day.  in  the  name  and 
on  the  behalf  of  Jochem  Pietersen  Cuyter  and  Cornells  Melyn,  our  subjects  and  inhabitants  in 
New  Netherland,  have  enlarged,  as  we  do  hereby  enlarge,  the  Mandamus  on  the  other  side 
hereof,  to  wit,  that  it  may  be  served  not  only  by  a  messenger,  marshal,  notary,  but  by  such 
other  person,  either  public  or  private,  as  the  aforesaid  petitioners  together,  or  one  of  them, 
shall  accept  or  permit.  Charging  and  commanding  all  and  every  whom  it  may  in  any  wise 
concern,  to  regulate  themselves  precisely  conformably  hereunto,  the  same  as  if  the  aforesaid 
augmentation  had  been  inserted,  word  for  word,  in  the  Mandamus  aforesaid. 

Done  at  the  Hague,  on  the  sixth  of  May,  1648. 

(Lower  stood)  ^^'S'^'"^)        T.  van  Gent,  V. 


By  order  of  the  Most  Illustrious  Lords  States  General. 

p„.,  ,  .         ^      r         .,  (Signed)         Corn'  Musch. 

Jburttier  endorsement  on  the  aforesaid  copy,  No.  4. 

Copy  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  Mandamus  in  case  of  appeal  against  the  sentence  which 
Petrus  Stuyvesant  and  his  Council  pronounced  on  the  25"'  July  1647  in  New  Netherland  on 
the  Manhattans  respectively  against  Jochem  Pietersen  Kuyter  and  Cornells  Melyn. 

No.  6. 

States  General  to  the  Director  in  New  Netherland,  and  fmuttuU  mutandis)  to  the  Administration  there. 

[  Omitted ;  being  already  printed,  tupra,  p.  240.  ] 


No.  6. 

To  Peter  Stuyvesant,  Director  of  New  Netherland,  the  lO"-  May,  1648. 

The  Prince  of  Orange. 

Honorable,  prudent,  and  discreet,  specially  dear. 

You  will  receive  by  the  bearers  hereof,  Joachim  Pietersen  Kuyter  and  Cornells  Melyn,  the 
commands  which  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  have  resolved  to  communicate  to 
you,  to  the  end  that  you  allow  these  people  to  enjoy  their  property  free  and  unmolested 
there,  by  virtue  of  provision  of  appeal  granted  by  their  High  Mightinesses  unto  them,  with 


852 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MAInl  SCRIPTS. 


Inhibitory  Clause  respecting  the  sentence  pronounced  by  you  against  them  on  the  25th  July 
1647;  though  we  do  not  doubt  but  you  will  understand  duly  to  respect  and  obey  those 
commands,  yet  we  are  disposed  earnestly  to  admonish  you  hereby,  in  addition,  expressly 
noti.ying  that  you  shall  have  to  allow  said  petitioners,  peaceably  and  without  objection  to  enjoy 
the  effect  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  aforesaid  resolution. 

And  herewith, 

Honorable,  &c. 

(Signed)         William, 
(Endorsed)  -  Prince  d'Orange. 

Copy  of  his  Highness'  letter  to  Peter  Stuyvesant  Director  in  N.  Netherland,  1G48,  19  May. 

No,  7. 

This  day.  220  May  1648,  Cornells  Melyn  handed  in  to  the  Assembly  of  the  Directors  of  the 
West  India  Company  in  Amsterdam,  a  sealed  letter  from  their  High  Mightinesses  the  States 
General  of  the  Lnited  Netherlands. 
Done  the  day  as  aforesaid. 

(Signed)        Guysbert  RuDOLPHr, 
This  day,  the  2-  January  A"  1049,  Cornelis  Melyn  haiided  to  the  Director  General  Petrus 
Stuyvesant  and  the  Council  of  New  Netherland,  a  letter  from  their  High  Mightinesses  directed 
to  the  Hon '•  Director  &  Council ;  one  from  his  Highness  to  the  Director  General  exclusively, 
two  letters  from  Mr.  Capelle  to  the  Director  General  only.     Ady  as  above. 

By  order  of  the  Hon""  Director  General  and  Council. 

(Signed)         Corn'  VA^f  Tienhoven. 
(Endorsed)  Secretary. 

Receipt  for  the  delivery  by  C.  Melyn  of  their  High  Mightin.H^es'  letters.  &c.,  addressed 
to  the  Directors  at  the  Amsterdam  Chamber.  Also  to  the  Director  and  Council  of 
iNew  Netherland. 


No.  8. 

On  the  8".  of  March,  1649,  when  the  People  were  assembled  in  the  Church  by  onh-r  of  the 
I  on-  Director  ^-neral  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  Cornelis  Melyn  re,,„ested  that  the  Mandamus 
granted  by  their  High  Mightinesses  may  be  read  and  served  there  by  the  Nine  Men,  and  that 
It  may  be  read  particularly  by  Arnoldus  van  Hardenbergh. 

Whereupon,  after  some  discussion  and  obtained  consent,  it  followed  that  Cornelis  Melyn 
handed  the  aforesaid  Mandamus  to  the  said  Hardenbergh  in  order  that  he  may  read  it.  Then 
the  (.enerni  «iemanded.  If  he  wished  to  have  it  served  now  y  Cornelis  Melyn  answered  yes. 
1  he  General  said,  Fh.-n  I  must  have  th.  copy ,  and  snatched  th«  Mandamus  from  the 
abovennmed  Hardenb-rgh's  hands,  so  that  their  High  Mighimesses'  seal  (ell  almost  entirely  off; 
hardly  hanging  to  a  small  strip  of  parchment.  Cornelis  Melyn  said.  The  copy  is  annexed  to 
.< ;  so  that  on  the  interpositi,.,,  ofHome  persons,  it  was  returned  by  the  General.  Then  was  it 
received  and  out  of  respect  for  their  High  Mighlinesse.  the  Noble  Lord.  State.  General  and 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS;    V, 


858 


their  Commusion,  read  by  me  Arnold  van  Hardenbergh  who  summoned  his  Honor  by  virtue 
thereof,  to  appear,  by  the  first  opportunity,  at  the  Hague  before  their  High  Mightinesses,  there 
to  hear  such  demand  and  conclusion  as  Cornelis  Melyn  shall  desire  to  institute  or  make  against 
his  Honor.  ° 

Whereunto  his  Honor  made  answer,  to  the  best  of  our  recollection-/ Aonor  the  Slate, 
and  their  Commission,  and  will  obey  their  Commands,  and  send  an  Agent  to  maintain  th-.  judfrmenl 
,u  a  wa,  well  and  legally  jrrononnced.  1  demanded  to  have  the  answer  in  writing,  but  the 
(.eneral  said,  menerer  you  deliver  me  an  authentic  copy  of  the  Mandamus,  I  will  give  it  to  you.  I 
then  requested  Secretary  Tienhoven,  there  present,  whose  duty  it  was.  to  be  pleased  to  do  so 
and  to  authenticate  it,  but  he  refused  to  do  so.  saying.  You  may  do  it  yourself,  which  I  afterwards 
did,  and  should  have  placed  it  in  the  (ieneral's  hands  next  day,  but  a  rumor  prevailed  that  the 
ndians  had  killed  a  Dutchman,  and  Meljn  aforesaid  had  gone  to  Staten  Island;  so  I  brouizht 
his  Honor  the  copy  of  the  Mandamus  first  on  the  IS'"  ditto,  accompanied  by  Augustyn  Heerman 
and  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven,  and  then  requested  his  Honor's  answer  in  writing,  but  he  refused 
it,  saying,  Their  High  Mightinesses'  award  I  shall  regard. 

Thus    done    and    transacted    on    the    day   and    date    aforesaid,   at    the    Manhattans   in 
New  Netherland. 

(Signed)         Arnoldus  van  Hahdenbeboh. 
Augustyn  Heerman,  Witness. 
(Endorsed )  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven,  Witness. 

Certificate  of  the  service  made  on  Monday  the  S">  March  1849  on  Director  Petrus  Stuyvesant 
of  their  High  Mightinesses'  Mandamus  in  case  of  appeal  in  the  matter  of  the  judgment 
delivered  the  25'-  July  1G47,  in  New  Netherland,  against  Cornelis  Melyn  ;  by  which  will 
be  seen 

Stuyvesant's  disrespect  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  Mandamus,  and  his  tergiversation  and 
all  sorts  of  subterfuges,  on  frivolous  and  unfounded  foundations. 


No.  9. 

It  is  now  about  seven  months  since  I  arrived  here  with  their  High  Mightinesses'  Mandamus 
and  Order,  which,  on  the  S'"  March,  were  served  on  you  Petrus  Stuyvesant.  Director,  and 
alterwards  on  the  other  members  of  the  Court. 

Accordingly  on  the  twentieth  of  March  I  demanded  reintegration,  pursuant  to  the  tenor  of  the 
Mandamus,  and  observing  neglect,  on  the  SO'"  June,  insisted  and  at  divers  times  applied 
verbally,  for  the  moat  part,  in  these  terms— Pursuant  to  the  Mandamus  and  your  obligation  to 
honor  their  High  Mightinesses  and  their  Commission  (I  demand)  reintegration  and  such 
salishiclion  as  that  brings  with  it;  I  have  now  borne  long  enough  with  postpone  nent  and 
Iruilless  promises;  time  is  short  and  the  vessels  are  making  ready  ;  if  your  Honor  designs  to 
"lake  restitution  or  reparation,  let  it  be  done  quickly,  according  to  the  tenor  of  the  Mandumuij 
i(  not,  I  hereby  protest  against  you. 

And  if  your  Honor  intends  to  maintain  what,  if  you  have  yet  any  conscience  leO.  you  cannot 

deny  to  be  your  Honor's  pronounced  sentence,  you  must  appear  personally,  or  l.y  another 

qua!i(i«d  to  represent  you  and  will  so  stand  and  suffer  and  bear  what  is  charged  against  you, 

m  If  you  were  yourself  there;  you  shall  also  permit  the  other  member  of  the  court,  who 

Vol.  I.  40 


if 


354 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


|i 


is  subject  to  you,  to  depart  in  person,  or  some  other  individual  for  him  ;  for  one  delinquent 
cannot  defend  the  other;  and  in  case  such  be  not  done,  I  do  hereby  again  protest. 

I  demand,  according  to  your  Honor's  promise,  that  ail  copies  both  of  judgment,  affidavits, 
acta  and  proceedings  which  have  been  heretofore  refused,  be  seasonably  furnished  me,  in  order 
that  I  may  also  summon  the  deponents;  for  the  affidavits  which  xMipi  heer,  or  his  like,  take  here 
from  their  subjects,  who  must  say  what  you  please,  are,  in  my  opinion  of  no  value  nnd,  as  I, 
therefore,  conclude,  of  no  force  in  law.  In  case,  then,  all  the  documents  proceedings  and 
declarations,  or  one  or  any  of  them,  which  are  to  be  used  in  law  against  me,  are  detained  from 
me  ;  and  in  case  they  are  refused  me,  and  copies  of  the  papers  and  documents  are  not  furnished, 
as  heretofore  has  been  the  case,  I  declare  that  I  am  deprived  of,  and  excluded  from  the  right 
and  proper  means  of  justice  and  legal  evidence,  against  rules  and  order  to  you  well  known. 

In  like  manner  1  do  declare  null,  void,  and  of  no  effect  all  acts,  proceedings,  affidavits  and 
declarations  whereof  I  have  not  obtained  copies  here,  and  of  which  use  shall  hereafter  be  made 
against  me,  being  utterly  unworthy  of  consideration  on  account  of  the  suspicion  of  being 
acknowledged  in  bad  faith  ;  and,  thirdly,  against  you,  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  Director,  individually, 
and  against  all  the  members  of  the  Court  generally,  do  I  protest  for  and  on  account  of  all 
damage  and  losses  already  suffered  or  yet  to  arise,  from  the  omission  and  neglect  of  orders 
and  instructions  to  do  what  is  right ;  and  their  High  Mightinesses  command  and  expressly 
order  you,  in  case  you  do  not  repent,  to  wit,  sincerely  and  indeed,  and  not  in  fine  phrases,  as 
has  hitherto  been  your  case. 
Dated  Manahatans,  New  Nelherland,  this  29'"  July,  1649. 

(Signed)        Cornelis  Melyw. 

Answer  to  Cornells  Melyn's  disrespectful  Protest  handed  to  my  Wife,  as  she 
says,  by  Adriaen  van  der  Donck  and  A.  Ilardenbergh. 

We  hear  nnd  see,  but  protest  against  the  disrespectful  discourtesies  contained  in  the  protest, 
especially  against  the  seditious  service  of  the  Mandamus,  at  an  unsuitable  place,  in  the  Church,' 
nnd  with  much  disparaging  language  in  presence  of  the  entire  Commonalty.  Nevertheless,' 
we  esteem  the  service  valid,  nnd  say,  as  before,  that  we  shall  honor  and  regard  whatever  our 
Sovereigni  will  decide.  We  are  no  ways  bound  to  restitution,  since  we  have  not  received 
nnylhing;  nor  to  any  reparation  so  long  as  the  case  is  in  appeal,  and  no  additional  injury  done 
the  protestor.  We  grant  and  allow  him  peaceable  use  of  his  lan<ls  and  effects;  what  I  have 
promised  I  shall  perform;  namely,  to  send  an  Attorney  to  hear,  and  to  witness  the  confirmation 
or  annuh.ienl  ;  what  other  officers,  councillors,  will  do,  whether  to  go  or  to  stay,  we  leave  nt 
their  discretion  and  pleasure.  Therein  we  have  nothing  to  command  ;  neither  does  it  quadrate 
with  the  tenor  of  the  .Mandamus. 

Who  the  delinquent  is,  (;od  and  the  law  have  to  decide.     The  protestor  has  never  been 
refused  copy  of  the  judgment.     The  parly  must  apply  fo.-  the  other   papers  in  the  suit  and 

npi.ear  before  the  .Judge  who  will  have  prii,i 'e  and  knowledge  enough  to  decide  what  and 

which  nffiihivits  ought  to  be  produced;  whether  they  have  been  legally  taken  before 
Commissioners  or  whether  they  were  given  clandestinely  and  by  Inducement  to  affront  nnd 
asperse  the  Judge,  on  which  points  the  opinion  of  the  protestor  himself  is  of  no  avail.  Of 
damage  and  losses  we  deem  ourselves  guiltless,  sinco  we  do  not  oblige  the  protestor  to  pay 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


855 


any  costs,  or  to  retnrn  anew  to  Fatherland.     We  give  and  grant  him,  pending  the  matter  in 
appeal,  the  quiet  possession  and  peaceable  use  of  his  lands,  houses  and  property. 

Done  Manhatfans  this  1"  August,  1C49. 
(Endorsed)  (''^'sned)         P.  Stuvvesant. 

Protest  on  behalf  of  Cornells  Melyn  against  Director  Stuyvesant,  and  the  Answer  of 
Stuyvesant  that  he  would  send  an  Attorney  ;  refuses  the  Protester's  demand  for  copies  of  the 
papers  to  be  used  against  him,  as  they  must  be  applied  for  by  the  party. 

No,  10. 

We,  the  undersigned,  at  the  request  of  Cornells  Melyn,  and  in  virtue  of  certain  Mandamus 
granted  him  by  their  High  Mightinesses,  did,  on  the  sixteenth  of  March,  1G49,  summon  the 
Hon"'*  Lubbert  van  Dincklage,  Vice-Director  of  New  Nelherland,  to  appear  by  the  first 
opportunity  at  the  Hague,  before  their  High  Mightinesses,  there  to  hear  such  den.and  and 
conclusion  as  Cornells  Melyn  shall  institute  or  make  against  him ;  and  copy  of  the  aforesaid 
Mandamus  is  left  with  the  defendant. 

Whereunto  he  made  answer:  That  he  was  led  into  error,  and  consequently  induced  to  vote 
for  such  sentence,  by  not  having  communication  of  divers  aHidavits  and  other  papers  and 
documents,  which,  as  he  now  discovers,  were  essential  to  the  defence  of  the  condemned  ;  also, 
by  its  being  resolved,  at  the  meeting  of  Director  Stuyvesant  and  other  persons,  called  to  the 
Council  for  that  occasion,  that  Jochem  Pietersen  Kuyter  and  CornellB  Melyn,  were  not 
qualified,  and  therefore  had  no  power  to  write  about  public  aflairs;  whilst  alR.lavits  and 
papers  tending  to  their  prejudice  and  injury,  were,  on  the  contrary,  duly  exhibited  to  him  in 
the  ouncil. 

Done  as  above,  on  the  Manhatans,  in  New  Netherland,  etc. 

(Signed)         Arnoldu!>  van  Hardendergh. 

/,,,,,  Adbiaen  van  obr  Donck. 

(Endorsed) 

Anno  1649,  16  March.  Return  of  service  made  on  Lubbert  van  Dincklage,  Vice-Director  of 
their  High  Mightinesses'  Mandamus,  in  case  of  appeal  from  the  sentence  pronounced  in  New 
Neiherland,  on  I?'"  July,  1G47,  against  Jochem  Pietersen  Kuyter  and  Cornells  Melyn. 

Whereunto  he  made  answer  that  he  was  deceived: 

1"  That  he  had  not  communication  of  divers  papers  essential  to  the  defence  of  those 
condemned. 

2-  That  Director  Stuyvesant  and  others  called  by  him  to  the  C"Mncil  for  that  occasion, 
resolved  that  Joachim  Pietersen  Kuyter  and  Cornells  Melyn,  were  not  qualified  to  write  on 
pul/lic  afliiirs. 

:»•'  That  he  was  misled  and  brought  to  vote  for  the  aforesaid  sentence  by  affidavits  produced 
In  court,  prejudicial  to  the  condemned  persons. 

No,  1 1. 

On  the  Ki'fc  March,  1640,  at  the  request  of  Cornells  Melyn,  and  in  virtue  of  certain 
Mandamus  grtnited  him  by  their  High  MiMlitinesaes,  have  I,  the  uiidernlgned,  in  presence  of 
Adriuen  van  der  Donck  ami  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven,  summuiied  the  (ollowing  persons  to 


356 


I 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


appear  at  the  Hague  before  their  High  Mightinesses,  by  the  first  opportuni'y,  there  to  hear  and 
answer  such  demand  and  conclusion  as  Cornelia  Melyn  shall  then  make  or  institute  aguinst 
theiii,  viz'  — 

1«  MomUur  La  Montngne:  And  his  answer  was  — that  Cornelis  Melyn  should  first  give 
reasons  for  summoning  him,  and  he  should  then  communicate  his  answer.  Done  as  above, 
on  the  Manhattans,  in  New  Netherland. 

2»  Brian  Nitton,  Captain  Lieutenant:  And  he  gave  for  answer— he  did  not  understand  it 
and  will  answer  to-morrow.     Done  as  above. 

3"  Pouhi  Lrni'ia/sm:  And  ho  gave  for  answer— that  he  will  appear,  or  send  an  attorney, 
provided  Cornelis  Melyn  give  security  here  in  this  place,  for  the  costs  which  will  accrue 
thereon.     Done  as  above. 

d'O  Ahmhmn  Plancke:  And  he  made  answer  — that  he  knew  nothing  about  when  the 
war  commenced. 

Thus  done,  on  the  day  and  date  as  above ;  and  left  copy  of  the  aforesaid  Mandamus  for  the 
benefit  of  the  defendants,  in  presence  of  the  undersigned  witnesses,  at  the  Manhattans,  in 
New  Netherland. 

(Signed)         Arnoldus  van   Hardenberoh. 

Adriaen  van  der  Donck. 

/r.   J        J.  Jacob  van  Kouwbnhoven. 

(Kndorsed) 

Return  of  service,  made  ihe  16'"  March,  1049,  on  the  undernamed  persons,  in  virtue  of  their 
High  Mightinesses  Mandamus,  in  case  of  appeal  on  the  judgment  pronounced  on  the  26"'  July, 
1G47,  against  Cornelis  Melyn;  who  made  answer  as  followeth  :  — 

Jean  La  Montagne,  demands  cause  of  summons,  and  he  would  then  answer. 

Brian  Nuton,  Captain  Lieutenant,  does  not  understand  it,  and  will  answer  to-morrow. 

Paulus  Leendersen.  that  he  will  send  an  attorney  or  appear  himself,  when  Melyn  will  give 
security  there  for  the  costs. 

Abraham  Plancke,  one  of  those  who  had  signed  the  petition  to  make  war  on  the  Indians, 
says;  he  knew  nothing  about  when  the  war  began. 


No.  12. 

On  the  sixteenth  of  March,  did  I,  the  undersigned,  accompanied  by  Adriaen  van  der 
Dc.iK-k  ami  J.icob  van  Couwenhoven,  at  the  request  of  Cornelis  ^rHlyn,  and  in  virtue  of 
certain  Manilamus  granted  him  by  their  High  Mightinesses,  summon  the  Fiscal.  Hendrick  van 
Dyck,  to  appear,  by  the  first  opportunity,  before  their  High  Mightinesses,  ht  Ihe  Hague,  and 
there  to  hear  such  demand  and  conclusion  as  Cornelis  Melyn  shall  make  or  institute  against 
him.  and  left  copy  of  aforesaid  Man.lamus  for  the  behoof  of  the  defendant.  Whereunto  he 
wrote  to  me  as  follows— Henrick  van  Dyck,  Fiscal  of  New  Netherland,  in  answer  to  the 
Mandimus,  served  on  him  by  me,  at  the  request  of  Cornelis  Melyn,  says,  that  he  is  not  a 
parly  in  ihe  suit 

Thus  given,  in  the  presence  of  the  undersigned  witnesses,  dated  ni  above.  Anno  1049,  at 
the  Manhattans,  in  New  Netherland. 

(Signed)         Arnoi.dus  van  HAROBNBBRaH. 
Adrian  van  der  Donk. 
Jacob  van   Kuuwbnhuvbn. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    V. 


357 


derstand  it 


(FlulorBed) 

Ueturn  of  service  of  their  High  Mightinesses  Mandamus,  in  the  case  of  appeal  on  the 
judgment  pronouced  against  Cornells  Melyn,  made  on  Fiscal  Ilendrick.  van  Dyck,  who 
instiluted  the  suit,  A°  1G47.     Whose  answer  was:  — 

Anno  1649,  March  16.     He  was  not  a  party  to  the  suit. 

No.  13. 

On  the  23"  March,  1G40,  did  we,  the  undersigned,  at  the  request  of  Cornells  Melyn, 
and  in  virtue  of  certain  Mandamus  granted  unto  him  by  tneir  High  Mightinesses,  summon 
Secretary  Cornelis  van  Tlenhoven,  to  appear  by  the  first  opportunity,  before  their  High 
Mightinesses,  at  the  Hague,  there  to  hear  such  demand  and  ccmclusion  as  Cornelis  Melyn, 
on  the  occasion,  sh.ll  institute;  but  the  aforesaid  Tienhoven  refused  to  answer  thereunto 
and  to  accept  the  copy  of  aforesaid  Mandamus,  until  he  should  see  that  we  had  special  and 
written  order  from  Cornelis  Melyn  to  summon  him. 

And  as  we  had  it  not  with  us,  we  brought  it  to  him  on  the  next  morning,  with  copy  of 
aforesaid  Mandamus;  then  the  aforesaid  Secretary,  said  that  he  would  give  us  his  answer  in 
writing,  in  the  afternoon;  but  we  did  not  get  it.  We  applied  to  him  lor  it  repeatedly 
afterwards,  but  could  never  obtain  any  correct  information  i.i  answer,  as  he  always  sought 
evasions  and  delays.  Finally,  he  said  he  would  not  give  any.  So  that  we  took  no  farther 
action,  afler  that,  in  the  matter. 

The  25th  May,  1649,  at  the  Manhattans,  in  New  Netherland. 

(Signed)         Arnoldus  van  HARDENBEiian. 

,_    ,         ,.  Adriaen  van  deb  Donck. 

(Endorsed) 

Return  of  the  service  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  Mandamus  in  case  of  appeal  from  the 
sentence  pronounced  on  Cornelis  Melyn  the  25"'  July,  1()47,  in  New  Netherland,  made  on 
Cornelis  van  Tienhoven  Secretary,  the  'J-i  March  and  25  May,  1G49. 

Tienhoven  rtiuses  to  make  any  answer  to  it. 

No.  14. 

On  the  23'*  March,  1649,  did  I,  the  undersigned,  nt  the  request  of  Cornelis  Melyn,  and  in 
virtue  of  certain  Mandamus  granted  by  their  High  Mightinesses  unto  him,  summon  Jan  .lansen 
Damen  in  the  presence  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  to  appear  by  the  first  opportunity  before 
their  High  Mightinesses  at  the  Hague,  there  to  hear  such  demand  and  conclusion,  us  Cornelis 
Melyn  shall  have  occasion  to  institute. 

Whereupon  the  aforesaid  Jan  Damen  gave  for  answer,  that,  whenever  Cornelis  Melyn 
exhibited  to  him  their  High  Mightinesses'  order  wherein  his  name  appeared,  that  he  then  is 
perfectly  ready  to  come  whfther  by  night  or  by  day  ;  provided  he  (to  wit,  Melyn)  give  security 
for  the  loss  and  damages  to  be  incurred  thereby. 

Thus  done  on  the  day  and  date  aforesaid  at  the  Manhattans  in  New  Netherland, 

(Signed)         Arnoi.dus  van  Hardemieroh. 
Adriaen  van  dkr  Donck. 


^S8  NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

(Endorsed) 

Return  of  the  service  and  summons  made  on  Jan  Jansen  Damen,  on  the  23"  March,  1649,  in 
virtne  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  Mnndamiis  in  ease  of  appeal  from  the  sentence  pronounced 
in  NewNetheriand,  on  t'o"-  July,  104!),  against  Cornelis  Melyn. 

1649,  23  March.  Answer:  Is  ready  to  come  whenever  he  i-  served  with  their  High 
Mightmesses'  Mandamus,  containing  his  name,  and  Melyn  gives  security  for  the  costs. 

No.  15. 

We  the  undersigned,  Lubbertus  van  Dinclilage  and  Johannes  la  Mont-ne.  declare  that 

a  peimon  was  delivered  to  the  Director  and  Council  at  the  meeting  in  Fort  Amsterdam  in 

New  Netherland  from  Jacobus  Loper,  late  Captain  Lieul  ,•  ;  Curasao,  requesting  permit 

to  trade  and  barter,  along  with  other  freemen,  in  the  Sourl.  ^  New  Netherland,  and  that 

the  Hon""  Director  said-He  had  received  express  orders  U.  his  superiors  to  keep  an  eye 

on  Melyn.  "^          ^ 

The  Council  demanded— Shall  the  sins  of  the  father  then  be  visited  on  the  son  ?  The  Director 
said  further.  It  cannot  be  otherwise  this  time;  he  shall  not  go. 

We  declare  the  above  to  be  true  and  trustworthy  on  our  manly  troth  in  place  of  oath  which. 
If  necessary,  we  shall  tender.  This  lO*"  August,  1649.  Manhatans,  New  Amsterdam,  New 
Netherland. 

(Signed)         L.  van  Dincklage. 

(Endorsed)  ^^  Montaqne. 

Declaration  of  Vice-director  Lubbert  van  Dincklage  and  La  Montague,  from  which  it 
appears — 

T!.at  Director  Stuyvesant  said  he  had  received  express  orders  from  his  Masters  to  have  an 
eye  on  Melyn.  which  Stuyvesant  stretched  so  far  as  to  refuse  a  license  to  trade  to  Jacob  Leper 
ex-Captain  Lieutenant  and  son-in-law  of  Melyn. 


No.  16. 

This  day  the  lO'"  December  Anno  10 10  before  me  Cornelis  Toun,  resident  of  Amsterdam 
and  admitted  Notary  public  by  the  Court  of  Holland,  in  presence  of  the  undersigned  witnesses 
appeared  William  Hendricks,  aged  42  years,  residing  at  Weesp.  who,  af  the  request  of 
Cornells  Melyn  resi.ling  in  New  Netherland,  on  Staten  Island,  testifies,  declares  and  attests 
by  true  words,  in  place  and  under  oiler,  of  solemn  oath,  that  it  is  tr  that  he.  the  witness 
being  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year  ItilO,  on  the  island  calie.l  the  Mai„  Uans,  also  sKuated  in 
New  Netherland.  was  engaged  by  the  month,  by  William  Kieft.  Commander  of  New  Netherland, 
to  distil  liran.ly,  and  at  the  house  of  the  retpiirant  in  this  case. 

That  he.  witness,  accordingly  in  the  beginning  of  December  of  the  aforesaid  year  1640,  did 
begin  to  distil  Brandy  at  the  requirant's  house,  but  having  continued  therein  six  or  seven  months, 
he.  the  witness,  must  give  up  that  work,  as  the  aforesaid  Kieft  and  the  renuirant  found  it 
expedient  to  let  the  Brandy  be. 

He  further  declares  that  the  aforesaid  Commander  Kieft  himself  paid  and  made  good  to  him, 
witness,  his  wages  at  five  and  twenty  guilders  per  month,  an.l  that  he,  witness,  did,  also,  during 
the  SIX  or  seven  months  aforesaid,  conv..y  some  kegs  of  brandy  and  other  liquors  from  said 
Staten  Island  to  the  Manhathans,  and  delivered  the  same  to  the  aforesaid  Commander  Kieft. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


859 


All  truly  done  at  Amsterdam,  in  the  presence  of  Harmen  Harmensen  Cruyer  and  Cryn 
Cornelissen,  mason,  witnesses,  who.  have  likewise  signed,  with  the  aforesaid  deponent,  the 
original  minute  hereof  remaining  with  me  notary, 

Quod  attestor 
(Endorsed)  (Signed)         C.  Tou  Notar.  Publ. 

Declaration  of  William  Hendricksen  for  Cornells  Melyn.  in  opposition  to  the  denial  of 
William  Kieft,  that  the  deponent  distilled  brandy  for  C.  Melyn  and  Kieft  in  Company. 

AH  these  aforesaid  acts  and  declarations  have  I,  the  undersigned  Notary,  found, 
alter  comparison  to  agree  with  their  originals;  at  the  Hague  the  S'"  February  A». 
1650.     Me  teste.  ^ 

(Signed)         M.  Beeckman,  Notar  Publ. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General,  referring  the  preceding  papers. 

t  Froo,  U.»  Beg>.l«r  of  W«,t  Indl.  Affair.,  H88-10SI.  Id  (he  EoyiU  ArcUlvM  .Ithe  U.guo.  ] 

Tuesday,  S""  P'ebruary,  1660. 
FoHo  m.  The  petition  of  Cornelia  Melyn,  patroon  on  Staten  Island  in  New  Netherland, 

TTTm  '«^'^'«'-P'-''^''»"«'J«li»'«ration  placed,  with  the  pieces  thereunto  annexed,  in  the 
hands  of  Mess"  van  Aertsbergen  and  other  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  for  the  West 
India  Company  saflairs,  in  order  to  inspect  and  examine  them,  and  to  hear  again  and  again 
the  petitioner  and  Secretary  Cornells  van  Tienhoven  actually  here  at  the  Hague,  and  to  render 
a  report  of  the  whole  to  their  High  Mightinesses. 


Secretary  van  Tienhoven^s  Observations  on  the  Bomuianj  and  Colonization  of 

New  JVethcrlnnd. 

[Fro,nU.,OHK,o.,  In  U..  Eo,..  A„,.„„  ...h.  H.g,. ;  Zo.*-t«  „,  .he  8u.«  .,„„.„„  u.^.„„.  ^^  /«,,.*,  n«.;KHm«.,  No. «,;,..,  dWWo, 

or  llic  llunillo,  ] 

Observations  on  the  settlement  of  the  boundary,  and  on  the  colonization  of  New 
Netherland.     Furnished  22"'  February,  1650. 

The  settlement  of  the  boundary  is  highly  necessary,  in  order  to  avoid,  in  future,  all  difficulties 
with  thos-,  of  New  Kngland  and  Virginia;  it  will  also  promote  tht  quiet  of  the  Dutch  Nation 
111  New  Netherland.  as  many  would  be  thereby  encouraged  to  undertake  Colonies,  Douweries 
and  I'lantations,  in  that  country. 

This  settlement  of  the  boundary  -.ras.  in  my  opinion,  not  easy  to  be  obtained  before  the 
present  tune,  ,  ronsequence  of  the  troubles  in  Kngland ;  the  rather,  as  those  of  Virginia 
declare  for  Charles  the  Second,  and  those  of  New  England  for  the  Parliament. 


360 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


In  order  then  to  block  the  further  progress  of  the  English,  I  would  suggest  (under 
correction),  that  we  should  provisionally  set  about  hitching  on  to  New  Netherland  the  most 
distant  lands  lying  between  the  Dutch  Nation  and  the  English,  which  are  yet  vacant  and  in  no 
one  s  possession,  by  the  occupation  thereof  in  manner  hereinafter  described. 

1st.  Having  been  plainly  tricked  by  the  English  out  of  the  Fresh  River,  notwithstanding  a 
block  house,  called  the  Hope,  had  been  erected  21  leagues  up  the  river,  in  the  year  1633,  long 
before  the  English  had  been  there, -a  sign  of  first  and  earliest  possession -nothing  could,  at 
hrst,  be  done  in  that  quarter,  except  to  repair  said  house,  the  Hope,  and  keep  it  as  heretofore 
occupied  by  a  suitable  garrison,  for  the  purpose  of  maintaining  prior  possession  of  the  most 
remote  boundary. 

2nd.  The  village  of  Greenwich  belonging  to  their  High  Mightinesses',  being  the  furthest 
place  where  the  Director  and  Council  exercise  authority,  in  the  name  of  their  High 
Mightinesses  the  States  General  and  of  the  West  India  Company,  is  separated  from  the 
English  village  Stamford,  by  a  small  stream;  so  that  the  English  along  the  main  north  coast 
cannot  approach  nearer  New  Netherland,  without  being  obliged  to  settle  between  Greenwich 
and  New  Amsterdam,  where  there  is  an  interval  of  about  seven  leagues  of  country:  And  to 
prevent  that,  Director  Stuyvesant  purchased  these  lards  last  summer  from  the  native  and  right 
owners  thereof,  and  paid  for  them,  on  account  of  the  West  India  Company. 

3d  For  the  security  of  the  beautiful  North  river,  on  which  New  Amsterdam  stands,  it 
would  not  be  unwise  to  take  possession  first  of  the  land  situate  on  the  west  bank  of  the  East 
river,  between  Greenwich  and  New  Amsterdam,  establishing  villages,  bouweries  and  plantations 
there;  this  done,  there  need  be  no  dread  of  the  further  progress  of  the  English  on  that  side  and 
the  North  river,  whence  most  of  the  peltries  are  brought  down,  would  also  be  protected  'xhe 
North  river  is  about  eight  leagues  west  of  the  East  river  at  Greenwich. 

4th.  Long  Island  which  extends  in  length  from  the  heights  opposite  Staten  Island,  is  washed 
on  the  south  side  by  the  Great  Ocean  ;  on  the  north,  by  the  East  river,  which  divides  it  from 
New  Amsterdam  and  the  aforementioned  lands.  It  is  full  thirty  leagues  long  from  the  west  to 
the  northeastern  point,  and  at  the  west  end  2,  and  further  eastward  4,  8,  12  and  15  leagues 
broad  It  IS  the  levelest  and  finest  soil  in  New  Netherland  ;  very  well  adapted  for  agricuUure 
and  the  rearing  of  all  sorts  of  cattle;  furnished  with  beautiful  valleys,  navigable  harbors 
rivers  and  bays,  the  chief  of  which  are  Hempstead  bay,  Martin  Gerritsen's  bay,  Oyster  bay  thJ 
Cromme  gouw,"  being  a  considerable  inland  sea,'  (Iwhose  shores  are  inhabited  by  Indians  )' and 
.1.  which  are  various  other  fair  and  fertile  islands.  The  greatest  part  of  the  Wampum,  for 
winch  the  furs  are  traded,  is  manufactured  there  by  the  Natives. 

The  English  of  the  Colony  of  New  Haven  settled  two  villages  at  the  bight  of  the  aforesaid 
inland  sea.  about  three  leagues  from  the  East  point  of  said  Island ;  one  culled  Southampton 
containing  about  10  &k  12  houses,  [the  other]  Southold,  about  30  houses. 

The  undernamed  towns  are  planted  on  said  Island,  and  are  all  under  the  jurisdiction  of 
their  High  Mightinesses  the  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands  viz' 

llemsteede,   Gravesend.    Flushing,   Amersfoort,   and   Breukelen.   with    divers    bouweries 
nnd  plantations. 

The  further  progress  of  the  English  on  Long  Island  would,  in  my  opinion,  under  correction 
be  prevented  and  estopped,  without  the  settlement  of  the  boundary,  by  the  following  means:- 


'  The  Crooked  couutry  or  dintrict. 


'  (<»riliner'8  b«y.  —  Kd. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


861 


First  )y  purchasing  from  the  natives  the  lands  situate  on  the  East  point  of  Long  Island 
not  aire  .dy  bought;  that  done,  by  taking  possession  of  the  East  point  which  is  about  three' 
leagues  from  houthampton,  and  by  securing  its  possession,  at  first  by  a  Redoubt  and  a  small 
garnson.  or  settlmg  ,t  by  means  of  a  Colonie.  The  west  point  of  the  aforesaid  sea  being  taken 
possession  of  m  l.ke  manner,  the  villages  of  Southampton  and  Southold  would  be  shut  in- 
after  th.s, 8  accomplished,  Siketeu  Hacky,  Oyster  bay  and  Martin  Gerritsen's  bay  must  also 
be  taken  possession  of.  The  whole  of  Long  Island  would  be  thereby  secured  to  New  Netherland, 
and  he  design  of  the  English  in  regard  to  the  domination  of  said  convenient  harbors,  be  rendered 
fruitless  and  null. 

The  South  river,  situate  thirty  leagues  south  of  the  Great  Bay  of  the  North  river  as 
computed  along  the  coast,  has  been  possessed  and  frequented  by  the  Dutch  more  than 
wenty-eight  years  before  any  foreign  nation  had  been  there.  Ten  years  ago  the  Swedes 
lined  sa.d  river  with  four  forts,  and.  by  means  thereof,  endeavor  to  seize  on  the  entire  river 
The  further  progress  of  the  Swedes,  could  be  prevented  and  neutralized  by  planting  a 
Colonie  at  Swauendael,  otherwise  called  the  Whorekill,  on  the  weet  side  of  the  Bay;  another 
on  the  east  side;  and  one  on  the  west  bank,  at  the  Company's  Redoubt,  named  Beversreede. 
about  seven  leagues  above  Fort  Crislina.  This  being  done,  the  Swedes  could  not  take  up 
any  more  land,  either  above  or  below,  nor  extend  their  pretended  jurisdiction  any  farther 

No  difference  has  arisen  between  the  Dutch  and  the  English  of  Virginia  on  the  subject  of 
boundary,  because  they  have  not  owned  what  we,  Netherlanders.  possess.  However,  it  would 
not  be  impolitic  to  determine  the  boundary  between  Virginia  and  New  Netherland,  so  that  all 
future  misunderstandings  and  differences  on  this  head  may  be  prevented. 

The  settlement  of  the  boundary  by  possession  can  never  be  effected,  except  by  sending  out 
working  people  and  disbursing  money  necessary  for  such  work;  and  in  order  to  encourage 
those  who  are  able  to  make  disbursements,  firm  and  permanent  privileges  should  be  granted 
consistent  with  the  right  accruing  from  the  charier  granted  to  the  West  India  Company. 


1:  t"^^ 


For  the  conveyance  of  farmers  and   their  families,   and  of  handicraftsmen, 
are  required:  — 

A  large  fly-boat  of  200  lasts,  which  would  be  chartered  for  the  voyage  out,  for  fi.  6000. 
A  vessel  of  200  lasts,  would  probably  carry  over  250  persons,  exclusive  of  the  ships  crew; 
they  would  require  for  food,  for  the  voyage,  each  at  least  30  guilders,  fl.  7500. 
Every  260  fanners  would  require  a  superintendent. 

A  clergyman  ;  or,  in  his  place  provisionally,  a  Comforter  of  the  sick,  who  could  also  act  as 
schoolmaster. 

A  surgeon,  provided  with  medicines. 

A  blacksmith,  who  is  conversant  with  the  treatment  of  horses  and  cattle. 
Three  or  four  house-carpenters,  who  can  lay  brick. 
One  cooper. 
One  wheelwright. 

Other  tradesmen,  such  as  tailors  and  shoemakers,  follow  with  time. 

A  necessary  supply  of  munitions  of  war.  for  the  defence  of  the  Colonists,  in  case  of 
misunderstanding  with  the  natives. 


Vol.  I. 


46 


*1 


362 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Farming  implements,  such  as  axes,  adzes,  mattocks,  spades,  rope,  ploughsliares,  &c. 

These  people  arriving  in  New  Netherland  would  require  to  be  victualed  for  at  least  a  year; 
for  little  produce  is  to  be  expected  the  second  year,  from  the  newly  cultivated  land.  It  is  not 
necessary  to  send  the  food  from  Europe,  since  it  can  be  supplied  by  the  Dutch  and  the 
English.     Oil  and  vinegar  alone  must  come  from  here. 

Cattle,  such  as  horses,  cows,  hogs,  need  not  be  sent  from  this  place,  in  consequence  of  the 
great  expense,  as  they  can  be  be  got  at  a  reasonable  price  from  the  Dutch,  and  principally 
among  the  English,  who  have  plenty  of  them. 

The  foregoing  is  what  I,  with  all  submission,  briefly,  and  according  to  my  imperfect 
knowledge,  communicate  on  paper  to  your  High  Mightinesses  on  the  subject  of  the  settlement 
of  the  Boundaries  by  possession,  such  as  peopling  it  with  one  or  more  Colonies  in  New 
Netherland.  I  pray  the  All-wise  God,  to  preside  over  your  High  Mightinest  es'  Assembly,  and 
to  be  pleased  to  permit  your  resolutions  to  redound  to  the  honor  of  his  name,  the  proeperity 
of  his  Church  and  ',o  the  peace  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  subjects. 

Done  at  the  Hague,  the  22''  February,  Anno  1650. 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  subject, 

(Sign«id)         CoRNELis  van  Tienhoven. 


Plan  for  the  Colonhation  of  New  Netheiland. 

I  From  the  MS.  In  the  Boyal  ArchIrM  «t  ttaa  H.ju« ;  LokMkat  of  '.ho  StatM  Oeneral  i  Eubrlo  Wtl  IndiKht  Qmpodnit  No.  80;  Slh  dlTliloq  of 

the  Bundle.] 

New  Netherland. 

The  Directors  deputed  by  the  West  India  Company  do  not  deem  it  expedient  to  conjointly 
advise  your  High  Mighti-.iesses  in  the  present  instance  on  the  affairs  of  New  Netherland,  and  the 
places  thereunto  belony.ing,  inasmuch  as  the  superintendence  thereof  has  hitherto  been  with 
the  Chamber  at  An-  '.erdam,  which,  also  specially  declares  its  opinion  thereUf.on,  as  to  the 
manner  that  supen"teidence  ought  to  be  directed  in  future  for  the  greatest. advantage.  The 
other  Chambers  have  merely  requested  copy  thereof,  to  be  communicated  to  their  constituents, 
with  the  understanding,  however,  that  the  afore...iid  Amsterdam  Chamber  shall,  meanwhile, 
remain  and  continue  invested  with  the  aforesaid  superintendence,  and  provisioally  pnt  in 
practice,  as  far  as  possible,  the  following  advice : — 


Provisional  Plan  for  the  Trade,  Colonizatian  and  advantage  ot  New  Netherland, 
and  of  the  Islai  d  of  Curasao,  Bonayro  and  Aruba,  dependent  on  the  said 
government. 

Which  placss  have  been  managed  exclusively  by  the  Chamber  of  Amsterdam  from  the  year 
1645  up  to  the  date  hereof,  although  it  was  resolved  in  the  Assembly  of  ihe  XIX.,  on  the  e"" 
July  of  the  same  year,  that  they  should  be  under  the  superintendence  of  the  Chambers  in 
common.     With  this  view,  an  estimate  was  computed  of  the  expense  of  Director  Stuyvesant's 


I  ^'^■\ 


m 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


868 


outfit,  wliich  was  divided  according  to  the  quota  to  be  furnished  by  each  Chamber  respectively. 
In  the  meantime,  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam  undertook  to  fit  out  at  its  own  cost  two  ships, 
namely  tlie  Princcine  and  Groote  Gerrit.  Afterwards,  however,  in  October  following,  at  the 
meeting  of  the  XIX.,  in  Zealand,  it  happened  that  some  Chambers  found  it  difficult  to  share 
the  expense,  and  thus  this  superintendence  has  remained  exclusively  to  this  date  with  the 
Chamber  at  Amsterdam. 

Again,  the  Committee  of  the  Amst  rdam  Chamber  considered  'twould  be  better  that  those 
countries  should  remain  bound  to  all  i\\>  Chambers  in  common,  but  as  trading  to  these  places 
in  rotation  cou.d  not  conveniently  be  carried  into  execution,  the  Commissioners,  subject  to  a 
better  decision,  were  of  opinion,  that  it  would  be  best,  that  the  outfitting  should  remain  with 
the  Amsterdam  Chamber,  and  be  done  through  its  Commissioners,  to  be  appointed  for  that 
purpose,  to  whom  likewise  all  returns  must  be  consigned  under  bond  that  they  be  responsible 
to  the  respective  Chambers,  to  appropriate  to  each  its  contingent  proportion. 

Now,  in  order  to  be  able  properly  to  provide  good  order  and  necessaries  for  those  coasts,  and 
to  supply  them  with  troops  for  the  defenco  of  the  four  forts  in  New  Netherland  and  one  at 
Curagao,  we  consider  that  the  garrisoning  of  the  first  four  requires  IGO  men  under  the 
command  of  sub-officers,  as  ihe  country  is  at  peace  ;  12  soldiers  only  need  be  sent  to  the  last 
l)lace  under  a  commander  cllow  wsges 

To  carry  out  the  above,  we  judge  the  sur^  of  fl to  be  i.eccssary.    As  the 

respective  Chambers  might  consider  this  airount  burdensome,  it  must  be  decided  whether  it 
shall  be  raised  on  interest  at  4  per  cent,  pledging  for  both  principal  an('  interest  all  the 
elTects  and  returns  coming  thence,  together  with  tiie  whole  Teiritory  kMII  belonging  to 
the  Company,  and  not  conveyed  to  Colonists;  and  e-in;  cially  the  kland  of  Manhatans. 

n.s  the  islands  of  Curoy-ao,  Bonaire  and  Aruba  have  been  found  for  many  years  to  be  only 
a  burden  to  the  Company,  not  producing  any  profit,  we  have,  merefore,  considered  whether  it 
would  not  be  well  to  request  permission  of  the  Supreme  government  to  give  up  said  Islands: 
but  if  such  were  not  feasible,  'twould,  in  our  opinion,  be  best,  to  permit  every  one  to  establish 
Colonies  on  said  Islands,  to  distribute  and  concede  the  land  free  of  rent,  and  to  allow  all  to 
cut  Logwood  on  paying  a  duty  of  ;  that  every  one,  no  matter  of  what  nation, 

ihi  11  be  at  liberty  to  bring  from  said  Island,  as  many  horses  and  as  much  salt  as  he  may  think 

proptr  on  payment  of  duty,  namely,  lor  the  horses  fl per  htad  ;  and  for  each 

last  of  salt  fl ;  provided  neither  horses  nor  salt  be  conveyed  to  any  other  place 

than  New  Netherland. 

As  for  the  last  mentioned  country,  we  consider  little  or  no  change  necessary  in  regard  to 
Colonists  who  have  planted  Colonies  there  already,  but  to  permit  them  to  enjoy  the  Freedoms 
granted  on  the  in  the  year  1630. 

But  as  those  Colonists  formerly  complained  that  they  were  not  allowed  to  export  the  products 
of  their  lands  for  their  own  benefit  beyond  the  territory  of  \ew  Netherland,  they  were  permitted 
to  export  such  produce  in  their  own  ships  to  Brazil,  on  condition  that  they  should  not  retura 
thence  to  New  Netlierland  again  with  any  Brazilian  prf^ducts. 

This  should  in  our  opinion  be  enlarged  ;  so  that  said  Traders  on  disposing  of  their  produce 
and  crops  in  any  of  the  Company's  districts,  shall  be  privileged  to  com^  back  with  their 
ships  and  returns  to  tlie  place  whence  they  sailed,  on  condition  jf  paying  the  duties  to  be 
imposed  thereon. 


M 

^i.\ 


IHi 


«■»' 


864 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


S^ 


Also,  that  the  Inhabitants  of  New  Netherland  shall  be  nt  liberty  to  purchase  Negroes 
wheresoever  they  may  think  necessary,  except  the  coast  of  Guinea,  and  bring  them  into  New 
Netherland  to  work  on  their  bouweries,  on  payment  of  a  duty  off!  ...  .  per  head. 

We  should  above,  all  things  consider  it  necessary  to  provide  ways  and  means  ;  we  are  of 
opinion  that  permission  should  be  obtained  from  the  Magistrates  of  some  Provinces  and  Cities, 
to  take  from  the  alms-houses  or  orphan  asylums  300 cii.  400  boys  and  girls  of  10,  12  to  16  years 
of  age,  with  their  consent,  however,  and  that  their  passage  and  board  could  be  procured  for  fl.  60 
or  60  per  head.  With  that  recognition  a  large  ship  might  be  chartered,  suitable  for  the 
conveyance  of  horses  and  salt  from  Curasao  and  alterwards  return  hither  with  a  cargo  of 
Logwood.  It  must  be,  further,  declared  that  said  children  shall  not  remain  bound  to  their 
masters  for  a  longer  term  than  6  or  7  years,  unless  being  girls,  they  come,  meanwhile,  to  marry, 
in  wh.ch  event  they  should  have  the  option  of  hiring  again  with  their  masters  or  mistresses, 
or  of  remaming  wholly  at  liberty  and  of  settling  there,  on  condition  that  they  be  allowed  bo 
much  land  as  the  Director  shall  consider  it  proper  each  should  have  for  the  support  of  her 
famdy.  free  from  all  rents  and  exemptions  for  the  term  of  10  years  after  entering  on  such  land  • 
but  the  inhabitants  shall  have,  after  the  lapse  of  the  aforesaid  term  of  years,  the  tenth  of 
their  incomes. 

Now,  it  will  be  in  the  highest  degree  necessary,  to  endeavor  some  settlement  of  Boundary 
with  the  hngl.sh  on  any  terms  whatsoever;  and  as  no  opportunity  might  offer  for  the  negotiation 
of  any  Boundary  line  either  in  the  name  of  King  or  Parliament,  or  of  existing  Powers,  in 
consequence  of  violent  interruptions  in  the  government  of  England,  we  should  not  deem  it 
unw.se  to  empower  the  Director  to  agree  provisionally,  with  our  neighbors  the  English  on 
some  line  of  Boundary,  for  which  they  themselves  have  made  overtures,  subject  to  the 
approbation  of  each  of  the  principals. 


►»■  »  ■ .  » 


PvUic  Charges  in  New  England. 

t  From  the  Origin.!  In  Ih.  Uorl  A«hl«.  1  u..  n^,;  LoteUa.  of  .h.  8...«  Gen.,.1 ;  Eubric  We.,  fnOUc;..  Campa^U,  No.  80;  8U.  dWllo. 

of  tba  Buadle.  ] 

Taxes  payable  by  the  English   in  New  England.     Delivered  in  by  Secretary 
Tienhoven,  3"  March,  1060. 

In  New  England  all  the  property  and  means  of  the  people,  as  well  of  the  highest  as  the 
lowest,  are  appraised  by  the  Magistrates,  and  taxed  according  to  each  one's  ability;  for  the 

Pay  of  the  Governor.  Deputy  Governor.  Magistrates.  Secretaries,  Marshals  and  Constables. 

I  ay  of  Military  Olficers  who  exercise  th<3  inhabitants  continually  under  arms.  The  military 
officers  are  Majors.  Captains,  Lieutenants,  Ensigns,  &c. 

Salary  and  residence  of  the  minister  and  schoolmaster. 

Erection  of  churches  and  school-houses,  and  repairs  thereof. 

For  all  city  and  town  edifices. 

For  the  construction  and  repairs  of  all  bridges  over  the  rivers  along  the  highways. 

For  the  erection  and  repairs  of  all  ordinaries  for  travelers. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


365 


For  the  mninJenance  of  the  University  at  Boston,  nnd  its  accessories. 

The  people  must  also  defray  the  expenses  incurred  by  the  General  Assemblies  which  are 
held  in  each  province  respectively,  four  times  a  year,  and  the  General  Coi^rt  once  a  year.  This 
Assembly  continues  a  long  time. 

In  the  event  of  war  occurring,  as  was  the  case  a  few  years  ago  against  the  Pequatoos  and 
other  Indians,  all  the  towns  are  obliged  to  furnish  as  many  soldiera  at  their  expense,  at  the 
place  of  rendezvous,  as  the  General  Court  indicates,  on  condition  of  the  latter  providing  their 
pay,  rations  and  ammunition. 

The  foregoing  are  the  burthens  which  New  England  has,  to  my  ov.  n  kaowledge,  to  defray. 
Ady,  a-*  March.  ' 


■4      , 


Information  re-specting  Land  in  New  Netherland. 

[  Prom  IheClgliullB  the  Bojr.1  Archir«.t  Uio  U^pie;  tolMco»^  the  Stale,  Oon.ral ,  Kubrio  »W  Mi^h*  Cbmpa^n*,,  No.80j  (Hi  JltltlOD 

of  the  Bundle.  ] 

Information  relative  to  taking  upland  in  New  Netherland,  in  the  form  of  Colonies 
or  private  bouweries.  Delivered  in  by  Secretary  van  Tienhoven,  on  the  l'" 
of  March,  1U50. 

If  any  one  be  disposed  to  begin  either  by  himself  or  others.  Colonies,  Bouweries  or 
Plantations  in  New  Netherland,  which  lies  in  the  latitude  of  ont  and  forty  degrees  and  a  half, 
he  shall  first  have  to  inform  himself  fully  of  the  situation  of  the  lande  lying  on  the  rivers, 
havens  and  bays,  in  order  thus  to  select  the  most  suitable,  and  particularly  the  most  convenient 
grounds:  It  is  therefore  to  be  borne  in  mind,  that  the  lands  in  New  Netherland  are  not  all 
level  and  flat,  and  adapted  to  raising  of  grain,  inasmuch  as  they  arc,  with  the  exception  of 
some  few  flats,  generally  cnered  with  timber,  in  divers  places  also  with  large  and  small  stcues. 

In  order,  then  first  to  describe  those  lands  which  are  actually  the  most  convenient  and 
the  best  and  ought  to  be  occupied  the  earliest,  where  and  how  located,  I  shall  enumerate 
the  Tjllowing  places,  and  commend  the  remainder  to  the  consideration  of  proprietors  of 
this  country. 

I  begin  then  at  the  most  easterly  corner  of  Long  Island,  being  a  point  situate  on  the  Main 
Ocean,  inclosing  within,  westward,  a  large  inland  oea,'  adorned  with  divers  fair  havens  and 
bays,  fit  for  all  sorts  of  craft;  this  point  is  entirely  covered  with  trees,  without  any  flats, 
and  is  somewhat  hilly  and  stony,  very  convenient  for  cod  fishing,  which  is  most  successfully 
followed  by  the  natives  during  the  season. 

This  point  is  also  well  adapted  to  secure  the  trade  of  the  Indians  in  Wampum,  (the  mine  of 
New  Netherland,)  since  in  and  about  the  abovementioned  sea  and  the  islands  therein  sifjate, 
lie  the  cockles  whereof  Wampum  is  made,  from  which  great  profit  could  be  realized  by  those 
who  would  plant  a  colonic  or  hamlet  at  the  aforesaid  Point,  for  the  cultivation  of  the  land,  for 
raising  all  sorts  of  cattle,  for  fishing  and  the  wampum  trade. 

'Qtrdatr'*  Bay.— Eo. 


^tt^v 

|il 

■Ih^' 

II 

pn* 

h 

lil» 

ii 

866 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


It  would  be  necessary,  in  such  case,  to  settle  on  the  aforesaid  land  some  persons  thoroughly 
conversant  with  agriculture,  nnd  others  with  the  fishery. 

Oysterbiuj,  so  called. from  the  great  ahundance  of  fine  and  delicate  oysters  which  are  found 
there,  is  about  short  league  across,  or  in  width  at  the  mouth  ;  deep  and  navigable,  without 
either  rocks  or  sands,  runs  inland  nearly  west,  and  divides  itself  into  two  rivers,  which  are 
broad  and  clear,  on  which  lie  some  fine  maize  lands,  formerly  cultivated  by  the  Indians,  some 
of  which  are  still  worked;  they  could  be  had  for  a  trifle.  This  land  is  situate  on  such 
beautiful  bay  and  rivers,  that  it  could,  at  little  cost,  be  converted  into  good  farms,  fit  for  the 
plough  ;  there  are  here,  also,  some  fine  hay-valleys. 

Martin  Gerrkscn's  bay  or  Marthuiehouci;  is  much  deeper  and  wider  than  Oyster  bay,  nnd  runs 
westward  in,  divides  into  three  rivers,  two  of  which  are  navigable;  the  smallest  stream 
runs  up  m  front  of  the  Indian  village,  called  Martinne  houck,  where  they  have  their 
plantations.  This  tribe  is  not  strong,  and  consists  of  about  30  families.  There  were  formerly 
in  and  about  this  bay,  great  numbers  of  Indian  Plantations,  which  now  lie  waste  and  vacant. 
This  land  IS  mostly  level,  and  of  good  quality,  well  adapted  for  grain  and  rearing  of  all  sorts 
of  cattle ;  on  the  rivers  are  numerous  valleys  of  sweet  and  salt  meadows ;  all  sorts  of  river 
fish  are  also  caught  there. 

Schout's  buy,  on  the  East  river,  is  also  very  open  and  navigable,  with  one  river  running  into 
It;  on  said  river  are  also  fine  maize  lands,  level  and  not  stony,  with  right  beautiful  valleys. 
Beyond  said  river  is  a  very  convenient  hook  of  land,  somewhat  large,  encircled  Ly  a  large  valley 
and  river,  where  all  descriptions  of  cattle  can  be  reared  and  fed,  such  convenience  being  a  great 
accommodation  for  the  settlers,  who  otherwise  must  search  for  their  cattle  frequently  several 
days  in  the  bush. 

The  country  on  the  East  river  between  (;reenwicli  and  the  island  Manhattans,  is  for  the 
most  partcovered  with  trees,  butyet  flat  and  suitable  land,  with  numerous  streams  and  valleys, 
right  good  soil  for  grain,  together  with  fresh  liay,  and  meadow,  lands. 

lyia/uucskeck,  on  the  North  river,  five  leagues  above  New  Amstenlani,  is  very  good  and  suitable 
land  for  agriculture,  very  extensive  maize  land,  on  which  the  Indians  have  planted— proceeding 
from  the  shore  and  inland  'tis  fiat  and  mostly  level,  well  watered  by  small  streams  and  running 
springs.  It  lies  between  the  East  and  North  rivers  and  is  situate  between  n  rivulet  of  Sintinck 
and  Armonck.' 

In  the  Day  of  the  North  river,  about  two  leagues  from  .Sandy  Hook,  lies  an  inlet  or  small  bay; 
on  the  south  shore  of  said  bay.  called  S,y,w<si,uk,  there  are  also  right  good  maize  lands  which 
have  not  been  cultivated  by  the  natives  fi.r  a  long  lime.  This  district  is  well  adapted  for 
raising  and  feeding  all  sorts  of  cattle,  nnd  is  esteemed  by  many  not  ill  adapted  for  fisheries;  a 
good  trade  in  furs  could  also  be  carried  on  there,  and  'tis  likewise  accessible  to  all  large  vessels 
coming  from  sea,  which  are  often  obliged  to  lie  to  or  anchor  behind  .Sandy  Hook,  either  in 
consequence  of  contrary  winds,  or  for  want  of  a  pilot. 

The  district  inhabited  by  a  nation  called  Ifaritangs.  is  situate  on  a  fresh  water  river,  that 
flows  through  the  centre  of  the  low  land  which  the  Indians  cultivated.  This  vacant  territory 
lies  between  two  high  mountains,  far  distant  the  one  from  the  other.  It  is  the  liandsomest  and 
pleasantesl  country  that  man  can  behold,  and  furnishe.i  the  Indians  with  abundance  of  mai>e. 

■  'n.i,  tr«.  t  ..t*..d.  .cro-  th.  county  wf  We.t.WUr,  from  Sing  Sing  to  tb.  Iljr.m  riy.r.  BoH.m;  /liHoru  uf  Wm^KuI^ 
Vvunty,  I.,  2.  —  to.  ' 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


867 


benns;  pumpkins,  and  other  fruits.  Tliis  district  was  abandoned  by  the  natives  for  two  reasons ; 
the  first  and  principal  is,  that  finding  themselves  unable  to  resist  the  Southern  Indians,  they 
migrated  further  inland  ;  the  second,  because  this  country  was  flooded  every  spring  like 
Renselaer's  colonic,  frequently  spoiling  and  destroying  their  supplies  of  maize  which  were 
stored  in  holes  under  ground. 

Through  this  valley  pass  large  numbers  of  all  sorts  of  tribes,  on  their  way  north  or  east;  this 
land  is  therefore  not  only  adapted  for  raising  grain  and  rearing  all  description  of  cattle'  but 
also  very  convenient  for  trade  with  the  Indians.  ' 

On  both  sides  of  the  South  bay  and  South  river  also  lie  some  handsome  lands,  not  only 
suitable,  but  very  convenient  for  agriculture  and  trade. 

1  have  already  stated  where  the  first  Colonists  should,  in  my  opinion,  settle,  regard  being 
had  to  the  convenience  of  those  lauds  in  the  possession  of  which  other  nations  being  anticipated, 
they  would  not  be  able  to  extend  their  pretended  limits  further,  and  great  peace  and  security 
would  be  afforded  to  the  inhabitants.  I  shall  here  further  state  the  time  when  those  emigrating 
hence,  to  and  arriving  in  New  Netherland  will  take  up  land,  and  how  each  will  afterwards 
earn  a  living  and  settle  in  the  most  economical  manner  according  to  the  fashion  of  the  country. 

Boors  and  others  who  are  obliged  to  work  at  first  in  Colonies  ought  to  sail  from  this  country 
in  the  fore  or  latter  part  of  winter,  in  order  to  arrive  with  God's  help  in  New  Netherland 
early  in  the  Spring,  in  March,  or  at  latest  in  April,  so  as  to  be  able  to  plant,  during  that  summer, 
garden  vegetables,  maize  and  beans,  and  moreover  employ  the  whole  summer  in  clearing  land 
and  building  cottages,  as  I 'shall  hereafter  describe. 

All  then  who  arrive  in  New  Netherland  must  immediately  set  about  preparing  the  soil,  so 
as  to  be  able,  if  possible  to  plant  some  winter  grain,  and  to  proceed  the  next  winter'  to 
cut  and  clear  the  timber.  The  trees  are  usually  felled  from  the  stump,  cut  up  and  burnt  in 
the  field,  unless  such  as  are  suitable  for  building,  for'palisades,  posts  and  rails,  which  must  be 
prepared  during  the  winter,  so  as  to  be  set  up  in  the  spring  on  the  new  made  land  which  ia 
intended  to  be  sown,  in  order  that  the  cattle  may  not  in  any  wise  injure  the  crops.  In  most 
lands  is  found  a  certain  root,  called  red  VVortel,  which  must  before  ploughing,  be  extirpated 
with  a  hoe,  expressly  made  for  that  purpose.  This  being  done  in  the  winter,  some  plough 
right  around  the  slumps,  shouhi  time  or  circumstances  not  allow  these  to  be  removed;  others 
plant  tobacco,  maize  and  beans,  at  first.  The  soil  even  thus  becomes  very  mellow,  and  they 
sow  winter  grain  the  next  fall.  From  tobacco,  can  be  realized  some  of  the  expenses  incurred 
in  clearing  the  land.  The  maize  and  beans  help  to  support  both  men  and  cattle.  The  former 
having  tlius  be^-un,  must  endeavor,  every  year,  to  clear  as  much  new  land  ns  he  possibly  can, 
and  sow  it  with  such  seed  as  he  considers  most  suitable. 

It  is  not  necessary  that  the  husbandman  should  take  up  much  stock  in  the  beginning,  since 
clearing  land  and  other  necessary  labor  do  not  permit  him  to  gave  much  hay  and  to'  build 
barns  for  stabling.  One  pair  of  draft  horses  or  a  yoke  of  oxen  only  is  necessary,  to  ride  the 
planks  for  buildings,  or  palisades  or  rails  from  the  land  to  the  place  where  they  are  to  be  set. 
The  farmer  can  get  all  sorts  of  cattle  in  the  course  of  the  second  summer,  when  he  will  have 
more  leisure  to  cut  and  bring  homo  hay,  also  to  build  houses  and  barns  for  men  and  cattle. 


I« 


mm\ 


OF    THR    DUiLDINO    Or    HOUSES    AT    FIRST. 


Defore  beginning  to  build,  'twill  above  all  things  he  necessary  to  sel.-cl  a  well  located  spot, 

"3" 


either  un   some    river  or  buv.  Nuiluble  for  tli^  Mi>it|«i>i.»ii  ••)'  ■,   v.iio....  <..  i i...      'i<i.;_  : . 

i>»    «'»-     --t-t. ^.    „     .,,:„_^..   ^,,     fftttftiT-i,        1  Ilia    la 


1* 


368 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


previously  properly  surveyed  and  divided  into  lots,  with  good  streets  according  to  the 
situation  of  the  place.  This  hamlet  can  be  fenced  all  around  with  high  palisades  or  long 
boards  and  closed  with  gates,  which  is  advantageous  in  case  of  attack  by  the  natives,  who 
heretofore  used  to  exhibit  their  insolence  in  new  plantations. 

Outside  the  village  or  hamlet,  other  land  must  be  laid  out  which  can  in  general  be  fenced 
and  prepared  at  the  most  trifling  expense. 

Those  in  New  Netherland  and  especially  in  New  England,  who  have  no  means  to  build 
farm-houses  at  first  according  to  their  wishes,  dig  a  square  pit  in  the  ground,  cellar  fashion, 
SIX  or  seven  feet  deep,  as  long  and  as  broad  as  they  think  proper,  case  the  earth  inside  all 
round  the  wall  with  timber,  which  they  line  with  the  bark  of  trees  or  something  else  to 
prevent  the  caving  in  of  the  earth;  floor  this  cellar  with  plank  and  wainscot  it  overhead  for 
a  ceilmg,  raise  a  roof  of  spars  clear  up  and  cover  the  spars  with  hark  or  green  sods,  so  that 
they  can  live  dry  and  warm  in  these  houses  with  their  entire  families  for  two.  three  and  four 
years,  it  being  understood  that  partitions  are  run  through  those  cellars  which  are  adapted  to 
the  size  of  the  family.  The  wealthy  and  principal  men  in  New  Kngland.  in  the  beginning 
of  the  Colonies,  commenced  their  first  dwelling-houses  in  this  fashion  for  two  reasons  •  first 
in  order  not  to  waste  time  building  and  not  to  want  food  the  next  season;  secondly  in' 
order  not  to  discourage  poorer  laboring  people  whom  they  brought  over  in  numbers  from 
Fatherland.  In  the  course  of  three  @  four  years,  when  the  country  became  adapted  to 
agncult-.re,  they  built  themselves  handsome  houses,  spending  on  them  several  thousands. 

After  the  houses  are  built  in  the  above  described  manner,  or  otherwise  according  to  each 
person's  means  and  fancy,  gardens  are  made  and  planted  in  season  with  all  sorts  of  pot-herbs 
prmcipally  parsnips,  carrots  and  cabbage,  whij,  bring  great  plenty  into  the  husbandman', 
dwelling.     The  maize  can  serve  as  bread  for  men,  and  food  for  cattle. 

The  hogs,  after  having  picked  up  their 'food  for  some  months  in  the  woods,  are  crammed 
with  corn  in  the  fall ;  when  fat  Ihey  are  killed  and  furnish  a  very  hard  and  clean  pork  ;  a  good 
article  for  the  husbandman  who  gradually  and  in  lime  begins  to  purchase  horses  and  cows  with 
the  produce  of  his  grain  and  the  increase  of  his   hogs,  and  instead  of  a  cellar  as  aforesaid 
builds  good  farm-houses  and  barns.  * 


OF    TUB    NECESSARV   CATTLB. 

The  cattle  necessary  in  a  Colonic  or  private  bouwery  in  New  Netherland,'  are  good  mares 
and  sound  stallions. 

Yoke-oxen  for  the  plough,  inasmuch  as  in  new  lands,  full  of  roots,  oxen  go  forward  steadily 
under  the  plough,  and  horses  stand  si  ill,  or  with  a  start  break  the  harness  in  pieces. 

Milch-cows  of  kindly  disposition,  and  good  bulls,  sheep,  sows.  etc.  Fowls  are  well  adapted 
to  bouweties.  ' 

These  cattle  are  abundant  in  New  Netherland,  and  especially  in  New  England,  and  to  be 
had  at  a  reasonable  price,  except  sheep,  which  the  English  do  not  sell,  and  are  rare  in 
New  Netherland. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    V. 


869 


PRICES   OP    CATTLE. 

In  New  Nelherland. 

A  young  mare  with  her  S*  or  third  foal,  costs fl.160  to  160 

A  4  10  5  year  olil  stallion,  about ^30 

A  milch  cow  with  her  Si''  or  3"  calf, 100 

A  year-old  sow, 20  (3.    24 

A  sheep,  being  an  ewe 20   (g.    24 

In  New  England. 

A  good  mare  sells  for 100®.  120 

A  stallion, , jOO 

Amilchcow, 60  @,    70 

A  yearling  sow 12  @,    14 

Sheep  are  not  sold  there. 

It  is  to  be  observed  that  in  a  Colonie  each  farmer  has  to  be  provided  by  his  landlord  with  at 
least  one  yoke  of  oxen  or  with  two  mares  in  their  stead,  two  cows,  one  or  two  sows,  for  the 
purpose  of  increase,  the  use  of  the  farm  and  the  support  of  his  family. 

If  the  above  cattle  multiply  in  course  of  time  with  God's  blessing,  the  bouweries  can  be 
fjlly  stocked  with  necessary  cattle,  and  new  bouweries  set  off  with  the  remainder,  as  is  the 
practice  in  Ilenselaer's  Colonie  and  other  places,  as  so  on  de  novo,  so  as  to  lay  out  no  money 
for  slock. 

All  farming  implements  necessnrj  for  the  land  must  be  also  procured,  except  wagon  and 
plough  which  can  be  made  there. 

And  as  it  is  found  by  experience  in  New  Netherland,  that  farmers  can  with  difficulty  obtain 
from  the  soil  enough  to  provide  themselves  with  necessary  victuals  and  support,  those  who 
propose  planting  Colonies,  must  supply  their  farmers  and  families  with  necessary  food  for  at 
least  two  or  three  years,  if  not  altogether,  it  must  be  done  at  least  in  part. 


'l>| 


NBCESSART    SUPPLIES    FOR   THE    FARMER. 


If  no  wheat  or  rye  can  be  had  for  bread,  maize  can  be  always  had  in  season  from  the  Indians 
at   a   reasonable   price.     The   skepel   costs  ordinarily    10  (ii.  15   slivers   when  bought  from 


the  ludiaas. 


Vinegar, 


Peas  and 


Beef, 
I'ork, 

Butter  or  oil  instead;  Beans. 

Salad  oil  and  vinegar  are  not  easy  to  be  had  in  thai  country  except  at  an  excessively  high 
price  from  the  Uulch  traders. 

All  this  being  arranged  it  must  bo  noted  what  description  of  people  are  best  adapted  for 
agriculiure  in  New  Nelherland,  and  to  perform  Ihc  most  service  and  return  the  most  profit  in 
the  ttegitining. 

Tirst,  a  persoa  ia  necessary  to  auperintend  tlie  working  men;  he  ought  to  be  acquainted 
with  faniiing. 

Vol.  I.  47 


370 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Il^ 


t^ 


Industrious  country  people,  conversant  with  the  working  and  cultivation  of  land,  and 
possessing  a  knowledge  of  cattle. 

It  would  not  be  unprofitable  to  add  to  these  some  Highland  boors  from  the  Veluwe » 
Gulick,*  Cleef,^  and  Berg.*  ' 

Northerners  are  a  people  adapted  to  cutting  down  trees  and  clearing  land,  inasmuch  as  they 
are  very  laborious  and  accustomed  to  work  in  the  woods. 

Northerners  can  do  almost  anything;  some  can  build  much,  others  a  little,  and  construct 
small  craft  which  they  call  yawls. 

Carpenters  who  can  lay  brick. 

Smiths  conversant  with  heavy  work,  curing  cattle  and  provided  with  suitable  medicines. 

One  or  more  surgeons,  according  to  the  number  of  the  people,  with  a  chest  well  supplied 
with  all  sorts  of  drugs. 

One  or  more  coopers. 

A  clergyman,  comforter  of  the  sick,  or  precentor  who  could  also  act  as  schoolmaster. 
A  wheelwright. 

All  other  tradesmen  would  follow  in  time;  the  above  mentioned  mechanics  are  the  most 
necessary  at  first.  In  order  to  unote  population  through  such  and  other  means,  the  people 
must  be  provided  with  Preedon..,  and  Privileges  so  as  to  induce  them  to  quit  their  Fatherland, 
and  emigrate  with  their  families  beyond  the  sea  to  this  far  distant  New  Netherland.  And  as 
poor  people  have  no  means  to  defray  the  cost  of  passage  and  other  expenses,  it  were  desirable 
that  wealthy  individuals  would  expend  some  capital,  to  people  this  country,  or  like  the  English 
ot  New  Lngland,  at  their  own  expense  remove  themselves  with  funds  and  a  large  body 
of  working  men.  and  provide  those  without  means  with  land,  dwelling,  cattle,  tools  and 
necessary  support;  and  that,  until  they  could  derive  the  necessary  maintenance  from  the  soil 
and  the  increase  of  cattle,  after  which  time  they  would  be  able  to  pay  yearly  a  reasonable 
quit-rent  to  their  lords  and  masters  from  the  effects  in  their  possession. 

ny  the  population  and  cultivation  x)f  the  aforesaid  lands  those  who  will  have  disbursed 
funds  for  the  removal  of  the  laboring  classes,  the  purchase  of  cattle  and  all  other  expenses. 
would,,n  process  |of  some  years,  after  God  had  blessed  the  tillage  and  the  increase  of  the 
cattle  der-.ve  a  considerable  revenue  in  grain,  beef,  pork,  butter  and  tobacco,  which  form  at 
firs  the  earliest  returns,  and  in  time  can  be  improved  by  industry,  such  as  making  pot 
and  pearl  ashes  Inpbonrds,  knees  for  ship  building,  staves,  all  sorts  of  pine  and  oak  plank 
masts  for  large  ships,  square  timber  and  ash  and  hickory  planhs;  in  which  a  sbple  trade  could 
be  estab  hed.  The  English  of  New  England  put  this  in  practice,  as  is  to  be  seen,  after  the 
and  had  been  first  brought  to  proper  condition;  they  sell  their  provisions  at  the  Caribbean 
slands,  staves  at  Madeira  and  the  Canaries,  masts  and  (ish  in  Spain  and  PortuRal  and 
bring  in  return  all  sorts  of  commodities;  so  much  of  these  returns  as  they  do  not  consume,  are 
agnin  distributed  by  them  throughout  all  the  islands  known  and  inhabited  in  the  Northern 
part  of  America.  Thus,  through  the  variety  of  the  returns  which  of  necessity  were  received 
a  profitable  trade  is  already  established  in  New  England,  which  can  also  be  right  well  set  oa' 
loot  by  the  Netherlanders,  if  the  population  of  the  country  were  promoted. 


'  Tlie  diitrict  of  Arnham,  in  the  Pro»inc«  of  GeIJ«rI«n(l. 

•  Bttween  the  Khin«  km)  the  (]enn«n  fnmiinr, 

"  'nit  Duchy  of  Ilerg  ii  nhout  four  or  Bto  milM  loulUeMt  of  Arnhtm.  —  Ed 


*  A  Qtrmtn  town  wtit  of  Keulgn. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    V. 


871 


The  following  is  the  mode  pursued  by  the  West  India  Company  in  the  first 
planting  of  Bouweries. 

The  Company,  at  their  own  cost  and  in  their  own  ships  conveyed  several  boors  to  New 
Netherland,  and  gave  these  the  following  terms: — 

The  farmer,  being  conveyed  with  his  family  over  sea  to  New  Netherland,  was  granted  by  the 
Company  for  the  term  of  six  years  a  Bouwerie,  which  was  partly  cleared,  and  a  good  part  of 
which  was  fit  for  the  plough. 

The  Company  furnished  the  farmer  a  house,  barn,  farming  implements  and  tools,  together 
with  four  horses,  four  cows,  sheep  and  pigs  in  proportion,  the  usufruct  and  enjoyment  of  which 
the  husbandman  should  have  during  the  six  years,  and  on  the  expi'-ation  thereof,  return  the 
number  of  cattle  he  received.  The  entire  increase  remained  with  the  farmer.  The  farmer 
was  bound  to  pay  yearly  one  hundred  guilders  and  eighty  pounds  of  butter  rent  for  the 
cleared  land  and  bouwerie. 

The  country  people  who  obtained  the  above  mentioned  conditions  all  prospered  during  their 
residence  on  the  Company's  lands. 

Afterwaids  the  cattle  belonging  to  the  Company  in  New  Netherland  were  distributed  for 
some  years  among  those  who  had  no  means  to  purchase  stock. 

The  risk  of  the  cattle  dying  is  shared  in  common,  and  after  the  expiration  of  the  contract 
the  Company  receives,  if  the  cattle  live,  the  number  the  husbandman  first  received,  and  the 
increase  which  is  over,  is  divided  half  and  half;  by  these  means  many  people  have  obtained 
stock  and,  even  to  this  day,  the  Company  have  still  considerable  cattle  among  the  Colonists, 
who  make  use  on  the  above  conditions  of  the  horses  in  cultivating  the  farm ;  the  cows  serve 
for  the  increase  of  the  stock  and  for  the  support  of  the  family. 

The  foregoing  is  what  is  necessary  to  be  communicated  at  present  respecting  the 
establishment  of  one  or  more  Colonies  and  relative  to  supplies.  What  regards  the  government 
and  preservation  of  such  Colonies  and  what  persons  Ought  to  be  ii.  authority  there  and  who 
these  ought  to  be,  I  leave  to  the  wise  and  prudent  consideration  of  your  noble  High  Mightinesses. 
Meanwhile  I  pray  the  Creator  of  Heaven  and  Earth  to  endow  your  High  Mightinesses  with  the 
Spirit  of  grace  and  wisdom,  so  that  all  your  High  Mightinesses*  deliberations  may  tend  to 
the  advantage  of  the  Country  and  its  Inhabitants. 


872 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


«' 


I 


Observations  on  the  Dutus  levied  on  Ooods  sent  to  New  Netherland. 

i P«,«  th. Origins  in  th.  Eojl  Ard.!,,.,  :■>  „u.  l.a,u.. :  /.*,«„. ,.,  .h..  S,,,,..  ,i,.„„r»l ;  Rubric,  HW /nd<.M,  <*™,K,^fa.  N..  ao,  lOih  DWUloa  of 

llio  Uuucllo.  ] 

ConsideratioriH  on  tl...  sul.jert  of'tho  duty  which  the  Hon"'*  West  India  Company 
levies  on  the  goods  exported  to  New  Netherland,  and  whether  it  were  better, 
in  regard  to  this  Slate,  the  Company  itself  and  New  Netherland  to  continue 
them,  to  reduce  them  in  any  degree,  or  wholly  to  abolish  them.  Received 
from  the  Delegates  from  New  Netherland,  1<^  March,  1G50. 

What  duty  the  Company  exacts. 
Th.dut,i.i«p.r  In  course  of  time,  for  it  was  not  the  custom  to  give  so  much,  16  guilders 
per  cent  are  paid  to  the  West  India  Company,  at  the  Amsterdam  chamber,  on 
the  goods  exported  to  New  Netherland;  that  is,  whoever  hath  a  hundred  guilders'  worth  of 
properly  must  give  sixteen  additional  to  the  Company;  the  convoy  used  to  be  3*,  but  this  is 
oflered  to  be  taiten  off. 

S.  When  people  return  from  New  Netherland  they  must  again  pay  there,  on  the  goods,  eight 
per  cent,  according  to  their  value  in  that  country.     No\v,  in   this  way,  the  cost  in  New 
Netherland   w,  and  must  be,  doubled  if  expenses  are  in  any  way  to    be  realized.     Again 
16  per  cent,  the  same  as  on  exportation  from  Netherland ;  twice  IG  make  82.     This  is  a  sum 

de"'.":.''*'./"^';  ''''''"'"•  '^'"''^  "•"''  '"'  f"'**  '"  ^^^  Company  before  a  hundred  guilders, 
Inr'Tura'*''"  ^'■""s'"'"^'!  f'""'"  Netherland,  can  be  icimbursed  exclusive  of  the  convoy,  which 
r<>c«iv«i.  the  Hon"'*  Company  now  offers  to  take  off. 

iHM"  »?u  ■"  ^'  ^'^'^  ^^  ^'^^  ^^^^  '*  *^°"»''^^'"»'''y  increased,  fully  equal  to  ten  per  cent  more; 
'■"■"•  thus:  The  first  16  guilders  must  he  paid  down  here  before  goods  can  leave;  no 
that  these  16  pay,  also,  interest  and  insurance;  yea,  are  counted  as  capital.  Again,  a  person's 
goods  must  be  sent  to  the  warehouse  at  Amsterdam  before  being  shipped;  that  counts  so 
much.  A  supercargo  must  be  supported  on  board  in  the  cabin ;  that  is  also  so  much.  But 
the  worst  of  all  is,  that  on  the  arrival  of  the  ships  in  New  Netherland,  they  are  bur.iened  with 
soldiers,  so  that  the  skipper  himaelf  is  not,  and  does  no  longer  remain  master  of  his  own  ship 
l^u,  dil^'lu'r  "^'"^  ""*"  ""  ""^  g""''"  »^«  ng»i"  removed  to  the  public  store,  broken  open, 
o,Lb.r^..  examined,  remeasured,  unpacked,  thrown  adde  and  damaged  in  a  way  that  'tis 

painful  to  beiiold.  Frequently  they  are  also  detained  so  long  that  the  best  season  for  selling 
or  trading  them  off  is  lost.  When,  then,  they  are  sold  and  returns  come  to  Fatherland,  such 
returns  must  again  remain  a  long  time  in  the  public  store,  and  convoy  must  be  paid.  All 
Th.  d.,.r  .dui  M  this  expense,  salvage  and  duty,  the  merchants  include  in  the  capital ;  were 
they  relieved  thereof,  they  would  be  able  to  sell  their  goods  fifty  per  cent  cheaper. 
4.  This  duty  is  paid,  partly,  in  Fatherland  ;  partly  in  New  Netherland,  hut  all' 

M    tl.»    i~* 1        I  n  .  1     .  .  .     .  _ 


prr  CtUL 


Thf  HnlT  la  n><il 


ir;^:,r'   '"  for  the  company's  benefit,  and  to  it  and  its  officers,  without  bearing  in  any  way 
the  expenses  which  accrue  there,  and  the  people  make  good. 


Who  pays  this  duty. 

Having  stated  how  much  duty  is  paid,  and  to  whom,  and  where  the  charges  are  paid,  'twill 

~rar  ""  ""'  \^  '^"'■*'''^"  '"  '"^''  '"''"  "'*"y  "'«  "'^^  P^y  "•     '!'''«  company  will  say,  the 
merchants  pay  it,  but  we,  under  correction,  are  of  a  different  opinion. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    V. 


878 


2.  'Tis  very  true  that  the  Company  receives  the  money  from  the  traders;  yet  it  cannot  be 
said  to  pay  it  out  of  its  pocitet.  But  here  must  be  considered  that  tlie  disbursements  of 
JXl"""'"'!;"!';  "^"'y-  ^^^  *='»'"'"8''  '°  ^"'^  ^^°"^  l^e  pubHc  store,  the  abovementioned  loss  of  time, 
••p'uiL  and  other  troubles,  are  computed  by  the  merchants  and  skippers  as  capital,  the 

same  as  the  prime  cost  of  the  goods.  Now  all  traders  wish  to  gain,  or  they  discontinue  their 
business;  they  must  also  gain,  or  they  cannot  continue  merchants.  They,  therefore,  charge 
their  goods  not  only  according  to  the  j.rime  cost  thereof,  but  according  to  the  cost, 
disbursements  and  charges  which  accrue  thereon.  And,  by  this  means,  what  cost  one  guilder 
in  Netherland,  they  order  sold  for  two,  two  and  a  half,  and  often  and  most  frequently,  for 
wiihoot .m,iMtiinK  '^ree  guilders;  and  if  iliey  do  not  smuggle,  or  heip  themselves  by  contraband. 

the  itKtUt  cannut  be    ^u^^  t.         a.    <  ■        ■  /^ 

■"Xwid"".'}  '"*  ^  cannot  retain  so  much  clear  profit,  as  all  will  testify  who  have  ever  traded 
*■    ""  '"'       to  New  Netherland. 

Th«  inh«biuuit  payi  3.  We  Conclude  then  justly  that  the  merchants  do  not  pay  the  duties  and  other 
the  duty.  charges,  but  disburse  at  cent  per  cent  profit;  for  after  allowing  for  ail  costs  and 

trouble  caused  them  by  the  Company  or  its  officers,  they  will  gain,  notwithstanding.  The  public 
now  cannot  do  without  them;  neither  can  New  Netherland  he  peopled,  nor  flourish,  without 
shipping;  therefore  duties  and  charges  are  not  paid  by  the  merchants  but  by  him  who  buys  from 
them  ;  and  this  is  the  citizen  who  requires  supplies,  and  who  pays  and  hears  all  costs  and  charges 
which  accrue  thereon.  Therefore,  to  take  off,  or  reduce  the  duty,  would  not  be  a  relief 
exclusively  for  the  merchants,  but  also  for  the  poor  Commonalty. 

What  goods  pay  duty,  and  does  the  Company  receive  duty  on  all. 

oT''"'r"N.N«r  ^"  *5°'"''  '^''''^^  ^'■°  •^"'"'■ed  ■-»"''  not  smuggled  pay  duty,  no  matter  whether 
.,].„,(  ,..y.  du,y.  the  cargo  is  for  Indians,  or  dry  goods  or  liquors.  If  the  cargoes  for  the  Indians 
only  paid,  there  would  be  no  reason  for  complaint ;  if  liquors  even  were  somewhat  ti.xed,  it 
were  allowable;  but  to  tax  the  dry  goods  without  which  the  Calonist  cannot  live,tendii  to  the 
ruin  and  depopulation  of  New  Netherland,  and  to  the  diversion  of  trade. 

Tii.oomp.nrd«.t       2-  Here  the  question  arises,  does  the  Company  receive  duty  from  all  that  is 
i'rr    "'    "•  ^'■<^"8ht  to  New  Netherland?  We  answer,  by  no  means;  and  our  opinion  is  that 
it  does  not  receive  duty  from  more   than  the  fourth  part  of  the  goods  consumed 
there;  which  happens  thus: 

3,  In  consequence  of  the  duties  being  heavy,  a  great  many  goods  are  smuggled,  for  the  most 
p.itrir.d.rtan.0,.  P"''!  by  tile  petty  traders  who  run  the  risk  without  entering  much  at  the  Custom 

"""^  house,  even   of  sucli  goods  as  go  off  readily  when   they   pay  duty.     Now  this 

advantage  by  no  means  satisfies  the  public;  for  these  petty  traders  spend  freely  which  on  th« 
other  hand  small  capital  cannot  justify.  Again,  they  say  :  if  we  8mug^le  anything,  that  is  our 
own  gam;  we  run  our  risk,  for  if  we  be  caught,  we  lose  all ;  therefore  if  we  gain  anything, 
we  wish  to  enjoy  it  alone. 

4.  As  the  greatest  profit  arises  from  powder,  lead,  guns  and  similar  articles,  the  sale  of 
which  to  the  Indians  being  contraband,  is  prohibited  on  pain  of  corporal  punishment,  yet  as 
S'.h.'nli'^'irS  ^''®.'^"'"  tl«"ved  therefrom  is  stimulating,  and  as  a  small  capital  is  always 
SS'',,,ir  '"'^"'''•''''  tf'''0"K'»  tl'ese  and  such  finesses,  by  people  of  small  means,  the  country 
K;."«  ""  •"■""• '"   °^^'""»  with   them.     The  yearly  amount    is   considerable    from  which  the 


Company   derives  no   duties,  the   transaction   being  concealed  from  it.     In  a 


k:* 


'.'i    I' 


874 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


general  letter  to  the  Director  nnd  government  in  New  Netherland,  in  the  year  1649,  the 
Company  permitted  the  Director  to  supply  the  Indians  sparingly  with  powder,  lea3  and  guns. 
ftlin'^NfrltnTa'Sd  ^'  '"  "ddition  to  this,  a  large  amount  of  goods  is  introduced  from  New  England 
•na  vi,gi„ia.  and  Virginia,  and  the  most  is  made  on  these  goods  :  for  they  are  imported  there 

free  of  duty  and  nothing  coming  thence  into  New  Netherland  pays  duty.  Thus  considerable 
English  wares  are  consumed  in  New  Netherland,  and  many  goods  from  Holland  by  way  of 
England  and  New  Engliind  also  come  into  New  Netherland,  which  practice  will  probably  so 
obtain  in  2  or  3  years,  that  even  if  the  duty  remain,  the  Company  will  get  nothing.  Thus  the 
Company  receives  the  fourth  part  of  the  duties,  but  not  of  the  goods  which  are  consumed  in 
Th«  pabuc  mini  New  Netherland.  And  nevertheless  the  public  must  pay  for  the  goods,  the  same 
hiiidttUM.  ns  if  all  the  duties  were  levied;  for  what  the  traders  gain  by  their  business  they 

reserve  entirely  to  themselves,  offsetting  the  profit  against  the  trouble  and  risk  which  they  run. 


Mil 


:l^ 


Whether  the  removal  or  continuance  of  the  Duties  would  be  of  advantage  to 
this  State. 

nXII'mu  In ?e7  ^'  ^^^  Netherland  will  never  advance  in  its  condition  or  in  population,  if  the 
"*'"•  duties  continue  as  at  present ;  the  reason  is: — everything  there  is  so  high,  as  to 

be  beyond  the  reach  of  the  people.  And  this,  in  addition  to  bad  government,  creates  a  bad 
name  and  deters  people  from  going  thither  to  settle  ;  for  with  the  traders  'tis  somewhat  diflferent. 
Th« Stall,  win  n.-»Mr      2.  As  New  Netherland,  with  the  present  duties  cannot  be  populated,  so  this  State 

auain  <lfriv«  [i»..flt  '  •      ' 

rr.„n  N.-w  NvihT  must  no  more  expect  those  benefits  which  would  in  course  of  time  accrue  from 
■"•'■>•  thence,  suiih  as,  first ;  from  population,  provisions  and  a  continual  trade  which,  if 

the  duties  were  removed,  would  amount  to  six  times  more  than  it  now  is,  and  also  increase 
from  year  to  year  and  be  of  very  great  consideration  reciprocally  from  their  High  Mightinesses 
to  every  one  else.  But  on  the  contrary,  this  State  will  inevitably  be  subject  to  contempt  and 
derision  on  tlie  part  of  the  English,  (who  in  course  of  time  will  absorb  the  country)  for  suffering 
80  very  advantageous  a  position  and  so  profitable  a  province  as  New  Netherland  to  slip  through 
its  fingers,  on  account  of  some  p.irticular  interests ;  and  for  still  lacking  means,  with  a  knowledge 
of  the  superiority  of  the  country,  to  retain  it  and  render  it  prosperous. 

3.  Were  the  duty  taken  off",  and  good  government  established.  New  Netherland  would 
do  well,  and  the  people  might  properly  be  encouraged  to  go  thither ;  population  might  then  be 
advanced  in  an  orderly  manner  and  with  little  trouble,  and  this  State  would,  with  poor  and 
Hfjond  Neihwi.nd  willing  people,  who  are  in  each  other's  way  here  and  almost  perish  of  want, 

r««r  another  Ntlh-  v^    .        .  j  r  > 

•riaod.  rear  up  another  Netherland  beyond  Netherland  at  a  trifling  expense,  and  those 

going  thither  would  be  afforded  opportunities  and  means  for  wealth  and  state.  Secondly,  the 
Heathen  in  that  country  would  be  brought  to  Christianity  by  our  Nation.  What  blessings 
would  be  drawn  down  on  this  Land  by  relieving  a  number  of  poor  and  impoverished  people 
and  bringing  them  into  good  circumstances,  and  by  converting  or  calling  the  Heathen,  I  leave 
to  wiser  heads  than  mine  to  determine. 


Whether  the  removal  or  continuance  of  the  Duties  be  advantageous  to  the  West 
India  Cotnpany,  and  in  what  way. 

1.  We  suppose  that  the  Director!  will  maintain  that  it  will  be  best  for  the  Company  to 
continue  the  duties.     Ve  are,  nevertheless  of  a  contrary  opinion  and  say,  that  it  would  he 


The 

draws  do.... 
body'i  carw. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :     V.  375 

f.!r'r  ^^n,p;  7°"'"^  ^^  ^^"^  '■'"■  f'e  Company  in  goneral  to  remove  at  once  the  New  Netherlands 
r^ir^rSrchl  "^"'^  J^"^  "^  ^^^^  simple  position  may  not,  perhaps,  be  admitted  by  them,  we 
-""T.  shall  submit  further  reasons  in  support  of  il,  and  show  in  what  respect  it  is  of 

advantage  to  the  Company  that  the  duty  should  not  be  collected  any  more. 

2.  There  is  not  a  man  In  New  Netherland  who  does  not  believe,  that  the  duly  is  the  cause 
^'pViSon  """*""  °^^^^  intolerable  scarcity,  and  of  the  disorder  and  want  of  population  there. 
^""^  ""■  Many  reproaches  and  curses,  have  been  in  consequence  heaped  upon  it,  which 

will  not  cease,  but  continue  so  long  as  the  duty  lasts. 
The datydiT.ru ih.       3.  The  exacting  of  duties  diverts  trade  from  here, for  were  the  im^-osts  removed, 

'■  a  greater  and  ,;  larger  business  would  be  transac*  d  at  New  Netherland ;  and  this 

renders  the  duty  with  good  reason  unsavory  to,  and  hated  uy  all  maritime  cities,  adapted  to 
commerce,  such  as  principally  Amsterdam  and  similar  places,  which  in  this  conjuncture  do 
not  require  them.  •' 

4.  Where  the  curse  of  every  man  is  now  directed  against  the  Company,  numbers  of  people 
■     ,w?rr7.  .^""'"^  ^^  bound  to  bless  It  were  New  Netherland  peopled,  which  cannot  be  so 
"*>•  long  as  the  customs  duty  continues. 

TJ:l'S.Z^il      ^-  N^"'  Netherland  is  every  year  a  burthen,  not  a  benefit  to  the  Company,  which 
?;x"»«ir  ^''P^"'^''  "'°^«  °"'  'han   is  received  from  it.  without,  however,  at  all  benefiting 
.........  New  Netherland.     Now,  were  the  duty  abolished,  the  Company  could,  with  a 

cX"^.T/Z',','  ^°°^  ^'^''^'  put  a  stop  to  all  its  present  expenditure  there,  leaving  only  one  person 
U^wNSrod."'  '**  '""""^Se  their  revenue  in  that  country,  and  to  command  the  people.  Whilst 
you  now  give  us  nothing,  you  must  defend  yourselves ;  we  canrmt  maintain  any 
soldiers  for  you ;  if  you  will  have  them,  pay  them  yourselves  Again,  as  we  cannot  support 
any  government  for  you,  if  you  want  any,  you  will  have  to  provide  means  to  pay  it,  or  get 
those  who  will  work  for  nothing  for  you.  By  the  above  plan,  the  Company  would  derive  so 
much  proht  certain ;  Inasmuch  as  it  would  only  receive  the  income  of  the  property  it  possesses 
in  that  country,  aud  avoid  all  loss  which  It  now  annually  incurs  by  New  Netherland 

6.  By  abolishing  the  duty,  the  Company  would  also  do  a  service  to  this  state,  and  therefore 
r:;:Th::»  '"*'"'  ^"  indemnity,  which  at  this  time  would  not  come  amiss  to  it.  In  case  the 
N«N.«,.r,.„d.  duty  remain,  your  High  Mightinosses,  however  willing  you  may  be.  cannot  secure 
nor  populate  New  Netherland;  and  if  this  do  not  happen,  it  will  bring  you  into  great 
disrepute  with  the  English  and  Swedes.  Again,  your  High  Mightinesses  will  be  continually 
troubled  and  disturbed  by  public  aud  private  petitions,  until  the  entire  country  will  become 
exclusively  English. 

7.  Now,  should  the  Hon-'^Company  answer  to  this:  Whence  shall  we  be  paid  back  our  arrears? 
We  reply  by  stating,  how  'tis  possible  or  practicable.  First,  the  Company  would  get  the  nett 
receipts  of  all  the  income  of  its  property  in  that  country,  as  already  stated.  Further,  it  must 
well  know,  that  in  its  present  -.  ate,  or  in  that  to  which  it  can  be  brought  by  such  management, 
there  is  hardly  any  hope  or  prospect  of  realizing  any  thing  considerable;  (or  even  though  the 
revenue  were  increased,  it  will  nevertheless  accrue  and  melt  for  the  benefit  of  the  Company's 
wXh  "i..""",*  ■®'**'""'*'  ^"''  «"''J«<^t  to  better  judgment,  this  must  be  done  — first,  it  must  be 
KiSS  """"8*^''  "'"'  '■'«  country  remain  for  some  years,  bound  and  pledged  to  pay 
C„.'^d.    ""  """"""y  t»  'he  Company,  a  certain  sum  nett.     And  this,  in  my  opinion,  is  the 


country. 


^   best  and  only  way  to  help  the  Company  to  what  is  its  right,  and  to  retain  the 
For,  if  It  be  retained  by  the  Company  on  a  diftereot  plan,  the  latter  will,  from  year 


376 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


to  year,  get  into  more  intricate  labyrinths,  and  finally  the  English  and  Swedes  will  make 
away  with  the  Province. 

Whether  the  removal  of  the  duty  be  advantageous  to  New  Netherland. 

ihe  abolition,  modification  or  alteration  of  the  duty  is,  in  our  opinion,  in  the  greatest  degree 
advantageous  to  New  Netherland.  But,  as  every  one  familiar  with  that  country  ought  to  be 
aware  of  this,  'twill  be  unnecessary  to  enter  upon  a  long  explanation  of  it.  We  shall 
merely  point  out  some  effects  which  would  accrue  to  New  Netherland,  leaving  the  rest  to 
better  judgments. 

By  the  abolition  of  the  duty.  New  Netherland  would  obtain  and  acquire:  1,  population  ;  2, 
great  trade;  3,  reasonable  profit  on  all  goods  and  wares;  4,  internal  peace  ;  5,  security  from 
all  foreign  and  domestic  attacks ;  6,  settlement  of  boundaries  and  peace  with  its  neighbors,  in 
addition  to  all  the  advantages  which  flow  from  these  principal  points. 

Memorandum. 

We  are  now  and  always  ready,  when  'tis  jour  High  Mightinesses'  pleasure,  to  exhibit  and 
produce  the  papers  and  letters,  mentioned  on  the  fifth  instant,  in  your  High  Mightinesses' 
Assembly,  7  March,  1650. 

Received  12  March,  1650. 


Petition  of  tJte  Delegates  from  JVew  KeVierland. 

[  From  Un  OrlgiDsl  In  the  Boyil  ArehlTM  (t  the  Htgiie ;  lakilkat  or  the  Slatet  Qcoerol ;  Bubrie  Wft  huUtcht  Oampai/nU,  So.  80 ;  llf'  dlrlaioB 

or  the  Buadle.  ] 

To  the  Hinorable  Mighty  Lords,  the  Lords  Alexander  van  der  Cappellen  of  Heraertsbergen 
and  the  other  their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies  on  the  redress  of  New  Netherland. 

Honorable,  Mighty  Lords. 

Tlie  Delegates  of  the  Commonalty  in  New  Netherland  respectfully  represent :  as  the  ship 
ie  Valckcnier  now  lies  ready  to  sail  on  her  (^  parture  for  New  Netherland,  and  full  one  hundred 
and  forty  persons  have  offered  to  emigrate  to  thrt  country  at  their  own  expense,  and  have 
been  accepted,  aad  as  still  upwards  of  tiiirty  persons  additional  have  solicited  and  requested 
a  passage  in  said  ship,  who  must  be  refused,  because  there  is  not  accommodation  in  the  vessel 
for  ihein,  she  being  not  more  than  a  hundred  and  sixty  loita  burthen  or  thereabouts.  The 
skipper  and  owners  of  said  vessel  further  declare  that,  had  they  six  times  more  accommodation 
or  ships,  they  would  all  be  filled ;  so  that  in  the  hope  of  belter  government,  more  passengers 
begin  to  set  their  faces  towards  New  Netherland,  according  as  passage  and  opportunity  offer. 
As  this  tends  greatly  to  the  peopling  and  prosperity  of  that  j'rovince,  we,  therefore,  are 
unwilling  to  neglect  directing  your  Mightinesses'  attenlioa  to  it,  requesting  you  to  be  pleased 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


877 


to  take  this  mto  considerntion  for  the  sake  of  New  Netherland,  to  the  end  that  speedy  order 
and  l.recucn  be  given  that  sufficient  accommodation  thither  may  be  furnished. 
Which  doing. 

(Endorsed) 

Remonstrance  of  the  Delegatps  from  New  Netherland  to  the 
Most  Mighty  Lords  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  on 
the  redress  of  New  Netherland,     Received  IS"-  March,  1650. 


Ajipendtx. 

Before  me.  Jan  Colterman.  admitted  by  the  Court  of  Holland,  a  notary  public,  residing  la 
the  city  of  Haerlem,  and  the  undernamed  witnesses,  appeared  the  worthy  Willem  Thomassen 
sk.pper  of  the  ship  named  d.  Vulckcnier,  lying  in  the  harbor  of  Amsterdam,  ready  to  sail  ht 
New  Netherland;  who,  at  the  request  of  the  delegates  fro.n  New  r.therland,  testifies  and 
declares  by  h.s  troth,  in  place  and  with  tender  of  an  oath,  if  requisite  and  required,  that  it 
IS  true  that  he,  deponent,  agreed  about  two  weeks  ago,  to  convey  as  many  people  in  his 
aloresaid  sh.p  to  New  Netherland,  as  he  can  in  any  way  accommodate;   and    that  he  has 

r^^ni  I  ""''•  ""^f"^  '"  ^^  ''''™'  °'^'''  P^"""«'  ''°'-  P"««»g«  '"  '''«•  cleponent's,  ship. 
And  that  he,  deponent,  hath  rejected  lully  as  many  as  thirty  persons,  for  the  aforesaid  reason, 
that  he  cannot  accommodate  any  more  people  in  his  vessel ;  further  deponent  saith  not.  Thus 
executed  w.th.n  the  city  of  Haerlem  aforesaid,  on  the  fifteenth  of  March  XVI'  and  fifty,  in 
presence  of  Mathys  Arentsen  Zuyck  and  Govert  van  Liphorst.  witnesses,  invited  for  the 
ver.ficat.on  hereof  and  who.  with  the  deponent  and  me,  the  notary,  have  also  signed,  in 
testimony,  the  original  draft  hereof.  S       '    " 

Quod  Attestor. 
(Signed)        J.  Colterman,  Nof  Pub. 


Resohtion  of  tlie  States  General  concerning  New  Nethrland,  d-c. 

I  From  the  Register  of  Wnt  InJIt  Affkln,  tm  -  lasi,  In  Ihe  Eojil  ArchWo  ai  il,<  Uagtia  ] 

Saturday,  12  March,  1650. 
rnii«««.        Messrs.  van  Aertsbergen  and  other  their  High  Mightinesses'  previous  deputies  for 
the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  have  proposed  to  their  High  Mightinesses  and  requested 

RwfrMiiBdtEoon-  ''''"*'  *'!"*  '^e  Provinces  should   pronounce  on  the   following  points: On   the 

•"''■  Redress  and  (Economy  drawn  up  for  the  West  India  Company  and  heretofore 

transmitted  to  the  Provinces.     Secondly,  that  extr.u-t  of  a  Writing  transmitted  on  the  rV  instant 
by  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam  to  them,  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies,  respecting  the 
ui«i«d  ""  ''•"  ^^^'^  '°   ^^  Larried  on   with  New  Netherland  from  other  cities  of  the  United 
""■  •  Netherlands  besides  Amsterdam,  be   sent  to   the   respective   Chambers  of  the 

West  India  Company,  with  request  that  the  said  Chambers  speedily  send  acme  person  hither 
Vol  I.  48 


878 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


J? 


from  among  them,  charged  and  authorized  to  conrer  with  their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies  on 
the  entire  subject  of  New  Netherland.  Thirdly,  that  a  letter  be  written  to  the  President  and 
Preiideni  ind  su-  Supreme  Council  in  Brazil,  also  to  the  Lieutenant  General  of  the  Military  there, 
ImTu.  °°"°  "  in  answer  to  the  news  and  despatches  of  the  13""  December  last,  to  encourage 
D«fen*e  tmi'm.m.  '^^'"  '°  ^^^  defcuce  and  maintenance  of  the  forts  and  country  there,  with  notice 
mTimSI'io  b™.  'hat  their  High  Mightinesses  have  sent  a  reinforcement  thither  of  twelve  ships, 
ProriiioM  ud  provisions,  money  for  the  pay  of  the  soldiers,  and  supplies  of  shoes  and  stockings 
oih.r>uppiiM.  ^Q  be  delivered  to  the  Military,  at  such  price  as  they  are  purchased  here;  all 
amounting  to  one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand  guilders  cash,  and  thirty  thousand  guilders  in 
the  aforesaid  necessaries  purchased  in  this  country. 

Whereupon  deliberation  being  had,  it  is  hereby  resolved  and  determined  on  the  first  point — 
to  request  the  deputies  of  the  Provinces  present  to  be  so  good  as  to  communicate  the  provincial 
opinion  of  their  respective  principals,  regarding  the  aforesaid  points  for  Redress  and  CEconomy 
in  the  affairs  of  the  aforesaid  Company.  On  the  above  mentioned  second  point  it  is  resolved 
and  concluded,  that  extract  of  the  aforesaid  writing  shall  be  sent  to  the  respetive  Chambers  of 
the  above  named  Company,  with  request  and  desire,  that  each  of  them  shall  depute  hither  one 
or  two  directors  against  the  25""  instant,  fully  empowered  and  authorized  to  confer  in  the 
aforesaid  case  with  the  Lords  their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies  over  the  whole  subject  of  New 
Netherland.  On  the  abovenamed  third  point,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded,  that  agreeably  to 
the  plan  therein  proposed,  the  President  and  Supreme  Council  in  Brazil,  and,  mutatis 
mutandis.  Lieutenant  General  Schoppe  shall  be  written  to  and  be  respectively  encouraged  to 
the  defence  and  maintenance  of  the  forts  and  countries  of  Brazil. 


States  General  to  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the   West  India  Company. 

[  Vrora  the  Regiiler  or  CilgtgaM  Brimm  or  lb«  SttiM  Osneril,  in  tha  Royal  ArohiTaa  at  (he  Hagnt.  ] 

To  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company. 

The  States  General,  etc. 
Folio «3.  Honorable,  &c.     We  have  had  an  extract  made,  as  annexed  hereunto,  of  the 

information  you  sent  on  the  ll'"  instant  to  the  Lords,  our  Committee,  for  the  affairs  of  the 
West  India  Company  of  these  parts,  so  far  as  mention  was  made,  in  the  aforesaid  information, 
NawNatherid.  of  frequenting  Nev^  Netherland  and  of  its  trade,  and  transmitted  said  extract  to 
the  other  Chat  ibers  of  said  Company  respectively,  with  request  that  they  will  depute  hither 
one  or  two  of  their  Board  against  the  25"'  inst.,  fully  empowered  and  authorized  to  confer  with 
said  Lords,  our  Deputies,  on  tha  whole  subject  of  New  Netherland;  Whereof  we  have 
resolved  to  notify  you  hereby,  and  likewise  to  request  and  desire  you  to  depute  hither  by  the 
abovementioned  prefixed  day,  one  or  two  of  your  Board  fully  empowered  and  authorized  for 
the  end  aforesaid.  Wherein  fail  not. 
Done  12"'  March,  1660. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


879 


States  Oeneral  to  tlie  other  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Gnnpany. 

[  From  tht  BegiaUr  of  UUgtaane  BrUvm  of  Uw  8Utn  OemnI,  in  lh«  Borol  ArchlvM  it  th*  Hafuu.  ] 

To  all  the  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company  except  that  at  Amsterdam. 

The  States  General,  etc. 
F011088.  Honorable,  &c.     Herewith  is  sent  an  extract  from  written  information  which 

the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  at  Amsterdam,  transmitted  on  the  ll""  instant  to 
N.W  NetheriMd.  our  Committee  in  the  matter  of  the  West  India  Company  of  these  parts.  As 
mention  is  made  in  the  aforesaid  information  of  the  resort  to  New  Netherland  and  its  trade, 
we,  therefore,  hereby  request  and  require  you  to  depute  one  or  two  of  your  Board  hither  by 
the  25""  instant,  fully  empowered  and  instructed  on  the  whole  New  Netherland  business,  to 
confer  thereupon  with  our  Committee.  Wherein  fail  not. 
Done  12""  March,  1650. 


I 


*  ■«  »  »i  » 


Draft  of  a  Contract  to  convey  Emigrants  to  New  Netherland. 

[  From  tba  MlDut*  In  the  Bo;al  Archirea  >t  tho  llagns ;  File,  W—t  IndU,  ] 

This  day,  the  19**  of  March,  1G50,  the  Committee  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West 
India  Company  on  the  one  part,  and  Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven  and 
Jan  Evertsen  Bout,  on  the  other  part,  have  mutually  agreed  and  concluded,  in  the  presence 
of  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies : 

That  the  aforesaid  Van  der  Donck,  Couwenhoven  and  Bout  will  undertake,  as  they  do 
hereby  contract  to  charter  a  suitable  fly-boat  of  200  Imls  and  therein  to  go  to  sea  before  the 
first  of  June  next,  and  convey  to  New  Netherland  the  number  of  200  passengers,  of  which 
100  are  to  be  farmers  and  farm  servants,  and  the  remaining  100  such  as  the  Amsterdam 
Chamber  is  accustomed  to  send  over,  conversant  with  agriculture,  and  to  furnish  them  with 
necessary  supplies  for  the  voyage  on  the  condition  that  the  aforesaid  Committee  of  the 
Company  shall  allow  the  New  Netherland  contractors  here  to  have,  or  to  draw  from  the  duties 
which,  after  this  date,  will  be  paid  to  the  Company  on  freights  for  New  Netherland  the  sum 
of  four  thousand  guilders  cash,  to  pay  present  expenses;  the  subject  of  duty,  redress,  and 
New  Netherland  freedoms  remaining  for  the  more  full  disposition  of  their  High  Mightinesses 
and  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company.  The  Committee  of  the  Company  shall 
immediately  make  an  assignment  of  such  funds,  together  with  seven  thousand  guilders 
additional,  to  be  drawn  in  New  Netherland  from  the  peltry  revenue,  amounting,  in  all,  to  the 
sum  of  eleven  thousand  guilders,  the  further  sums  derived  from  board  and  passage,  if  any  there 
be,  remaining  for  the  profit  and  behoof  of  them  the  New  Netherland,  contractors,  without  they, 
or  the  aforesaid  hundred  gratuitously  conveyed  persons,  demanding  anything  further  from  the 
Company,  or  taxing  them  not  even  one  stiver  beyond  the  said  eleven  thousand  guilders.  Tho 
contractors  shall,  also,  bind  the  aforementioned  two  hundred  conveyed  persons  to  remain 
there  at  least  three  years,  unless  some  of  them,  for  pregnant  reasons,  may  obtain,  from  the 


380 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Council  in  New  Netl.erland,  permission  to  return  earlier,  and  not  allow  them  to  depart  without 

tTo  Zdfe    °""^  '"  V'""""'  °'  '"^  '''''''"  """  '"  '-'  '^  --  '"  P-  '^»'  'h-^o    «S 

Tto  sea    h     TVv   "?  P;^'  °"  '"'^■'°"^'  "'"""  "^^  "'■°^^«"*'^   '"-•  «o  ««  10  l'"  »l"e  '« 
go  to  sea.  the  aforesa.d  Van  der  Donck.  Couwenhoven  and  Boudt.  shall  forfeit  to  the  Company. 

from  the.r  pr.vate  property,  in  addition  to  the  restitution  of  the  4000  guilders  received  fo 

fuZ  bZuo?.  "  r'"  °', '"°  ''""""'  '''''''■'  "^  once,  without  ?he  Company  being 
further  bound  fo  the  aforesa.d  passage  or  hoard  money.  And  the  West  India  Company  shaH 
b  pr,v,leged.  whenever  said  200  persons  are  brought  on  board,  to  cause  to  be  inTpeCed  t  e 
«lnp  and  the  peop  e.  ,f  these  be  qualified  a.  ..foresaid.  And  the  New  Netherland  conlcto 
d  c  are  t  at  they  do  not  intend  to  derive  any  profit  beyond  the  return  of  cost  whid"  mu  be 
d.sbursed  ,0  obta.n  the  passengers;  they  also  bind  themselves,  the  costs  being  ledu  ted  to 
eave  any  overplus  there  n.ay  be.  to  be  appi.ed  next  year  to  the  like  conveya,  e^o  fa  mers'  ir 
farm  servants;  whereunto  they  each  oblige  themselves  ,„  ./,^„.  „,.d  unde      enu  c  .U  o    of 

:7s'i;rd' by t  ^::  ;'^'  r'Ti'  ^--^'^  ^'-^  ^"^«-  ^'-  -^-^  anrcoii 

and  signed  by  the  Contractors,  on  both  sides,  at  the  Hague,  on  the  day  and  year  aforesaid. 


liesolution  of  the  Stales  Oenercd  on  the  preceding. 

t  V«m  Ih.  B.g1.t.,  of  Wm,  India  Afclr.,  loss  - ,«,,  In  ,h,  Eo,.!  Arohlr-  .1  th.  U.,...  1 

Wednesday.  23"*  March.  1G50. 
Fo,i^M».  The   report  of  Mess"   van   Aertshergen    and    other   their  High    Migtinesses' 

P«-,n^r..h„h.,  the  actual  delegates  from  Vew  iVetI.erlnnd  relative  to  the  conveyance  to  that 
country  of  two  hundred  passengers,  and  the  conditions  thereof,  and  the  remarks  of  the 
D.recorsof  the  West  India  Company  present,  being  heard,  the  Lords  of  Holla  drquLd 
copy  thereof,  and  the  matter  is  meanwhile  poetpo.ied.  requested 


■^»«  ♦  ■■  fc 


liesoUtion  of  the  Stites  of  Hullaml  and   West/ricA-Ian,/. 

^JSml-JLt"""  '^\  Assembly  i.  advised  that  some  Delegates  from  New  Netherland  having 
come  here  w.th  power  to  convey  from  this  country  to  that,  n  considerable  number 
of  farmers  and  other  people,  but  that  the  aforesaid  district  being  under  the  Wes  iT.  a 
Company's  jur.sd.ct.on.  ,he  Director,  of  said  Company  intend  to  draw  some  duties  me 
aforesaid  country  of  New  Netherland.  "  "uncs  irom  me 

Whereupon  deliberation    being    had.   it    is    resolved    that    the    Directors  of  the  aforesaid 

allow. do  py  o    v^hat  the  above   menli.,ned   Delegates   have  comn.unicated  to  the  (Jeneral 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V, 


881 


Chamber  of  Oroningen  to  the  States  General. 

t  From  the  Origlnil  in  the  Koyri  Archlroi  .t  th.  Hague  j  LoMkat  of  the  SKUm  Qener.!  j  DlTl.lon,  H  ».<  InaUeht  CompagM,,  No.  80.] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

We  learn  from  a  reliable  source,  that  by  your  High  Mightinesses'  order,  the  Amsterdam 
Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  is  authorized  to  lay  on  a  ship  for  Brazil;  and  we  have 
lying  at  Amsterdam  a  lot  of  forty  barre's  of  beef,  each  weighing  600"»,  well  packed  in  iron 
bound  barrels,  which  through  want  of  opportunity  cannot  be  cleared  nor  conveyed  to  Brazil, 
and  even  did  occasion  present,  no  one  would  be  willing  to  receive  the  aforesaid  beef  unless 
the  freight  were  previously  paid,  which  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  do.  And  considering  that 
provisions  will  be  in  the  greatest  demand  in  Brazil,  we  request  your  High  Mightinesses  to  be 
pleased  to  order  that  the  aforesaid  forty  barrels  be  shipped  in  this  vessel  now  put  on,  and 
be  therein  conveyed  to  Brazil. 

Further,  we  duly  received  your  High  Mightinesses'  letter  of  the  12'"  instant  liilo  loci,  that 
we  should  confer  at  the  Hague  with  your  High  Mightinesses'  Committee  on  the  26'"  March, 
on  the  subject  of  the  resort  to  New  Netherland  and  of  its  trade,  upon  certain  information 
transmitted  by  the  Amsterdam  Directors  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  Committee  for  the  aflkirs 
of  the  West  India  Company,  we  would  not  willii  y  fail  to  depute  thither  some  one  of  our 
Chamber,  hut  inasmuch  as  we  possess  very  little  knowledge  thereof,  having  never  traded  to 
that  place ;  and  as  in  these  haru  times  every  expense  must  be  avoided,  we  therefore  request 
your  High  Mightinesses  will  be  pleased  to  excuse  us  in  this  instance.  We  will,  meanwhile, 
conform  ourselves  to  whatever  your  High  Mightinesses'  Committee,  with  the  assistance  of  the 
Directors  delegated  from  the  other  Churnbers,  shall  do  and  determine  in  the  premises. 

Herewith  concluding,  we  will  commend  you.  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  to  God'i 
Holy  protection. 

Your  Higo  Mightinesses'  obedient  friends. 

The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company 

at  the  Chamber  of  8tad'  Croningen  and  Ommelanden. 

Done,  Groningen,  the  14'"  March,  1050.  (Signed)         Rengehs. 

Received  31  March,  ItioO. 


HesolufioH  of  the  States  General. 

I  from  th*  RtglMer  of  WmI  ludli  Alhlra,  IdSS  - 1881,  In  lh«  Bojtl  ArehIrM  >l  lb«  nnfiig  J 

Thursday,  31"  March,  1050. 
Folio  MS.  Received    a   letter  from    the    Directors   of  the  West  India  Company  at  the 

rh.,„b«.,o™in.  Chamber  of  the  city  of  (Jroningen   and  Ommelanden.   written  at  (;roningen, 

!;r "••'""■  »''"  '4"'  instant  uiln  loci,  regarding  the  sending  provisions  to  Bnizil.  and  b!?o  the 

N.«  N„h„i.„d.  „ffuir  of  iNew  Nrtherhuid.  Whereupon,  deliberntion  being  had.  it  ii  resolved 
and  concluded  that  the  aforesaid  letter  shall  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  Mens"  van  Aert/.I.ergen 
and  other  their  High  Mightinesses'  depuiim  for  the  afluirt  of  the  West  India  Company,  to 
inspect,  exaiuiae  and  to  report  upon  it. 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Resolution  of  the  States  Oenerak 

[From  tbe  EegUler  of  Wert  India  Alhira,  1M8 ~  1691, In  the  Boytl  Arohlfee  it  the  Hague.] 

Friday,  the  1"  April  1650. 
Fouo  648.  On  representation  made  to  the  Assembly  by  Mess"  van  Aertsbergen  and  other 

their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies  for  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  it  is,  after 
pieierStayTMint  previous  deliberation,  resolved  and  concluded  that  PieterStuyvesant  Director  and 
the  other  Councillors  in  New  Netheriand,  shall  be  v^ritten  to  that  their  High  Mightinesses  are 
engaged  in  deliberation  with  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  on  subjects  appertaining 
Atmir.  of  New  *»  t^c  population  and  prosperity  of  New  Netheriand  aforesaid,  and  meanwhile 
have  licensed  some  persons  delegated  hither  from  the  Commonalty  there,  to  return 
home,  requiring  him,  Stuyvesant,  and  the  other  Councillors  there  not  to  trouble  nor  molest 
such  persons,  who  came  from  New  Netheriand  and  will  again  return  thither,  for  representations 
which  may  have  been  made  here.  And  whereas  it  is  considered  necessary  that  the  population 
now  under  consideration  be  favored  and  encouraged  in  every  way,  their  High  Mightinesses 
charge  him,  the  Director,  and  Council  to  take  care  that  the  country  be  not  divested  of 
oant,hon«.eo«i.  horses  and  cows,  also  i,hat  provisions  be  retained  to  supply  arriving  Colonists, 
and  the  inhabitants  generally  furnished  with  arms  necessary  for  their  defence,  and  the  guns 
stamped ;  the  aforesaid  New  Netheriand  delegates  being  to  that  end  allowed  to  purchase  and 
carry  over  two  hundred  guns  for  distribution  according  to  the  order  to  be  issued  thereunto  by 
their  High  Mightinesses;  and  to  that  end  all  inhabitants  shall  be  forbidden  henceforth  to  sell 
stamped  guns  and  to  export,  or  cause  to  be  exported,  any  horses  or  cows  without  the  permission 
of  the  Council. 

Further,  that  said  guns  shall  be  distributed  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  of  New 
Amsterdam  and  those  who  are  capable  of  bearing  arms,  and  also  to  olher  families  spread 
throughout  the  Country,  who  shall  be  expressly  ordered  and  obliged  to  keep  their  guns  in  good 
condition  and  to  supply  themselves  with  necessnry  powder,  causing  pertinent  record  to  be  kepi 
of  the  guns  distributed  as  aforesaid,  in  order  that  they  be  inspected  and  examined  every  three 
months;  and  should  any  guns  remain  over,  they  must  be  secured  in  the  public  store,  and  tbia 
conclusion  is  proposed  by  Mr.  van  Renswoude. 


States  Oeieral  to  the  Director^  etc.,  of  Xe^o  Ndherland. 

[  rrom  the  BerUh  r  of  CUgtaM  Biimtm  uf  ihe  Slelei  aeoerkl,  In  the  Buyal  Areblv*  tt  the  llegue.  ] 

The  States  General,  etc. 

roiio4T.  Honora'ile,  etc.     We  continue  daily  to  turn  our  attention  to  the  prosperity  of 

New  Netheriand    interests,   and  are  therefore  oct-upied  in  deliberations    with  the  Directors 

p.i.«i.tin«  of  New  ol  the  West  India  Company,  on  the  peopling  of  said  New  Netheriand  and  ill 

ethrriead.  dependencie..     Meanwhile,  we  have   permitted  some  persons  delegated  hither 

from  theCommonuity  of  that  place,  to  return  there  requiring  you,  therefore,  neither  to  trouble 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


888 


nor  molest  those  who  came  from  New  Netherland,  and  are  about  to  return  thither,  on  account 
of  any  representations  that  may  have  been  made  here ;  and  whereas  we  deem  it  expedient,  that 
the  population,  which  is  now  needed,  should  be  favored  and  encouraged  in  every  way,  we  direct 
and  order  you  to  take  care  that  the  country  be  not  divested  of  horses  and  cows:  also  that 
supplies  of  provisions  be  reserved  for  the  arriving  colonists,  and  that  the  inhabitants  be 
furnished  with  arms  necessary  for  their  defence,  and  the  guns  stamped,  wherefore  the  delegates 
from  New  Netherland  are  allowed  to  purchase  and  convey  thither  two  hundred  guns,  to  be 
distributed  according  to  the  orJer  by  us  given.  And  that,  therefore,  all  inhabitants  shall 
be  forbidden  henceforth  to  sell  any  stamped  guns,  and  to  export  or  cause  to  be  exported,  any 
horses  or  cows  without  permission  of  the  Council.  You  shall,  moreover,  distribute  the  aforesaid 
guns  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  of  New  Amsterdam,  and  to  all  those  who  are  capable 
of  bearing  arms,  and  to  other  families  scattered  throughout  the  country,  with  express  command 
that  they  shall  be  obliged  to  keep  their  guns  in  good  order,  and  to  provide  themselves  with 
requisite  powder,  keeping  correct  register  of  the  guns  distributed  as  aforesaid,  so  that  they 
may  be  inspected  and  examined  every  three  months,  ajd  should  any  guns  remain  over, 
they  shall  be  stored  in  the  warehouse.     Done  the  first  April,  1650. 


Eesdiution  of  th:  States  General  to  invest  Mr.  van  Rensselaer  with  Manorial 

Privileges. 

[  rnm  lh«  B«tMar  of  VmI  ladU  AAiIra,  IMS  —  l«6l,  is  lb*  Eoy»l  ArehlTH  *l  Uu  Bifve.  ] 

Thursday,  7'*  April,  1650. 
Folio 880.  The  report  being  heard  of  Messrs.  van   Aertzhergen  and  other  their  High 

Mightinesses'  Committee  for  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  who  pursuant  to  their 
High  Mightinesses'  resolutions  looked  into  and  examined  certain  petition  of  the  guardians  of 
joh.u  T.n  B.n«.  Johan  van  Rensselaer,  minor  son  of  Kiliaen  van  Renselaer  deceased,  whereby  they 
■..rtgowdi™..  request  their  High  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  grant  the  aforesaid  Johan  van 
Renselaer  patent  of  investiture  of  High,  Middle  and  Low  jurisdiction  over  a  certain  Colonie  in 
New  Netherland,  called  Rensselaer's  Wyck,  together  with  fishing,  fowling,  and  milling  to  the 
exclusion  of  all  others;  it  is  after  previous  deliberation  hereby  resolved  and  concluded  to 
allow  and  accord  the  Petitioners'  request,  on  condition  that  they  shall  previously  designate  the 
bounds  and  district  of  the  aforesaid  Colonic  called  Rensselaer's-VVyck,  in  order  that  after  the 
same  is  seen  and  examined  by  their  High  Mightinesses,  further  disposition  shall  be  made  as  to 
the  issuing  of  the  aforesaid  patent  of  investiture. 


m 


884 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Eesolution  of  the  Slates  General  admitting  D.  ran  Schtllnyne  to  he  Notary  in 

New  Netherland. 

[  From  the  RdglaKr  of  West  India  Alhlrt,  1883-1881,  Id  llio  Koyil  ArehlvM  it  the  ni«ae.] 

Friday,  8""  April,  IC50. 
FoHoosa  On  the  petition  of  Dirck  van  Schelliiyne  Notnry  here  in  the  Hnmie,  it  is,  after 

nirrk    inn   Bchol-  .  j    i  l         .•  i  i  .        .  .  .     .  o       ' 

hijtnp mHmiiie.1  N.U  previous  deliberation,  hereby  resolved   awA  concluded   to  admit  the  petitioner 

Ury  in  Ndir   Neih.  i  i  ,  .      i         .  n    ■  ,  ' 

«ri.nd.  peaceably  and   quietly,  in  all   loyalty,  to  exercise  the  office  of  Notary  at  the 

Manhatans,  and  further  throughout  the  entire  of  New  Netherland  in  all  existing  and  future 
Colonies  vehere  the  Petitioner  elects  his  domicile,  or  by  request  or  occasion  may  repair, 
without  opposition  or  contradiction  of  the  Director  or  any  others,  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Commonalty  there;  whereunto  a  commission  in  due  form  shall  be  issued  for  the  petitioner. 


Commission  of  Dirch  van  Schelhiyne  as  Notary  in  Nero  Netherland. 

[  From  lh«  AcU-Botle  at  the  SUtm  Otntril,  In  the  Royal  Archlrn  •!  the  Iltgne.  ] 

Commission  to  Dirck  van  Schelluyne,  Notary  here  in  the  H.tgiie,  authorizing  and 
oppointing  him  to  exercise  said  office  of  Notary  in  New  Netherland. 


Folio  M. 


The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands.  To  all  those  who  shall  see 
these  or  hear  them  read.  Health.  Ivnow  Ye  :  Whereas  We  have  received  the  humble  petition 
to  us  presented  by  Dirck  van  Schelluyne  Notary  here  at  the  Hague,  to  empower  him  to 
exercise  said  Notarial  profession  at  the  Manhattans,  and  further  throughout  the  whole  of  New 
Netherland  in  all  existing  and  future  Colonies  thereof.  Therefore,  on  account  of  the  good 
report  made  to  Us  of  Dirck  van  Schelluyne  aforesaid,  and  of  his  utility  and  fitness,  fully 
confiding  in  his  in  iiistry  and  fidelity.  We,  the  aforesaid  Dirck  van  Schelluyne  have  appointed 
and  authorized,  an  )  do  hereby  appoint  and  authorize,  to  exercise  the  aforesaid  profession  of 
Notary  at  the  abovenamed  Manhatuis  and  further  throughout  the  whole  of  New  Netherland 
in  all  actual  and  future  Colonies,  where  the  petitioner  keeps  his  domicile,  or  may  on  request 
or  occasion,  repair,  giving  him  full  power,  to  draw  up  all  Declarations,  Testaments,  Codicils, 
I«*rumentB,  preliminary  Informations,  Mercantile  and  Marriage  Contracts,  and  other  acts, 
stipulations  necessarily  of  use  to  the  Commonalty,  and  moreover  to  do  all  things  that  a  good 
and  faithful  Notary  may  and  ought  to  do,  on  condition  that  he  shall  be  bound  to  take  at  Our 
hands  the  usual  oath  for  the  due  execution  of  his  office,  which  being  done.  We  request  and 
command  the  Director  and  Council,  and  all  other  Our  subjects  in  the  aforesaid  Countries  of 
New  Netherland,  who  are  now  or  may  be  hereafter  commissioned  thither,  whom  this  may  io 
any  wise  concern,  to  acknowledge  the  aforesaid  petitioner  for  Notary,  and  to  offer  him  no  let 
or  hindrance. 
Dotie  at  the  Hague,  the  eighth  of  April  XVI'  and  fifty. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


Jiesdution  of  the  States  of  Holland  and   Westfriedand. 


385 


Now    NMhwiud       On  the  report  of  Mr.  Paats    that  strong  efforts  are  making  in  the  General 
ikgatM.  Assembly  to  get  their  Great  Mightinesses  there  to  cause  to  be  introduced  some 

Provincial  motion  on  the  petition  olthe  delegates  from  New  Netherland  relative  to  the  conveyance 
of  two  hundred  or  more  farmers  or  other  persons  required  in  that  country,  and  other  matter 
appertaining  thereunto. 

Whereupon  deliberation  being  had,  the  members  from  Amsterdam  are  requested  to 
communicate  their  opinions,  as  it  is,  in  like  manner,  understood  that  the  Chamber  of  the  West 
India  Company  at  Amsterdam  shall  be  heard,  thereupon. 


Delegates  from  New  Netherland  to  the  Committee  of  the  States  General 

(From  Um  OrlglDil.lntheltoj*)  AreblvM«tth«  Iligne;  Z«*rf«n»  of  Ui«  Slilft  General ;  Rubric  Wat  rn<HKlttQmpag«U,'So.m\  14(h  Jitlilon  of 

Uie  Uiiiiaie.  ]  * 

To  the  Honorable,  Mighty  Lords  Alexander  van  der  Cnpelle  of  Heraesbergen,  and  the  other 
their  High  Mightinesses'  Committee  on  the  Redress  of  New  Netherland. 

Honorable  Mighty  Lords. 

The  delegates  from  New  Netherland  respectfully  represent,  that  on  the  30""  of  March,  they 
received  letters  from  New  Netherland,  dispatched  the  l?""  December  1G49,  copy  whereof  is 
hereunto  annexed,  together  with  certain  protest  and  vote  of  Mr.  L.  van  Dintkhigen,  Vice 
Director  in  New  Netherland,  signifying  that  everything  in  that  country  is  in  a  very  indifferent 
condition,  and  that  the  Commonalty  there  longs  greatly  lor  our  good  success  and  return,  which 
are  so  highly  necessary.  Also,  that  P'  Stuyvesant,  the  West  India  Company's  Director,  had 
exported  to  Barbadoes  i-'O  horses  in  iho  vessel  belonging  to  the  Danish  crown,  which  he 
had  confiscated  when  we  were  in  New  Netherland.  Also  that  he  had  purchased  on  credit  at  a 
high  price  payable  in  the  Spring,  all  the  provisions  which  were  on  hand  and  necessary  there, 
as  the  rivers  are  closed  by  the  ice,  and  prevent  approach  ;  whereby  the  poor  people  are  reduced 
to  extremity  and  great  scarcity.  And  as  these  matters  are  of  very  had  consequence  and  produce 
many  inconveniencies  for  New  Netherland,  as  we  could  specifically  enumerate  at  large  but 
which  for  brevity  sake  we  shall  here  dismiss  with  only  one  word. 

Passing  over  the  confiscation  of  the  Danish  ship,  although  it,  too,  is  of  dangerous  consequences, 
we  observe,  as  regards  tne  loss  of  the  horses,  that  it  tends  to  the  prejudice  and  great  injury  of 
the  country  and  its  population.  This  also  appears  from  the  protest  of  the  [Vice]  Director  L. 
van  Dincklagen,  whom  the  Director,  as  appears  by  the  accompanying  letters,  berated  as  a 
vauabond,  though  an  honorable  man  and  a  Doctor  of  Law,  and  eventually  excluded  from  the 
Council  Chamber,  for  proposing  something  for  the  Country's  good  and  the  Company's 
advantage.  iSecondly,  the  exportation  of  the  provisions,  consisting  in  most  part  of  grain 
and  flour,  is  likewise  injurious  'o  the  country  and  the  people;  for  when  the  r'  ers  in  that 
country  are  closed,  which  connnonly  happens  in  December,  no  transportation  tnu  take  place  ; 
Vm..  I.  40 


fA\ 


11 1 


386 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


so  that  a  ship  load  of  provisions  amounts  to  a  great  deal  among  so  few  people,  more  especially 
as  many  farms  which  were  devastated  by  the  war,  are  yet  unsown  by  farmers  and  laborers  and 
lie  waste  ;  all  which  cause  want  and  scarcity.  These  being  noted,  as  your  Noble  Mightinesses 
will  further  see  by  the  accompanying  documents,  the  Delegates  again  most  humbly  turn  to 
your  Noble  Mightinesses  respectfully  beseeching  your  noble  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  hasten 
the  Redress  of  New  Netherland,  and  to  issue  and  make  such  order  therein  as  you  shall  find 
for  the  advantage  of  that  country. 
Which  doing,  etc. 


•-»x 


Appendix,     A"  1650. 

Extract  of  a  certain  letter  addressed  from  New  Netherland,  the  l?""  December, 
[1649,]  to  Cornells  Melyn. 

But  should  no  change  be  made  here,  and  God  not  please  to  improve  our  condition,  we,  who 
have  come  to  New  Netherland,  are  unfortunate  men,  for  it  grows  from  bad  to  worse.  But  the 
trumpet  sounds  so  Icud,  that  poor  people  have  scarcely  enough  to  eat,  for  no  supplies  of  bread, 
butter,  beef  and  pork  can  now  be  had,  except  for  beaver  or  silver  coin.  And  Stuyvesant,  who 
promisVd  the  people  either  beavers  or  silver  coin,  or  cargoes  in  the  spring,  hath  acted  thus,  in 
order  to  victual  the  vessel  in  which  Rodenberch  will  accompany  Korrelaer  to  Barbadoes,  with 
about  20  horses.  This  is  a  good  !.'t,inning  for  the  peopling  of  New  Netherland.  Mynheer 
Dincklagen,  hath  protested  against  it,  but  they  heed  it  not,  and  treat  him  with  harsh  words. 
When  he  spoke  in  behalf  of  the  interests  of  the  Company  and  the  Country,  Stuyvesant  said, 
he  should  not  sit  with  him,  that  he  is  a  fomenter  of  sedition,  and  a  vagabond  ;  and  other  similar 
things  too  num-jrous  to  be  detailed  here.  Therefore,  assistance  is  very  much  desired,  for  things 
begin  to  come  to  a  crisis;  we  wish,  then,  that  God  would  be  pleased  to  send  the  delegates 
back  quickly  with  business  accomplished,  for  here  matters  continue  so  bad,  as  to  excite 
murmurs  against  Heaven.  This  day,  the  17'*,  the  vessel  sailed,  but  the  wind  being  south,  she 
was  obliged,  by  the  stiffness  of  the  breeze,  to  come  to  anchor.     It  is  so  cold  here,  thai  the  ink 

freezes  in  the  pen. 

And  was  subscribed, 

Jannbkgn  Melyn. 


Appendix.     A'  1650.     Extract*. 

Advice  of  the  Honble  L.  van  Dincklagen,  on  the  petition  presented  by  Arent 
van  Corlaer,  to  the  Council,  the  ao""  November,  1649,  in  fort  Amsterdam. 

I  neither  consent  nor  vote  that  petitioner's  request  be  granted,  inasmuch  as  grain  is  scarce 
here,  and  bouweries  lie  unoccupied,  and  horses  will  now  and  hereafter  be  in  greater  demand, 
an  uccessioQ  lo  the  population  being  expected  from  lime  to  time.     Date  aforesaid. 

(Signed)        L.  van  Dincklaoe. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    V. 


387 


On  the  13  December,  Anno  1649,  the  Hon""  Wr.  Dincklagen  proceats  in  Council  against  the 
Hon"'"  Director  Stuyvesant  and  Arent  van  Corlaer,  in  the  name  of  their  High  Migluinesses, 
the  Lord  Prince  of  Orange  and  the  Hon""  West  India  Company,  for  having  exported  horses 
by  the  ship,  the  Print,  to  Barbadoes,  as  Corlaer  exhibits  no  license  from  their  High 
Mightinesses,  or  the  Hon""  Lords  Majors.     Dated  as  aforesaid. 

(Signed)         L.  van  Dincklagen. 

Agrees  vsrith  the  Book  of  Resolutions  of  the  Council  holden  in  fort  Amsterdam, 
by  the  Hon"''  Director  General  and  Council  of  New  Netherland. 

(Signed)        Jacob  Kip,  Clerk. 


Jiq>oH  of  the  Commute  of  the  States  General  on  the  Affairs  of  New  Netherland. 

[  From  U..  MS.  U.  Ita.  Koyd  A«hi«.  .t  th.  H.r,e ;  LokMa.  of  Ih.  SUt«  Geaer.1 ;  Bubru-  W»l  IndUcK.  O^pagnU,  No.  80 ;  16U.  dlvUlon  of 

the  Uundlo,  1 

Provisional   Order  respecting  the  Government,  Preservation  and    Peoplinir  of 
New  Netherland. 

Messrs.  van  Aertzbergen  and  the  other  your  High  Mightinesses'  Committee  on  West  India 
affairs,  havmg  been  for  some    months  in   conference  with   the   Directors  delegated  by  the 
Chan.ber  at  Amsterdam  and  others  of  the  West  India  Company,  on  matters  brought  before 
your  High  Mightinesses,  both  by  the  Delegates  from  New  Netherland  and  the  Directors  there, 
from  and  on  behalf  of  the  People,  in  divers  written  and  verbal  remonstrances  and  memorials, 
have,  at  the  request  of  the  Directors  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber,  consented  to  pass  over 
divers  matters  contained  in  the  Gukat  Reeonstraxce  of  the  People,  and  to  apply  themselv^-s 
to  the  principal  points,  on  the  express  assurance  from  the  aforesaid  Directors  that  th.-y  would 
receive  all  just  and  respectful  representations.    And  to  this  end,  having  inquired  into  the 
system   of  government  hitherto  maintained   in  New  Netherland,  the   heavy  burthens  which 
the  Company  hath  in  consequence  borne,  and  the  small  profit  derived  therefrom,  the  destruction 
of  the  population,  the  neglect  in  applying  remedies  to  errors  and  excesses;  and,  considering 
that   your    High    Mightinesses   cannot,  and   ought  not  any   longer  approve  of  the  perverse 
n^m.nistration  of  the  privileges  and  benefits  granted  by  charter  to  the  stockhplders  of  the 
West    India   Company;  of  the   commissioners  of   New   Netherland,  under  the  authority  of 
the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  neglecting  or  opposing  the  gooo  plans  and  offers  submitted  for  the 
security  of  the  boundaries  and  tiie  increase  of  the  population  of  the  country:  And  whereas 
your  High  Mightinesses,  as  sovereigns  over  your  subjects,  are  well  qualified,  nay.  bound  to 
see  that  the  property  of  the  latter,  (still  in  a  condition  to  be  saved  and  improved  if  no  time 
be  lost  and  good  care  be  taken)  shall  not  be  allowed  to  go  to  ruin  or  fall  into  the  han.is  of 
others  ;   I  herefore,  we,  your  High  Mightinesses'  Committee,  are  of  opinion  that  the  preservation 
of  those  countries  and  benefits,  which  were  originally  granted  by  your  Hi^-h   Mightinesses  not 
0  the  Directors  of  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  but  to  all  the  stockholders  of  the  West  India 
Company  scattered    throughout    the   Provinces,   demands   other  orders   than   those   issued 


888 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


heretofore  for  the  government  thereof,  the  increase  and  establishment  of  the  population,  raising 
and  bearing  of  necessary  taxes,  the  prevention  of  dangers  and  general  ruin  similar  to  what 
has  been  bitterly  experienced  for  a  few  years ;  and  further,  for  the  ettectual  removal  of  all  sorts 
cf  evils  and  troubles,  which  have  been  elaborately  submitted  to  your  High  Mightinesses: 
And  in  order  that  the  complaints  of  the  Nation's  subjects,  now  heard  and  examined  for  the 
space  of  five  months,  may  be  deferred  no  longer  by  conferences  and  objections,  but  remedied 
by  good  resolutions. 

We  would,  therefore,  be  of  opinion  that  your  High  Mightinesses  do,  with  the  advice  and 
communication  of  the  Directors  now  summoned  from  all  the  Chambers  of  the  West  India 
Company,  the  major  part  of  whom  are  in  attendance,  permit  the  Delegates  from  New 
NetI.erland  to  return  this  season,  to  encourage  and  animate  all  the  innaoitants  there  sedulously 
to  attend  to  the  cultivation  of  the  soil  and  to  the  improvement,  security  and  increase  of  the 
population  within  their  Umits.  And,  accordingly,  that  the  offer  respecting  the  conveyance  of 
passengers  and  farmers  which  they  made,  ought  to  be  speedily  accepted  and  executed;  and, 
further,  that  this  Provisional  Oudek  be  enacted  and  also  furnished  them. 


^ 


First.  Whereas  their  High  Mightinesses  have  received  the  strange  and  unexpected 
intelligence  that  contributions  have  been  demanded  from  the  Aborigines  of  the  country  and, 
such  having  been  refused,  that  the  late  Director  Kieft,  under  pretense  that  the  people  sJ 
demanded  by  petition,  signed,  however,  by  merely  three  persons,  had  waged  against  those 
Aborigines  an  unnecessary,  bloody  and  ruinous  war,  the  instigators  whereof  have  not  been 
duly  inquired  after,  or  punished,  the  Director  and  Council  shall  in  future  be  careful  that  [no 
war]  be  undertaken  against  the  Aborigines  of  the  country  or  neighbors  of  New  Netherland, 
without  their  High  Mightinesses'  knowledge.  And  in  case  any  misunderstanding  and  trouble' 
may  arise  between  or  with  said  Aborigines  or  neighbors,  all  possible  means  shall  be  made  use 
of  to  remove  the  same,  before  matters  come  to  extremities,  and  advice  shall  be  sent  at  once  to 
their  High  Mightinesses  of  what  might  transpire  in  the  premises. 

9. 

Secondly,  Jan  Jansen  Damen  and  Abraham  Planck,  having  presented  the  petition, 
whereupon  the  war  was  commenced,  shall  be  sent  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  that  information 
may  be  obtained  from  them  from  what  occurred,  and  who  had  induced  theif>  to  pre-int  the 
aforesaid  petition. 


Thirdly,  that  those  who,  contrary  to  express  orders  and  prohibition,  have  undertaken  to  sell 
and  barter  articles  of  contraband,  such  as  guns,  pistols,  powder  and  lead  to  the  Aborigines,  and 
thus  exposed  themselves,  with  all  those  who  actually  resi-l",  or  hereafter  may  come  to  New 
Netherland,  to  the  imminent  danger  of  being  suddenly  ai.;icked,  massacred  and  driven  off, 
shall  be  punished  lor  the  excesses  herein  committed,  especially  for  what  occurred  duriig  the 
war,  when  subjects  of  this  State  dared  to  strengthen  their  enemies  by  the  sale  of  prohibited 
articles  of  contraband.  And  whereas  this  evil  has  now  reached  that  stage  that  the  trade  in 
the  aforesaid  coniralmnd  goods  cannot  easily  be  cut  short  or  forbidden,  without  evident  danger 
of  new  war  and  trouble  between  the  subjects  of  this  Slate  and  the  Aborigines,  the  Council  of 
New  Netherland  shall  be  notified,  and  ordered  to  take  care  that  none  of  the  aforesaid  articles 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


389 


of  contraband  shall  be  hereafter  traded  and  sold  either  by  colonists  or  other  inhabitants,  except 
with  Its  knowledge  and  by  its  order,  the  guns  to  be  charged  at  6  guilders,  the  pistols  at  4 
guilders,  the  pound  of  powder  at  six  stivers,  all  for  the  benefit  of  the  public  interests  there;  so 
as  in  time,  when  it  can,  in  their  opinion,  be  safely  done,  to  forbid  the  trade  altogether,  under 
heavy  penalties  to  be  thereunto  enacted. 

4. 

Fourthly,  whereas  their  High  Mightinesses  learn  that  the  people  of  New  Netherland  either 
are  not  obliged,  or  have  themselves  forgotten  to  possess  and  maks  use  of  arms  necessary  for 
their  own  defence,  therefore,  the  inhabitants  generally,  shall  be  bound  each  to  provide  himself 
with  a  good  gun  and  the  requisite  powder  and  lead,  and  be  enrolled  and  formed  into 
companies,  have  the  said  guns  stamped  and  inspected,  with  a  prohibition  against  the  sale  of 
such  stamped  guns,  on  pain  of  himself  or  family  being  deprived  thereof. 

6. 

The  forts  shall  all  be  well  maintained  and  taken  care  of  at  the  places  where,  for  the 
occupation  of  the  country,  they  have  been,  or  shall  by  order  hereafter  be  erected; 
the  magazine  therein  provided  with  necessary  munitions  of  war,  the  houses  and  court  yards 
built  either  within  the  walls  or  at  a  short  distance  around  them,  without,  however,  impeding 
the  defence  which  must  be  made  therefrom  ;  causing  the  inhabitants  to  dwell  so  close  and 
compact  together,  that  they  be  able  to  help,  aid  and  defend  each  other. 

6. 
New  Netherland  being  at  present  provided  with  only  one  clergyman,  orders  shall  be  given 
forthwith  for  the  immediate  calling  and  support  of  at  least  three  preachers;  one  to  attend  to 
Divine  service  at  Ilenselaer's  colonic;  the  second  in  and  about  the  city  of  New  Amsterdam, 
and  the  third  in  the  distant  places;  and  the  Commonalty  shall  be  also  obliged  to  have  the 
youth  instructed  by  good  school-masters. 

7. 
Whereas  it  Is  found  that  greater  pains  have  generally  been  taken  to  promote  the  fur  trade 
than  the  agriculture  and  population  of  the  country,  the  Supreme  Council  there,  shall,  in 
consequence,  above  all  things,  provide  that  cattle  he  not  exported,  but  be  as  much  as 
possible  retained  and  reared  there ;  also  that  a  good  quantity  of  grain  be  kept  iu  store,  to  be 
furnished  and  sold  at  a  reasonable  price  to  newly  arriving  immigrants,  who  are  to  be  assisted 
and  favored  in  every  manner,  and  be  located  on  good  lands,  suitable  for  cultivation,  taking  care 
therein  that  they  shall  dwell  as  close  and  as  compact  together  as  possible  on  such  lands  and 
places  as  shall  he  considered  best  and  most  suitable  for  homestead,  bouwerie,  plantation 
and  security;  the  I'atroons  of  colonies  remaining  at  liberty  to  improve  their  own  lands  as  they 
think  proper,  they  being  likewise  obliged  to  settle  tneir  colonists  in  the  form  of  villages. 

8. 
The  Council  shall  also  provide  for  the  establishment  and  continuance  of  a  good  trade  and 
commerce  in  provisions  and  other  commodities  between  New  Netherland  and  the  national  forts 
in  Brazil,  permitting  the  merchants  to  take  in  all  sorts  of  wares  there,  and  to  bring  back 
whatever  they  shall  deem  proper. 


Kii^Ssl 


f&M 


390 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


The  propositions  as  they  are  drawn  shall  be  amplified  for  the  relief  of  the  Directors  of  the 
Amsterdam  Chamber  and  the  increase  of  the  public  revenue,  witliout  embarrassing  the  State 
or  West  India  Company,  in  such  wise  that  instead  of  20,000  guilders  or  thereabouts,  which  the 
Amsterdam  Chamber  now  draws  annunll-/,  \t  kU.u\  be  able  to  derive  fifty  thousand  guilders  and 
by  degrees  increase  further  to  the  esa.  ntia'.  ;i  JvAi^tnge  of  the  worthy  stockholders,  and  to  that 
end,  the  Supreme  Council  shall  be  wriitLf;  to  and  instructed  to  have  the  Colonists  or 
their  Patroons,  and  the  people  of  New  Netherland  convoked,  and  to  endeavor  to  induce  them 
to  consent  to,  assume  and  bear  the  aforesaid  charges,  causing  them  to  collect  and  manage  the 
funds  and  to  pay  the  taxes  in  such  proportion  as  they  shall  themselves  enact. 

10. 

The  request  for  Freedoms  and  Exemptions  shall  be  more  fully  examined,  with  the 
considerations  moved  thereupon. 

11. 

The  Council  of  New  Netherland  shall  consist  of  a  President  or  Director;  a  Vice  Director  and 
of  three  Councillors,  one  of  whom  shall  be  appointed  on  the  part  of  their  High  Mightinesses 
and  the  West  India  Company,  and  the  other  two  selected  from  the  inhabitants  of  that  country. 

12. 

For  which  purpose  the  Director  and  Council  shall  be  bound  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  Patroons 
of  Colonies,  or  their  agents,  and  of  the  deputies  of  the  Commonalty,  to  be  held  within  the  city  of 
New  Amsterdam  for  the  purpose  of  nomii.  ting  four  qualified  persons  from  whom  two  shall  be 
selected  who  shall  be  thereunto  qualified  by  their  High  Mightinesses  and  those  of  the  West 
India  Company.  These  two  elected  Councillors  shall  serve  four  consecutive  years,  but  on  the 
expiration  of  the  aforesaid  four  years,  one  of  the  two  may  by  lot  continue  two  years  more  and 
the  other  retire  in  order  to  present  two  others  in  future,  biennially,  by  a  new  nomination,  in 
manner  as  aforesaid. 

13. 

The  Advocate-fiscal  shall  haveboth  seat  and  vote  in  said  Council,  in  matters  not  appertainine 
to  his  oflUce.  ° 

Petrus  Stuyvesant,  the  present  Director,  shall  be  instructed  to  return  home  and  report. 

15. 
And  a  suitable  person  conversant  with  Agricultural  matters  and  the  nature  of  soils,  shall  be 
forthwith  dispatched  and  sent  by  the  first  opportunity  to  New  Netherland  to  take  charge  of  the 
lands  situated  on  both  sides  of  the  Great  North  river,  extending  southerly  to  the  South  river, 
and  northerly  to  the  Fresh  river,  with  instruction  based  on  the  Considerations  exhibited 
conjointly  by  the  Directors  and  the  Delegates  from  New  Netherland. 

16. 

On  the  increase  of  the  population  and  the  augmentation  of  the  inhabitants,  a  Court  of  Justice 
shall  be  established  in  the  province. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


391 


17. 


18. 
Meanwhile  shall  the  Nine  Selectmen  continue  three  years  longer,  and  have  jurisdiction  over 
mall  causes  ans.ng  between  Man  and  Man,  to  adjudicate  definitively  on  suiu  not  e  ceedinl 
the  sum  of  fifty  guilders  and  on  higher  amounts  under  privilege  of  appeal.  * 

19. 

All  inhabitants  now  there,  or  arriving  hereafter  in  the  country,  shall  take  an  oath  of  fidelity 
according  to  the  form  to  be  sent  to  the* Supreme  Council.  ^' 

20. 

hfoXirr^'  proceeding  to  the  north  parts  of  America  and  the  islands  thereabout,  shall 
be  oblged  to  convey  over  all  passengers  who  will  present  themselves  to  be  taken  to  New 
Netherland.  to  the  number  at  least  of  persons  for  every  ship  whose  burthen  is  a„d 

more  m  proportion.  ■^       f  "  "»  anu 

21. 

Finally,  the  sum  of  fifteen  thousand  guilders  at  least  shall  hereafter  be  annually  appropriated 
from  funds  pointed  out  by  the  Delegates  from  New  Netherland,  for  the  conveyance  of  f^nilies 

exp  nses      And  for  this  purpose,  two  ships  shall,  agreeably  to  concluded  arrangements,  be 
chartered    and   provisioned,   with   this   understanding,  that  double  the  expense  of  passage 
and  provisions  shall  be  exacted  from  all  immigrants  who  will,  after  the  expiration  of  four  years 
have  the  means  of  payment,  or  otherwise  desire  to  quit  the  country. 


Observations  of  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam  on  the  preceding  Report. 

To  the  Noble  Mighty  Lords,  che  Committee  of  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  State,  General 
of  the  United  Netherlands  for  the  afTairs  of  the  West  India  Company. 

The  Directors  of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company  of  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam, 

havmg  communication  of  the  annexed  writing,  and  being  ordered  to  submit  their  opinion 

hereon  Stat.,   under  correction,  as  their  conclusion  on  the  first.-That  they  most  respectfully 

ri  nlh    .   7-  '  "      7  "^'  ■"*"""'  "  "PP'^^"  '°  "'«'^  «'8h  Mightinesses  that  the  war 

against  the  Indians  was  undertaken  soMy  on  the  petition  of  three  persons,  especially  as  they 

llTe  Doctor.  "'  """  '"''°""''^'  ""  '""  ^"  '''"  ^'"'"  '  "'''''"  "P°^'  «'"'  °^^^  ^^  '»>« 

2. 
This  article  relates  to  the  Uatement  in  the  first. 


892 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


5^ 


1 


3. 

The  trade  in  articles  of  contrnband  has  been  always  forbidden ;  and  we  cannot  consider  it 
wise  to  give  private  persons,  yet,  so  much  latitude.  But  if  some  of  the  aforesaid  wares  must, 
however,  to  avoid  offence,  be  sold  with  a  sparing  hand,  such  shall  be  permitted  by  the 
Director  and  Council,  with  knowledge  of  circumstances  and  only  when  necessary.  This  small 
charge  is  also  wholly  unnecessary,  inasmuch  as  the  Indians  will  readily  purchase  guns  in  the 
spring,  (ffi,  120  guilders,  and  a  pound  of  powder,  (S.  10  or  12  guilders. 

6. 

Those  of  the  Colonie  Rensslaers-Wyck  must  pay  their  own  clergyman,  and  are  busy 
inquiring  for  a  person.  New  Amsterdam  is  provided,  and  none  is  yet  required  in  the 
out-lying  places. 

8. 

This  point  is  fully  treated  in  the  Freedoms. 

9. 

The  purport  of  this  article  ought  to  be  made  clearer  in  order  to  render  it  intelligible.  In 
all  cases  we  cannot  understand  how  the  inhabitants  can  be  brought  to  bear  the  expenses, 
inasmuch  as  it  is  already  slated  that  they  complain  about  a  small  impost  on  beer  and  wine, 
which  is,  however,  paid  only  by  the  tapsters. 

10. 

The  subject  of  the  Freedoms  forms  a  particular  report,  which  will  be  approved  by  us  when 
the  copy  thereof  is  ready. 

11. 

The  Council  ought  to  remain  constituted  as  lately  enacted  by  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.;  it 
can  then  be  conceded,  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  people,  that  two  of  their  number  shall  be 
adjoined  to  the  aforesaid  Council,  to  be  selected  by  the  Company  here  from  a  nomination  of 
a  triple  number  to  be  previously  made  by  the  aforesaid  Commonalty. 

12. 
This  article  is  co-dependent  on  what  has  been  already  stated. 

14. 

The  Directors  consider  this  coming  over  to  be  entirely  unnecessary,  unless  some  reasons 
to  the  contrary  be  alleged.  And  in  case  some  information  be  required  on  the  affiiirs  in  New 
Netherland,  in  addition  to  what  Secretary  van  Tienhoven  can  furnish,  the  Vice  Director  might 
come  home. 


15. 


They  consider  this  to  be  co-dependent  on  the  preceding. 


18. 

The  Judicature  ought  to   be  left  as  established,  both   in   the  Company's  lands  and 
the  Colonies. 


in 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


393 


20, 


ThI.  order  is  in  regard  of  some  private  ships,  impracticable  and  useless  for  the  Company 
Only  th.s  can  be  enacted,  that  all  ships  entered  for  New  Netherland  shall  be  obliged  toZvev 
over  as  many  persons  as  they  have  lasii  burthen.  ^ 

21. 

So  long  as  the  Company  continues  in  its  present  straitened  condition  and  want  of  money,  it 
cannot  pledge  Use     to  these  16,000  guilders  per  annum.     And  neither  would  the  credi^;r8 

rema'n  unpa^  '"  '""'^  '"  """  "'"^^"''^  ^''  '"""^  "  P"'P°««'  *^"«*  '''«''  ^^^^ts 

(Endorsed) 

Remarks  of  the  West  India  Chamber  at  Amsterdam  on  the 
Provisional  Order  on  the  government,  preservation  and 
peopling  of  New  Netherland.     11  April,  1650. 


Provisional  order  respecting  the  govern- 
ment, preservation  and  peopling  of 
New  Netherland. 

Messrs.  van  Aertsbergen  and  the  other  your 
High  Mightinesses'  Committee  on  West  India 
affairs  having  been  for  some  months  past  in 
conference  with  the  Directors   delegated   by 
the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam  and  others  of  the 
West   India   Company    on    matters    brought 
before  your  High  Mightinesses  both    by  the 
Committee   from    New    Netherland    and  the 
Director   there,  from  and   on  behalf  of,   the 
people,  in  divers  written  and  verbal  remon- 
strances and  Memorials,  have  at  the  request 
of  the  Directors  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber 
consented  to  pass  over  divers  matters  contained 
in  the  Great  Remonstrance  of  the  People, 
and   to   apply   themselves    to    the    principal 
points,  on  the  expressed  assurance  from  the 
aforesaid  Directors,  that  they  would  receive  all 
just  and  respectful  representations.     And  to 
this  end,    having   inquired   into    the    system 
of  government   hitherto    maintained    in  New 
Netherland,   the   heavy    burdens    which    the 
Company  hath  in  consequence  borne,  and  the 
small  profit  derived  therefrom,  the  impeding 
of  the   population,   the    neglect   in    applying 
remedies  to  errors  and  excesses;   and   con- 
Vox,.  I.  50 


Remarks  of  the   Amsterdam  Chamber. 
11  April,  1G50. 


The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company 
Chamber  at  Amsterdam  being  ordered  to 
make  their  observations  on  the  annexed 
writing,  state  their  opinion  thereupon  aa  it  is 
here  inserted. 


The  Directors  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber 
respectfully  deny  that  they  made  the  request 
mentioned,  but  indeed  that  they  on  the  contrary 
were  requested  to  refute  those  people's 
abusive  representations;  who  'tis  notorious 
were  not  willing  to  subscribe  their  written 
deduction  in  presence  of  their  High  Mighti- 
nesses' deputies. 


The  Directors  request  proof  wherein  or 
whereby  population  has  been  impeded 
or  hindered  by  them. 


%    '  ""i 


i  i 


394 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCftlPTS, 


O 


BJdering  that  your  High  Mightinesses  cannot, 
and  ought  not  any  longer  look  approvingly  on 
the  perverse  administration  of  the  privileges 
and  benefits  granted  by  charter  to  the 
stockholders  of  the  W<^9t  India  Company,  and 
that  the  good  proposals  and  offers  submitted 
for  the  security  of  the  Boundaries  and  popu- 
lation of  the  country  have  been  slighted  or 
opposed  by  the  Commissioners  of  New 
Netherland  under  the  authority  of  the  Chamber 
at  Amsterdam. 

And  whereas  your  High  Mightinesses,  as 
Sovereigns  over  your  subjects,  are  well  quali- 
fied, nay  bound,  to  see  that  the  property  of 
the  latter,  still  in  a  condition  to  be  saved  and 
improved,  if  no  time  be  lost  and  if  good  care 
be  taken,  yhall  not  be  allowed  to  go  to  riiin 
or  fall  in'i-  the  hands  of  others;  Therefore, 
they,  your  High  Mightinesses'  Committee,  are 
of  opinion  that  the  preservation  of  those 
countries,  and  advantages  granted  originally 
by  your  High  Mightinesses,  not  to  the  Direc- 
tors of  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  but  to  all 
the  Stockholders  of  the  West  India  Company 
scattered  throughout  the  prot'inces,  demand 
other  orders  than  those  issued  heretofore  for 
the  government  of  the  country,  the  increase 
and  establishment  of  the  population,  the 
raising  and  bearing  of  necessary  taxes,  the 
prevention  of  mischiefs  and  general  ruin 
similar  to  what  have  been  bitterly  experienced 
for  a  few  years  j  and  further,  Tor  the  effectual 
removal  of  all  sorts  of  evils  and  troubles 
which  have  been  fully  submitted  to  your  High 
Mightinesses ;  And  in  order,  with  that  view, 
that  the  complaints  of  the  Nation's  subjects 
now  heard  and  examined  during  the  space  of 
five  months,  may  be  deferred  no  longer  by 
conferences  and  objections,  but  be  remedied 
by  good  resolutions;  It  is,  therefore,  con- 
cluded that  your  High  Mightinesses  do,  with 
the  advice  and  communiciition  of  the  Directors 
now  summoned  from  all  the  Chambers  of 
the  West  India  Cofnpany,  the  major  part  of 
whom    are    in   attendance,   permit    the    New 


The  Directors  have  never  done  anything  in 
administration  and  management  except  in 
presence  of  their  High  Mightinesses*  deputies 
to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX. 

The  Commissioners  of  New  Netherlaud  have 
no  knowledge  that  such  Boundary  proposals 
have  been  made ;  but  it  can  be  proved  by  all 
the  letters  written  by  this  Chamber  to  Director 
Stuivesant  that  the  bounr^ary  is  therein 
particularly  recommended ;  provided  it  be 
approved  by  their  High  Mightinesses. 


The  Directors  will  not  believe  that  their 
High  Mightinesses  will  repudiate  the  adminis- 
tration of  this  Chamber,  as  it  was  accorded 
to  them  by  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  in  the 
presence  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies. 


These  mischiefs  have  occurred  without  our 
knowledge  and  order;  and  when  we  had 
advices  of  them  we  called  the  late  Director 
Kieft  home  to  defend  himself. 


These  people  are  themselves  the  cause  of 
their  delay,  as  tlicy  did  not  apply  to  the  proper 
quarter  nor  deliver  their  credentials  before, 
and  until  they  had  sojourned  a  long  time  at 
the  Hague. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


395 


Netherland  Delegates  to  return  this  season,  to 
encourage  and  animate  all  the  inhabitants 
there  to  sedulously  attend  to  Iha  cultivation  of 
the  soil,the  improvement,  security  and  increase 
of  the  population  within  their  limits.  And 
accordingly  that  the  offer  respecting  the  con- 
veyance of  passengers  and  farmers,  which 
they  made,  ought  to  be  speedily  accepted  and 
i;xecuted ;  and  further,  that  this  Provisional 
Order  be  enacted  and  also  furnished  to  them  : 


The  Directors  understand  that  these  people 
are  not  fit  to  contribute  anything  to  the  popu- 
lation and  its  advancement,  inasmuch  as  they 
have  set  themselves  up  against  the  Company 
and  its  officers. 


■^  ■» » »«-^- 


Adriaen  van  der  DowJc'  to  the  Committee  of  tice  Slate-i  General. 

IFrom  US.  Id  Ibe  Kojal  Archir-  at  th.  Hhoo  ;  l^>tMa»  of  th.  8UIm  Oenerti ;  X.kric  W^  JmlUcH,  OmpagnU,  No.  M,-  lOth  dir^on  of  th« 

Bundle.  ] 

To  the  Noble  Mighty  Lords,  the  Lords  of  Heraertsbergen  Loo,  Velt,  van  der  Hoick  and  others, 
a  Committee  on  the  Redress  of  the  ruined  affairs  of  New  Netherland. 

Noble,  Mighty  Lords. 

The  very  laudable  zeal  which  their  High  Mightineejes  and  you,  Noble  Mighty,  have  been 
plsased  to  evince  as  well  for  the  preservation  of  whatever  yet  remains  by  God's  especial 
blessing  in  ruined  New  Netherland  as  for  the  restoration  of  the  sad  and  prostrate  rffairs  there, 
supplies  me  with  confidence  and  courage  to  lay  before  you.  Noble  Mighty,  some  means  which 
will  be  highly  necessary,  and.  according  to  all  human  calculation,  advantageous  and  profitable 
to  their  High  Mightinesses'  design  herein. 

The  affairs  of  New  Netherland  assumed  in  the  beginning  a  favorable  appearance  of  good 
progress  and  especial  advantage  from  individuals  and  particularly  from  the  State ;  but  the  hope 
which  everyone  there  entertained  of  the  proximate  establishment  of  some  improvement  in  that 
quarter,  h.ith  been  well  nigh  destroyed,  the  work  being  almost  smothered  in  the  birth  by 
misgovernment  on  the  part  of  the  officers  there  as  well  in  oppressing  private  citizens,  as 
by  waging  unlawful  and  unnecessary  war  on  their  own  authority. 

What  damage  .New  Netherland  hath  suffered  in  consequence  of  the  aforesaid  unlawful  and 
unnecessary  War,  which  brought  it  to  the  brink  of  ruin  — and  how  much  innocent  blood,  as 
well  of  heathens  as  of  christians  and  even  of  sucklings,  hath  been  unnecessarily  and  barbarously 
shed,  your  noble  Mightinesses  will  be  able  to  ascertain  from  the  annexed  Points  and  Articles,' 
which  I  present  to  you,  not  from  any  particular  object  I  might  have  iig  ist  Cornelis  van 
Tienhoven,bui  that  your  noble  Mightinesses  may  have  a  foundation  for  the  inquiry  as  to  what 
constituted  the  cause  of  the  country's  ruin.  The  few  inhabitants  that  may  still  he  in  New 
Netherland    have  all  along  hoped  that  their   High   Mightinesses  woul.l   have    passed    soma 

'  ThU  dooumcut  i«  without  nom*  or  J.U;  'ti.  ■Imntt  MrUiolj  by  AdriMD  T*n  dtr  UoDck.  -  J.  A.  o»  Z. 
Kor  thM«  poiiiu  «B'I  ■rliolea,  tfopoit,  p.  4ii«.— Eii. 


\l 


•J 
I' 


# 


w 


896 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


animadversion  on  Ihoee  who  were  the  authors  of  the  aforesaid  mischiefs.  Knowing  that  the 
abovenatned  Tienhoven  is  not  only  .,ne  of  the  principal  authors  thereof,  but  that  he  actually 
hath  sojourned  some  time  here  in  Fatherland,  those  people,  if  they  see  him  arrive  yonder  from 
Fatherland  without  being  either  censured  or  corrected  as  the  joint  author  of  the  aforesaid 
nrjischiefs  will  not  only  wholly  despair  and  probably  in  desperation  depart  thence,  perceiving 
that  no  blame  follows  in  a  case  so  grave,  so  notorious  and  familiar  to  the  entire  country  ;  but 
the  aforesaid  Tienhoven  will  in  consequence  be  encouraged  to  aid  in  strengthening  the  rule 
over  the  inhabitants  still  there,  tanquam  bellicns,  but  more  stringent,  according  to  the  lust 
and  appetite  of  the  rulers  as  has  already  unreasonably  happened. 

In  order  not  to  deprive  the  inhabitants  there  wholly  of  heart,  and  to  afford  the 
a.ovementioned  Tienhove  ,  [an  opportunity  to  defend  himself,]  as  well  as  [to  furnish  1  your 
Mightinesses  particular  inbrmntion  and  knowledge  of  the  truth  of  the  inhuman  transaction 
there,  your  Mightinesses  might  hear  the  aforesaid  Tienhoven,  and  cause  him  to  answer  the 
annexed  interrogatories.  If  the  said  Tienhoven  will  truly  answer  these  questions,  the  axiom 
quod  mconfucnte  nulla  restant  alio  p,irtes  JudicU  ,jmm  in  condcmnando,  must  be  put  in  force  against 
him.  If,  on  the  contrary,  he  should  obstinately  and  shamelessly  deny  the  truth  thereof,  or 
otherwise  render  it  obscure  by  amphibological,  double-meaning  or  indire  t  answers,  I,  through 
the  humble  duty  I  owe  their  High  Mightinesses  and  the  love  I  feel  for  the  preservation  and 
prosperity  of  the  present  people  of  New  Netherlr.nd,  am  always  ready  to  furnish  your 
Mightinesses,  or  whomsoever  their  High  Mightinesses  shall  be  pleased  to  empower,  ad  cLam 
Jsc:  cgendam  v^Uh  such  documents  and  information  as  shall  fully  convict  the  abovementioned 
Tienhoven  of  notorious  falsehoods  in  his  denial.  But  all  this,  with  the  understanding  that  in 
such  matter  as  concerns  the  public,  I,  in  nowise  intend  to  enter  into  a  law  suit  with  said 
Tienhoven,  ,n  my  intiividual  capacity,  but,  in  fact,  should  said  Tienhoven  deny  the  charges,  to 
aupply  such  documents  as  shall  be  demanded  even  for  his  conviction  and  confusion. 

Jl  April,  1660. 


Be.9olation  of  the  State.9  Gmeral  on  the  Provimmnl  Order  re.9pectir,g  New 

Ndherland, 

( riwn  tb.  IU(M«  of  Wert  UdU  Ablr..  xm  -  IWl,  In  U..  Royl  Arrhl,«  ..  it,.  Uh^.  ] 

Monday,  ll""  April,  1G50. 

affalrTof'the  JJ"';'-;''"/«^^''''«^f' '  ^-^\olWr,  their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies,  for  the 
affair,  of  the  West  India  Company,  have  submitted  and  laid  before  the  Assembly,  a  certain 

rn^NrNVrnrr.  V'i'*""  »'^°7'°""'  O^-'*-^  respecUng  the  government,  preservation  and  peopling 

«f  New  Netherland.     Whereupon,  deliberation    being   had.   it   is   resolved  and 

toncluded.  that  the  aforesaid  Provisional  Order  shall   bo  read  to  the  Assembly  ou  the  day 

alter  to-morrow.  '  ' 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


897 


Besolution  of  the  States  Omeral  anili<yrizing  the  sending  of  Ai-ms  and  Ammunition. 

to  New  Netherland. 

[  rrom  Ih*  R«gM«r  of  Weit  India  Affaire,  1«88  -1661,  In  the  Boral  ArehIrM  at  the  Hague.  ] 

Monday,  11  April,  1660. 
foiioBBi.  Heard  the  report  of  Messrs.  van  Aertsbergen  and  other  their  High  Mightinesses 

deputies  engaged  in  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company;  also  read  certain  memorial 
vSTTt^^l  presented  by  the  Delegates  from  the  people  of  New  Netherland,  purporting  in 
u..rla»i  effect  that  they  have  ready,  agreeably  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  order,  one 

H^NihX""  *'"°''''««^°''t^'« 'wo  hundred  guns  in  question,  with  powder  and  lead  in  proportion; 
Requesting  hereby  that  Jacob  van  Kouwenhoven,  Captain  of  the  Burghery  in 
Netherland,  be  authorized  to  distribute  the  aforesaid  guns  there  at  a  reasonable  price,  with  the 
knowledge  of  the  Director,  Council  and  Select  men,  according  as  the  government  shall  think 
proper.  Whereupon  deliberation  being  had,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  hereby  to  permit 
and  allow  the  aforesaid  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven  to  distribute  among  the  people  in  New 
Netherland,  on  the  aforesaid  conditions  and  modification,  the  abovementioned  hundred  guns 
with  their  accoutrements  and  appendages,  and  the  petitioners  shall  be  at  liberty  to  send  the 
remainder  of  the  guns  to  New  Netherland  by  another  opportunity. 


Delegates  from  New  Netherland  to  tJie  States  General 

I  From  th*  Orlfinal  In  tba  Royal  ArohlTM  at  the  Hagua ;  Flla,  Wttt  IndU.  ] 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  Slates  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 
High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

The  Delegates  from  New  Netherland  respectfully  represent  that  they  this  day,  the  12^ 
April,  1G60,  received  and  had  commanication  of  a  certain  deposition  of  William  Nobel,  late 
Surgeon  of  Captain  Blaeuw's  yacht  Im  Go.ru,  Etating  that  the  Spaniards  in  the  West  Indies  were 
Ignorant  of  the  peace,  and  both  sides  still  continued  hostilities  in  those  parts;  also  that  peace 
has  never  been  proclaimed  in  New  Netherland.  And  whereas  some  valuable  prizes  remain  still 
there,  the  delegates  therefore  request  instruction  as  to  what  manner  they  shall  be  disposed  of 
bemg  otherwise  of  opinion  that  they  m.iy  act  with  them  according  to  circumstances.  The 
said  deposition  states  and  mentions  besides,  that  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  the  present  Director  does 
and  dinposes  of,  every  thing  according  to  his  will  and  pleasure,  without  acknowledging  or 
paying  any  respect  to  Lubbert  van  Dinckl-.gen.  the  Vice  Director  who  is  Do<:,or  uiriyxjue 
lun,,  or  to  iha  Nine  Select  men  ;  yea,  has  dared  to  act  and  actually  does  proceed  in  direct 
opposition  to  their  will,  advice  and  protest,  as  quite  recently  demonstrated  to  their  High 
Mightinesses  in  the  sending  of  hors-s  to  Uarbadoes.  The  abovementioned  Delegates  therefore 
observing  the  mischiefs  to  he  apprehended  in  consequence,  for  this  Stale  and  the  people  of  New 
Netherland  cannot  omit  remonstrating  hereupon  most  respectfully  to  your  High  Mightinesses  and 


s 


398 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


in  addition  humbly  »o  request  them  to  notify  Lubbert  van  Dincklage,  the  Vice  Director,  specially 
—inasmuch  as  tli«  Director  usually  retains  the  general  letters  lo  himself  or  refuses  copy  or 
sight  thereof— that  hiscoia.nissioa  from  your  High  Mightinesses  is  still  in  force,  and  to  inetruct 
him  to  adhere  to  and  continue  thereby,  and  not  to  abate  any  part  thereof  out  of  respect  for 
any  man.  In  like  manner,  that  your  High  Mightinesses  may  resolve  that  the  Board  of  the 
Nme  elected  Select  meu  w^liosa  commission,  order  and  instruction  have  been  exhibited  to 
your  High  Mightinesses,  shall,  until  your  High  Mightinesses'  further  commands,  remain  in  full 
force  as  it  was,  or  ought  to,  have  been  at  the  time  of  our  departure  from  New  Netherland,  in 
order  thus  by  peaceful  means  at  once,  to  be  able  to  obviate  mischief  if  contrary  to  expectation 
any  may  happen;  for  the  Delegates  are  of  opinion  that  the  people  will  not,  otherwise,  be 
contented,  of  which  fact,  abundant  verbal  information,  remonstrance,  complaint  and  memorials 
have  been  furnished.  Requesting  your  High  Mightinesses'  speedy  action  herein,  as  the  vessel 
lies  in  the  Texel,  ready  to  sail,  and  the  Delegates  are  about  to  take  their  departure. 

Appendix,  read  12**  April,  1650. 

On  this  day  the  12"'  April,  of  this  year  Sixteen  hundred  and  fifty,  before  me  Martin  Beeckman 
admitted  Public  Notary  by  the  Court  of  Holland  and  resident   here,  and  the  undernamed 
witnesses,  appeared  the  worthy  Wilheln-  Noble,  of  Alckmaer,  aged  eight  and  twenty  years, 
late  Surgeon  of  Captain  Blat-uwvelt,  sailing  the  yacht  L.i  Gane  belonging  to  New  Netherland, 
who  declared  and  certified,  as  he  hereby  doth,  on  his  manly  troth,  in  place  of  an  oath  which 
he  offers    to   take   at   all    limes,  when   required,  that    there    had    been  no   in»  lligence   nor 
publication  of  the  peace  among  the  Spaniards  in  the  West  Indies,  as  the  captain,  skipper, 
surgeon,  carpenter,  steward,  gunner  and  all  the  seaman  on  board  the  said  yacht  La  Gane,  have* 
declared  on  oath,  as  appears   by  further  Minute  thereof  remaining  with  Director  Stnyvesant; 
and  that  consequently,  they  captured  on  the  22-^  April,  lG-ii»,  up  in  the  river  Tabasco  a  bark 
laden  with  grains  of  paradise.     On  the  fi«h  of  July,  after  a  long  fight  they  took  a  ship  of  four 
guns,  laden  with  logwood ;  afterwards,  on  the  19ih  July,  of  the  same  year,  seeing  a  ship  that 
they  took  to  be  the  prize  from  which  they  had  been  separated,  they  overtook  her  about  eleven 
o'clock  at  night  and  hailed  her,  crying  "  Lie  to,  Pilot,"  without  attempting  any  thing  else. 
But  after  they  understood  she  was  an  enemy's  ship,  they  cried  out  "  Strike  to  the  Prince  of 
Orange!"  and  thereupon  the   man  fired  five  charges  of  canister   shot  at  us,  wounding   the 
captain  and  another,  as  per  the  declaration  of  two  impartial  passengers,  one  a  Spaniard  from 
Canaria,  and  the  other  a  Frieslander.     From  these  'lis  palpable  and  clear  to  be  seen  that 
there  is  no  knowledgeofper.ee  there.     Coi.ing  subsequent'-',  on  thu  21"  September,  1619, 
after  divero  rencounters  to  New  Nellu'rlund  with  our  aforesaid  bark,  having  in  a  storm  lost  the 
prize  which  was  driven  by  wind  and  weather  into  Now  England,  we  applied   to  Dir««ctor 
Stuyvesant,  who  took  our  declaration  under  oath,  as  already  stated,  promising  to  write  to 
their  High  Mightinesses  on  this  subject.     Willielm  Nobel  nalh  further  declared  it  to  be  true 
that  public  affairs  in  New  Netherland  have  come  to  that  ,)oint  that  neither  the  people  noi  the 
Select  men  chosen  on  their  behalf,  have  anything  to  say,  and  dare  not  say  anything,  hut  niur. 
observe  silence  and  hold  tlii-ir  peace,  as  if  every  thing  went  on  well  and   to  their   liking; 
alleging  as  a  reason  for  his  knowing  the  circumstance,  that  the  S.-lcct  men  did  not  speak  and 
dare  not  participate  in  all  this  affair.     Tlie  deponent  terminating  his  declaration  here,  further 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    V. 


399 


saith  not;  offering  to  renew  all  that  is  stated  above,  when  required,  before  all  lords, 
courts,  judges  and  justices.  Thus  attested,  on  the  day  aforesaid,  at  the  Hague,  in  presence 
of  Jacob  van  Gouwenhoven  and  Jan  Evertss,  hereunto  required  as  witnesses. 


Re-solution  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceding   ^apei-s. 

[  From  ths  Ragtotw  of  WmI  tmlK  Affiiln,  1«S8  — 1»1,  Id  Iba  Rc/il  ArchlTM  •!  the  Htgna.  ] 

Tuesday,  Ig"-  April,  1660. 
mZ^T^„  Presented  to  the  Assembly,  a  petition  from  the  Delegates  of  New  Netherland,  in 
«.i!Si.n,i."  •'  substance  purporting  that  on  this  day,  12"'  April,  they  received  a  certain 
deposition  of  William  Nobel,  late  surgeon  on  board  Captain  Blaeuw's  yacht  La  Garse, 
W'udJ'iKi';:  '•eP'-esenting  that  the  Spaniards  in  the  West  Indies  were  ignorant  of  the  peace ; 
Xh"'hl;:  ^^  that  both  parties  continued  hostilities  there;  and,  also,  that  the  peace  had  never 
n!S^!  SShMtand.'"  Ijeen  proclaimed  in  New  Netherland.  And  whereas  many  valuable  prizes  remain 
pr:«th.«.  there,  the  above  named  Delegates  request  a  decision  how  they  are  to  be  dealt  with. 

Secondly,  that  the  aforesaid  deposition  states  and  mentions  besides  that  Petrus  Stuyvesant, 
Din»tor8.ayTM.ni.  the  present  Director,  does  and  disposes  of,  everything  ace  rding  to  his  will  and 
vic.mroc«orD.nck.  pleasure,  without  acknowleding  or  showing  any  respect  to  Lubbert  van  DiDcklage, 
the  Vice  Director,  who  is  a  Doctor  ntrimquf.  juris,  or  to  the  nine  Select  men ;  yea. 
dpred  to  act  and  actually  does  proceed  in  direct  opposition  to  their  will,  advice  and  protest, 
at,  quite  recently  demonstrated  to  their  High  Mightinesses  in  the  sending  of  horses  to 
Barbadoes.  Whereupon  deliberation  being  had,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  on  the  first 
point,  that  the  Director  and  Government  in  New  Netherland,  shall  be  jointly  written  to  by  a 
despatch  in  triplicate,  to  publish  the  peace  in  e-  cry  part  of  that  district  under  the  jurisdiction 
of  this  State,  and  for  this  purpose  some  proclamations  with  divers  copies  of  the  treaiy  of 
peace,  in  both  languages,  shall  be  sent  ihither;  and  that  they  shall  accordingly  have  to  let 
everything  be  in  statu  quo.  And  on  th«  wco  \  point,  it  is  resolved  that  the  abovenained 
Director  and  Government  of  New  Netherland  si.all  be  instructed  in  aforesaid  letter  to  allow 
the  Vice  Director  and  Board  of  the  Nine  men  to  provisionally  continue  in  the  rtspective 
commissions,  instructions  or  offices,  until  other  dispositions  shall  be  made  herein  by  their 
H"gh  Mightinesses. 


m 


States  General  to  Director  Stuyvesant. 

I  Frore  tN  BcfWar  of  CUftant  Brimn  of  Iht  AI>M  nMcral,  In  Iha  Rojril  ArehiTM  kl  Iht  ilagiM. ) 

To  the  Di-ector  and  Government  in  New  Netherland.  the  XII  April,  1660. 

Thk  States  Genehal,  ktc. 
roit^t.  a(,n'.-able.     Whereas  we  are  informed  Ihnt  the  p.«acp  has  not  yet  been  published 

T^t-Niati    ii»  '"  *''■'•    Netlierliind,  and  fhiit,  Iherrforf.  some  \mteti  are  still   defained   there, 
•^  nolwiihelanding  we  sent  yoa  already,  on  the  ly"  Mwy,  JlJ4o,  some  copies  of  the 


400 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Treaty.  We,  thereFore,  have  resolved  hereby  again  to  direct  and  command  you,  that  you 
cause  on  mght  hereof,  the  Teace  aforesaid  to  be  proclaimed  every  where  in  that  district,  under 
the  jurisdiction  of  this  State,  without  remaining  any  longer  in  ddfault  herain;  and  accordingly 
some  proclamations  with  divers  copies  of  the  aforesaid  Treaty  of  peace  in  both  languages,  go 
herewith.  And  you  shall  allow  the  Vice  Director  and  the  Board  of  the  Nine  Men  provisionally, 
to  continue  in  their  respective  commissions  and  instructions,  or  offices,  tntil  we  shall  have 
made  other  dispositions  therein.     Done  xii  April,  1C50. 


<■■>■■» 


!|'   I' 


Jiesolution  of  the  States  Oenefol  on  the  Provisional  Order  respecting  New 

Netherland. 

[From  III*  BegUUr  or  Went  India  Aintln,  IMS  — 1<S1,  In  the  BojrtlArchlTM  at  Um  Hague.] 

Thursday,  li""  April,  1660. 
Folio  884  Mr,  van  Aertxbergen  hath  again  exhibited  and  laid  before  the  Assembly,  the 

ordtr  forth*  jpr.  Provisions!  O.der  respecting  the  government,  preservation  and  peopling  of  New 
Nothoriaad.  Netherland.     Whereupon,  deliberation  being  had,  it  is  resolved,  that  the  aforesaid 

order  shall  be  placed  in  the  hn  ida  of  the  abovementioned  Mr.  van  Aertzbergen,  and  the  other 
their  High  Mightinesses'  previous  *.' 'puties,  for  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  for 
inspection  and  examination,  and  to  report  in  writing  thereupon. 


<■««■■» 


Subjects  for  the  Consideration  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.     1650. 

[  Fran  Iha  OdglBal  la  Um  Bofal  Archlrr:  at  Iha  ntgtw ;  LokMat  ot  th»  Slatai  Oonaral ;  UubHo  Wat  IndUcHt  CbmpatnU,  Ho.  80 ;  DlTlaiaa  II, 

DocumcDl  6.  ] 

Extract  from  the  Points  of  Reference  remaining  from  previous  business,  on 
which  a  determination  ought  to  be  taken,  extracted  as  fur  na  they  have 
reference  to  New  Netherland.     Adopted  13  May,  1060. 

On  the  subject  of  the  management  of  the  Company  in  this  country. 
1.  That  '♦  be  resolved,  etc. 

Abroad. 
7.  That  the  Freedoms  and  Exemptions  for  the  people  going  to  New  Netherland,  be  approved. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


401 


Draft  of  Freedoms  and  Exemptions  for  New  Neilierland. 

[  From  th.  Dr.ftOD.h.lf  .■.«., a U..  Eoy.l  Arch,™  ...h,  n.gn. ;  i<**a. of  ih. BUt« G.n.«1 ,  DlyUlon,  W«t  In^UcH,  Ompa^i,,^^.vs. 

Freedoms  and  Exemptions  granted  and  allowed  by  the  Incorporated  West  India 
Company  to  all  those  who  shall  be  willing  to  repair  to  New  Netherland. 
Exhibited  24  May,  1660. 

That  all  inhabitants  of  these  United  Provinces  and  other  neighboring  countries,  shall  be  at 
liberty  to  repair  to  New  Netherland  in  the  ships  of  the  Company,  or  even  of  private  persons 
trading  under  the  Company's  commission,  on  condition  that  they  be  bound  previously  to  hand 
in  their  names  to  the  Directors,  to  be  enregis/ered,  and  to  agree  with  the  skippers  for  their 
passage  money  and  board,  for  which  purpose  the  Directors  shall  take  care  that  said  skippers 
shall  be  ordered  to  take  as  many  freemen  along  with  them  as  they  can  conveniently 
accommodate,  and  not  to  overcharge  them  for  passage  money  and  board. 

The  aforesaid  freemen  shall  be  accepted  according  to  the  order  of  their  application,  so  that 
whoever  comes  first  shall  be  accommodated  first,  without  any  difference;  and  should  it  occur 
that  more  persons  present  themselves  than  can  be  conveyed  in  the  ship  or  ships  lying  ready  to 
sail,  those  remaining  shall  be  preferred  in  the  next  succeeding  vessel ;  with  this  understanding, 
however,  that  it  shall  be  done  forthwith  and  without  any  delay  in  case  those  remaining  over 
be  in  such  number  that,  with  their  passage  money  and  board,  a  ship  can  be  freighted  and 
their  maintenance  provided  on  the  voyage. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  aforesaid  persons  in  New  Netherland,  they  shall  be  allowed  and 
granted  the  privilege  of  choosing  and  taking  up,  under  quit  rent  or  as  a  fief,  such  parcels  of 
land  as  they  shall  in  any  way  be  able  to  cultivate  for  the  production  of  all  sorts  of  fruits  and 
crops  of  those  parts,  on  condition  that  they  shall  be  bound  to  commence  the  r.ame  within  the 
yeur,  on  pain  of  being  again  deprived  of  said  lands. 

Said  persons  shall  enjoy  Exemption  from  Tenths  of  all  the  aforesaid  fruits  and  crops  for  the 
term  of  years,  and  thenceforth  one  additional  year's  Exemption  for  every  legitimate 

child  they  shall  convey  thither  or  get  there. 

And  should  any  among  the  aforeoai-J  persons  have  an  inclination  to  pasture  anir.^als,  horses 
or  cattle,  and  to  support  themselves  in  ih^t  vay,  they  shall  be  shown  clean  and  good  pasture 
lands,  as  far  as  t.icumstances  will  in  any  u  ise  aJmit. 

And  they  shall  be  at  liberty,  gratuitously,  to  cut  and  draw,  and  to  cause  to  be  cut  and  drawn, 
from  the  public  forests  as  much  firewood,  and  as  much  timber  as  they  shall  require  for  the 
construction  of  houses  and  vessels. 

And  they  shall  also  enjoy  freedom  of  hunting  and  fishing  in  the  public  woods  and  streams, 
sul)ject  to  the  regulations  to  be  made  therein  by  the  Director  and  Council. 

And  if  any  one  be  clisposed  to  settle  on  a  spot  not  as  yet  the  property  of  the  Company  but 
belonging  to  the  natives  of  the  country,  he  shall  be  obliged  to  satisfy  them  for  the  soil,  winch 
ciin  be  elfected  very  reasonably  and  for  a  few  trifles,  in  presence  of  some  person  representing 
the  (\)inpiiiiy. 

Vol..  I.  51 


«!» 


f' 

5 

m- 

■5* 

:l 

t5 

f*r* 

1 

r^ 

f|JJ 

:»^ 

•' 

»?> 

2^^ 

408 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Whoever  will  desire  to  erect,  as  Patroon,  a  Colonic  in  New  Netherland,  shall  be  also  at 
liberty  to  do  so,  and  for  that  purpose  to  look  out,  either  himself  or  by  others,  according  to 
circumstances ;  on  condition  that  he  declare  that  he  will  undertake  to  plant  therein  within 
the  space  of  four  years,  after  giving  notice  to  any  of  the  Company's  Chambers  here,  or  to  the 
Commander  or  Council  there,  a  Colonic  of  one  hundred  souls  above  fifteen  years  old,  one 
fourth  part  thereof  within  the  year,  and  to  ship  hence,  within  three  years  after  sending  out  of 
the  first,  making,  in  all,  four  years,  the  balance  to  the  full  amount  of  one  hundred  parsons,  on 
pain  of  losing,  by  notorious  neglect,  the  freedoms  obtained.  But  he  shall  be  advised  that  the 
Company  reserves  unto  itself  the  island  of  the  Manhattes. 

And  from  the  first  moment  that  he  shall  have  signified  the  places  where  he  intends  to  plant 
his  Colonic,  he  shall  be  preferred  before  all  others  in  the  free  possession  of  such  lands  as  he 
shall  have  selected  there ;  but  in  case  such  places  shall  not  be  afterwards  agreeable,  or  a 
mistake  occur  in  the  choice  of  the  ground,  another  opportunity  shall  be  granted  to  make 
a  second  selection  upon  Remonstrance  having  been  previously  presented  to  the  Director 
and  Council. 

And  Patroons  shall  be  at  liberty,  through  their  agents,  at  the  place  where  Ihey  intend 
to  plant  their  Colonies,  to  extend  their  limits  four  leagues  along  the  coast,  or  on  one  side  of  a 
navigable  river,  or  two  leagues  along  both  sides  of  one  river,  and  as  far  inland  as  the 
circumstances  of  the  occupants  will  permit;  which  circumstancrs  shall  be  considered  by,  and 
be  at  the  discretion  of,  the  Director  and  Council  there;  Nut  as  regards  the  lands  situate 
without  the  bounds  of  the  Colonies,  the  patroons  shall  not  be  entitled  to  claim  any  authority 
thereupon,  on  one  pretense  or  the  other,  but  remain  contented  with  the  lands  pointed  out  to 
them,  leaving  the  disposal  of  the  additional  lands  at  the  Company's  discretion,  either  to  grant 
them  to  other  Patroons  or  to  be  possessed  and  cultivated  by  private  Colonists,  in  which  case 
the  Patroons  of  the  respective  Colonies,  or  individual  occupants  shall  be  bound  to  observe 
good  neighborhood,  and  to  afford  each  other  free  outdrift  and  issue  at  the  nearest  place  and 
smallest  expense,  appealing,  at  all  times,  in  case  of  difference,  to  the  decision  of  the  Director 
and  Council  to  be  appointed  for  the  time  being  by  the  Company. 

All  the  land  situate  within  the  limits  aforesaid,  together  with  all  the  fruits,  superficies 
minerals,  rivers  and  fountains  thereof,  shall  the  Patroons  possess  for  ever  in  propriety,  with 
high,  middle  and  low  jurisdiction,  hunting,  fishing,  fowling  and  millinir,  the  lands  remaining 
allodial ;  but  the  jurisdiction  be  held  as  a  perpetual  hereditary  fief,  fealty  and  homage  for  which, 
when  it  devolves,  shall  be  renewed  to  the  Company  by  n  pair  of  iron  gauntlets,  redeemable 
with  20  guilders  within  a  year  and  six  weeks. 

And  should  any  one  in  course  of  time  happen  to  prosper  in  his  Colonic  to  the  degree  that  he 
would  come  to  plant  one  or  more  towns,  he  shall  be  authorized  to  appoint  officers  and 
magistrates  therein,  and  make  use  of  the  title  of  his  Colonic  according  to  the  pleasure  and  quality 
of  the  persons,  all,  however,  with  the  knowledge  and  consent  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX. 

V'enia  testandi.or  patent  to  authorize  the  disposal  of  the  aforesaid  feudal  estate  by  will,  shall 
also  be  granted  to  all  Patroons  who  request  it. 

The  Patroons  shall  also  be  at  liberty  to  make  use  of  all  adjacent  lands,  rivers  and  woods  of 
any  use  to  them,  untill  the  sani"  bo  alloted  by  this  Company  to  other  Patroons  or  individuals. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


403 


Whoever  shall  send  colonists  over  shall  furnish  them  with  proper  instructions  in  order  that 
they  may  be  ruled  and  governed  both  in  police  and  justice,  conformably  to  the  manner  of 
government  in  use  here,  which  instructions  they  shall  previously  submit  to.  and  cause  to  be 
approved  by,  the  Assembly  of  the  XlX..on  pain  of  forfeiting  their  obtained  right  and  jurisdiction. 

The  Patroons  and  Colonists  wishing  to  prosecute  trade,  and  to  send,  for  that  purpose,  any 
cargoes  by  the  Company's  Ships,  shall  pay  thereupon  the  same  duties  as  other  private 
merchants ;  but  as  regards  the  necessaries  for  the  Colonists,  and  implements  necessary  for 
agriculture,  they  may  be  conveyed  over  for  a  trifling  gratuity,  or  even  for  nothing,  at  the 
discretion  of  the  Board  of  Directors, 

But  in  case  it  be  not  convenient,  or  suitable  for  the  Company  to  send  any  ships,  or  if  there  be 
no  room  in  the  sailing  vessels,  then  the  -Uroons.  and  also  all  other  private  persons,  shall  be  at 
liberty,  after  having  previously  communicated  their  intention  to  the  Company,  and  obtained 
Its  written  consent,  to  send  thither  their  own  ships  or  yachts,  provided  that  in  going  or  returning, 
they  do  not  diverge  from  their  ordinary  course;  and  give  the  Company  security  to  that  effect 
and  take  an  assistant  along  to  be  boarded  at  the  expense  of  the  Patroons  jr  of  the  private 
individuals,  and  to  be  paid  his  monthly  wages  by  the  Company;  on  pain,  if  acting  contrary,  of 
torJeiting  their  obtained  right  and  title  to  the  Colonic. 

And  whereas  it  is  the  Company's  intention  to  colonize  the  island  of  the  Manhattes  first,  the 
staple  of  all  produce  and  wares  accruing  on  the  North  river  and  the  country  thereabout,  shnll 
be  provisionally  there,  before  they  can  be  sent  further,  with  the  exception  of  those  which  are 
naturally  useless  there,  or  cannot  be  brought  thither  without  serious  damage  to  the  owners; 
in  which  case,  the  owners  thereof,  shall  be  obliged  to  give  timely  notice  in  writing  of  such 
inconvenience,  to  the  Company  here,  or  to  the  Director  and  Council  there,  in  order  that  the 
same  may  be  remedied  as  to  the  circumstances  of  the  case  shall  appertain. 

All  Patroons,  colonists  and  inhabitants  of  New  Netherland,  shall  be  at  liberty  to  sail  to,  and 
trade  along  the  entire  coast  from  Florida  unto  Newfoundland,  provided  they  return  with  all 
the  goods  they  obtain  in  barter,  first  to  the  island  of  the  Manhattes,  and  pay  five  oer  cent  duty 
to  the  Company,  in  order,  if  possible,  to  be  sent  thence  to  the  aforesaid  countries  after  proper 
inventory  of  all  the  cargo.' 

Said  Patroons.  colonists  and  inhabitants,  shall  be  also  at  liberty  to  trade  theirgoods  obtained 
there,  everywhere  on  the  coast  of  New  Netherland  and  parts  circumjacent  thereunto,  for  all 
sorts  of  merchandise  to  be  met  with  there,  conditioned  that  such  traders  shall  be  obliged  to 
l.nng  to  the  island  of  th«  Manhattes,  if  it  be  anywise  possible,  all  the  goods  that  they  will  be 
able  to  procure,  in  order  that  the  Company's  dues  may  be  paid,  and  further  that  said  goods 
be  sent  by  the  ships  hither.  *ith  the  knowledge  of  the  Director  and  Council,  or  of  their 
agenu;  or  if  they  come  to  this  country,  without  euch  having  been  done,  that  they  be 
discharged,  with  the  Company's  knowledg,-,  under  proper  inventory  and  payment  of  the  duty 
accrued  thereon,  on  pain  of  forfeiting  said  goods  or  the  vaiue  thereof. 

The  Company  promises  that  it  will  not  take  from  the  service  of  the  Patroons  any  colonists 
whether  man  or  women,  son  or  .laughter,  man  servant  or  maid  servant;  and  should  any  desire 

'  Om  «o  J..t  n.og,lyck  U.  y,n  Jwr  ««.r  Uhoorlyok.  iavcnfrUatic-  t«.  «I1o  ingelad.u  go«der.n.  ua  d«  voomohr^vci.  lanJon 
gfsuuuca  JA  werden. 


1 


404 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


the  same,  that  it  will  not  receive,  much  less  permit  them  to  leave  the  service  of  their  Patroon  for 
that  of  another,  except  by  previously  written  consent  of  their  Patroon ;  and  this  durins;  such 
term  of  years  as  they  are  bound  to  their  Patroon;  at  the  expiration  whereof,  the  1  .troons 
shall  be  at  liberty  to  cause  the  colonists,  who  may  be  unwilling  to  continue  in  their  service,  to 
be  brought  hither,  to  be  then  for  the  first  time  restored  to  their  freedom  ;  and  should  any 
colonist  run  away  to  another  Patroon,  or  resume  his  freedom  in  violation  of  his  contract,  the 
Company  also  promises  to  have  him,  as  far  as  lies  in  its  power,  surrendered  into  the  hands  of 
his  Patroon  or  his  Commissary,  to  be  there  proceeded  against  according  to  the  circumstances 
of  the  case,  agreeably  to  the  practice  and  uses  of  this  country. 

An  appeal  shall  lie,  conformably  to  the  custom  of  these  countries,  to  the  Company's  Director 
and  Council  in  New  Netherland,  or  to  such  government  as  shall  be  established  there,  from  all 
definitive  judgments  pronounced  by  the  courts  of  the  Patroons,  excseding  the  sun  of  one 
hundred  guilders,  or  such  as  attach  infamy ;  and,  also,  from  all  judgments,  in  criminal  Ci  ses  on 
ordinary  prosecutions. 

Whosoever,  whether  Colonists  of  Patroons  for  their  Patroons,  or  Freemen  for  themselves,  or 
other  individuals  for  their  masters,  shall  discover  shores,  bays  or  other  places  suitable  for 
fisheries,  or  for  the  erection  of  salt-ponds,  may  take  possession  thereof  and  work  them  as  their 
own  absolute  property  to  the  exclusion  of  all  others.  And  the  Patroons  of  Colonists  are 
allowed  to  send  ships  along  the  Coast  of  New  Netherland  for  the  fishing  of  cod,  and  to  proceed 
with  their  catch  directly  to  Italy  or  other  neutral  countries,  on  condition  of  paying  the 
Company  in  such  cise  six  guilders  per  last  duty  ;  and  should  they  touch  here  with  their  cargo, 
they  shall  be  free  [to  continue  their  voyage]  but  they  shall  not,  under  pretext  of  this,  or 
the  Company's  consent  carry  any  other  wares  to  Italy  on  pain  of  arbitrary  punishment,  the 
Company  remaining  at  liberty  to  place  a  supercargo  on  board  of  each  ship. 

The  aforesaid  Colonists  and  free  men  shall  also  be  at  liberty  to  export  and  convey  all  the 
products  and  crops  of  the  country  in  their  own,  or  in  chartered  ships  free  of  duty,  to  Brazil  and 
other  places  situate  in  the  West  India  Company's  territory,  the  coast  of  Guinea  excepted. 

But  they  shall  be  bound  to  pay  the  same  duties  as  the  inhabitants  of  this  country  on  the 
returns  wiiich  they  will  obtain  for  ihem  in  trade  and  import  into  New  Netherland  or  here  ;  but 
on  Negroes  they  shall  not  pay  more  than  20  guilders  per  head. 

And  i.i  -use  it  happen  that  the  ships  of  the  aforesaid  Colonists  and  Freemen  should  in  going 
or  returning  overpower  any  Portuguese  prizes,  they  shall  be  obliged  to  convey  them  forthwith 
either  to  Brazil,  or  to  New  Netherland,  or  to  this  country,  in  order  to  receive  the  benefit  thereof 
and  that  they  be  declared  good  prizes,  on  sjch  duty  as  is  paid  by  other  inhabitants  of 
this  country. 

And  in  case  any  of  the  Colonists  should  by  his  industry  and  diligence  happen  to  discover 
any  minerals,  precious  stones,  crystals,  marble  or  such  like,  also,  any  pearl  fishery,  the  same 
shall  remain  the  properly  of  the  Patroon  or  Patroons  of  all  such  Colonic,  on  condition  of 
allowing  the  finder  such  reward  as  the  Patroon  shall  have,  beforehand,  stipulated  with  such 
colonist  by  contract ;  and  the  Patroons  shull  be  exempt  from  all  such  recognition  to  the 
Company  for  the  term  of  eight  years,  and  pay  for  bringing  them  hither  only  two  per  cent; 


HOLLAND  DOCTJMEK  7  S ;    V. 


405 


and  after  the  expiration  of  the  aforesaid  eight  years,  for  duty  and  freight,  the  eighth  part  of 
what  they  may  be  be  worth  in  this  country. 

The  Company  will  request  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the  United 
Netherlands  to  talie  all  Patroons,  colonists  and  inhabitants,  whether  free  or  bond,  under  their 
protection  in  like  manner  as  the  Company,  as  far  as  it  lies  in  its  power,  is  doing;  and 
ac  ordingly  promises  to  assist  in  defending  as  far  as  it  will  be  able,  with  the  force  it  hath  there, 
the  aforesaid  I'atroons.  colonists  and  others  against  all  foreign  war  and  violence,  on  condition 
that  said  persons  shall,  on  such  occurrence,  properly  defend  themselves;  for  which  purpose 
every  male  person  going  over  there  shall  be  obliged  to  provide  himself,  at  his  own  expense, 
with  a  firelock  or  musket  of  the  usual  calibre. 

The  Pa  jns  and  Colonists,  shall  also,  particularly  endeavor  to  devise,  in  the  speediest 
manner,  some  means  among  themselves  whereby  they  will  be  able  to  support  a  Clergyman  and 
School-master,  that  the  service  of  God  and  z,  x\  for  religion  may  not  grow  cool  among  them  : 
and  they  shall  provide  at  first  for  a  comforter  of  the  sick  there. 

The  Company  reserves  unto  itself  all  great  and  small  tithes,  all  waifs  and  estrays,  the  right 
of  establishing  mints,  highways  and  forts,  declaring  war  and  making  peace,  all  wildernesses, 
planting  cities,  towns  and  ,  rches,  and  all  according  to  the  Charter  and  under  the  supreme 
sovereign  rule  of  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands ;  and 
that,  saving  unchanged  and  undiminished  whatever  is  heretofore  grant-  d  to  the  Patroons  in  the 
matter  of  high,  middle  and  low  jurisdiction. 

Accordingly,  the  Company  shall  appoint  and  keep  there  a  Director,  competent  councillors, 
officers  and  other  ministers  of  justice,  for  the  protection  of  the  good,  and  the  punishment  of  the 
wicked ;  which  governor  and  council,  now,  or  hereafter  to  be,  appointed  by  the  Company,  shall 
take  cognizance,  in  the  first  instance,  of  affairs  appertaining  to  the  freedom,  dignity,  domain, 
finance  and  rights  of  the  General  West  India  Company ;  of  the  complaints  which  any  one,  as 
well  strangers,  neighbors  of  the  aforesaid  countries  as  inhabitants  thereof,  may  make  In  cases 
of  privilege,  innovation  ordisuetude  of  customs,  uses,  statutes  or  descents;  with  power  to  declare 
the  same  corrupt  and  to  abrogate  them  as  vicious,  if  such  should  be  found  equitable ;  of  matters 
appertaining  to  minor  children,  widows,  orphans  and  other  unfortunate  persons  who  complain 
first  to  the  Council  inorder  to  obtain  justice;  of  all  contracts  or  obligations;  holding  prerogative 
jurisdiction,  of  personal  property,  possession  of  benefices,  fiefs,  of  crimen  lesaj  majestatis,  of 
religion,  and  of  all  criminal  cases  and  excesses  being  prescribed  and  unchallenged;  and  may 
by  prevention  receive  ail  persons  to  be  purged  of  matters  brought  in  accusation  against  them 
there,  and  generally  take  cognizance  of,  and  administer  law  and  justice  in  every  case  aflecting 
the  dignity  of  the  Company. 

Thus  done  by  the  Committee  of  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company  in  the 
Hague  the 

The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands  having  seen  and  considered  the  preceding 
Freedoms  and  Exemptions,  have  approved  and  ratified,  as  their  High  Mightinesses  do  hereby 
approve  and  ratify  the  same.  Requiring  and  ordering  the  Director  and  Council  of  New 
Netherland  to  regulate  and  conduct  themselves  agreeably  thereunto.  Done  at  the  Assembly 
of  the  aforesaid  States  General,  etc. 


"«u 


e> 


p 


r 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


A 


,<if 


U.i 


v.. 


1.0 


1.25 


^1^  1^ 

■^  1^    III  2.2 


u    h4 


I.I     f  "^  i^ 


iHI! 


JA  11.6 


% 


"^ 


^^ 


//, 


fliotographic 

Sciences 
Corpomtion 


33  WIST  MAfN  STRUT 

WBBSTIH.N.Y    MStO 

(7?*)  •72-4503 


^ 


^ 


^^ 


\ 


6^ 


'<^ 


■^^ 


^x 


406 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


:^  ! 


Me^olution  of  the  States  General  in  the  case  of  Blommmrt  et  al.  agaimt  Van  Rensselaer. 

[  Prom  the  Bigiater  of  Went  ladl*  AOUra,  1888  -  l«4t,  In  the  Eoyil  AiehlrM  at  the  Higue.  ] 

Wednesday,  S""  June,  1650. 

ProJcC^'rtof  ^  '="*'''"  '^"^'^  '"'■"'"  "le  Provincial  Court  of  Holland,  Zealand  and  Friesland, 
H0.IMU.  ig  exhibited  and  delivered  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  Assembly,  being  attached 

to  a  sealed  bag  full  of  papers  relating  to  the  New  Netherland  case  between  Samuel 
SiS'tociS'"'"""'  Blommert  cum  sociis,  plaintiffs  against  the  Guardians  of  the  minor  children  of 
KiM.en  vS'B."i,u  ^'^^en  Van  Renselaer,  Defendants ;  Whereupon  deliberation  being  had,  it  is 
,«r>.  children.  rcsolved  and  concluded  that  the  aforesaid  lette-  and  bag  shall  remain  sealed  and 
deposited  in  the  office  of  their  High  Mightinessee'  Secretary,  until  the  costR  and  charges 
which  have  accrued  in  the  aforesaid  case  shall  have  been  paid  and  defrayed. 


)  i 


i/« 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  confirming  the  Judgment  in  the  case  of  JBhmmaeit 

et  al.  against   Van  Renssdaer. 

[  From  the  BegiMer  o*  Weet  Indie  Atfhlra,  168S  -1«51,  In  the  Eoyal  Arcblrei  >t  the  Hegne.  ] 

Tuesday,  14  June,  1650. 
Foiiocw.  Received  a  letter  from  the  Councillors  of  Holland,  Zealand  and  Friesland, 

written  here  at  the  Hague  on  the  first  instant,  being,  in  effect,  an  answer  to  their  High 
Mightinesses'  letter  of  the  IG'"  December,  1649,  communicating,  pursuant  thereunto,  a  draft 
of  judgment  prepared  by  them  in  the  suit  instituted  before  their  High  Mightinesses  between 
cuTwcH."'"'"''"''  ^'"""^'  Blommert  cum  sociis,  plaintiffs  on  the  one  side,  and  Wouter  van  Twiller, 
wou,.r,r„T,ui.r  "'^°  *^"'"  ^°''''*  '"  ^^^  ^"'^'''y  '"  ^'hlch  they  Bct,  defendants  on  the  other  side  J 
.i*,cum.ocii^  Whereupon,  deliberation  being  had,  their  High  Mightinesses  have  resolved  and 
Dicuimofjndrneni.  concluded  that  the  aforesaid  draft  of  judgment  shall  be  pronounced,  as  it  is 
inserted  here  below,  and  be  communicated  to  parties  in  the  case  in  this  form  :     " 

JndpnenL  I,,  the  suits  pending  before  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the 

United  Netherlands  between  Samuel  Blommaert,  Mr.  Johannes  de  Laet,  for  himself  as  well 
ae  in  the  name  and  on  thn  behalf  of  and  as  attorney  for  his  sisters  and  brothers,  and  Jacomo 
Wessels  for  himself  as  well  as  attorney  for  his  mother,  brothers  and  sisters,  and  Toussaint 
Kiii.«  T>n  Keo-  Moussart,  plaintiffs  on  the  one  side,  and  Wouter  Van  Twiller,  acting  for  Jan 
V«-"'^'  ''"'h  executors  of  Kiliaen  van  Renselaer,  defendants,  on  the  other  side. 
Their  High  Mightinesses  having  seen  the  proces-verbal,  with  the  other  papers  and  proofs 
delivered  in  to  them  have,  after  previous  mature  deliberation  and  counsel,  condemned,  as  they 
do  hereby  condemn,  the  defendants  in  the  quality  in  which  they  act,  \.n  render  to  the  plaintiffs, 
Onioni.r«ii«iB.D.  »»  partncrs  in  the  Colonif3  called  Renselaers-Wyck,  n.^re  fully  Mentioned  in  the 
-taen-wjck.  gyjj  j,erjjne„t  p^j  j„g  account,  proof  and  reliqua,  not  in  gross,  but  in  detail, 
according  to  the   tenor  of  the  contract  of  manugement  and  administration  of  the  Colonio 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


407 


aforesa  d  and  Us  aPpurtenances  possessed  by  ihe  above  named  Kiliaen  van  Renselaer.  deceased, 
in  h  s  lifefme.  and  by  the  defendants,  qualiiate  qua,  after  his  death,  as  well  as  of  all  its  fruits 
t"o"t'h''7.H  "?  ^7  "'".^.''^^  ^y  '^'^  respectively  had  and  enjoyed;  and  to  tender  and  pa; 
to  each  of  the  four  pla.nt.ffs  one  just  tenth  part  of  whatever  the  defendants  shall  be  found! 
by  balance  to  be  .ndebted  to  them;  also,  to  bring  to  a  neutral  place  and  exhibit  to  the 
plauitiffsail  books.  letters  and  papers  in  any  wise  concerning  the  aforesaid  Colonie  and  its 
direction,  none  excepted,  so  that  they  may  be  preserved  there  for  the  behoof  of  the  partners 
of  the.Colonie  aforesaid. 

And  further,  to  regulate  themselves  strictly,  in  future,  in  every  particular  relating  to  the 
management  of  sa.d  Colonie  and  its  dependency,  and  whatever  appertains  thereunto,  agreeably 
o  the  contract  or  agreement  in  the  premises,  entered  ir.to  and  signed  on  the  first  of  October. 
16  and  thirty  between  Samuel  Godyn.  Samuel  Blommaert,  Kiliaen  van  Rensselaer  and 
Johannes  de  Laet  in  the  place  of  Albertus  Conrad  Burch ;  and  that,  accordingly,  when  the 
fief  shall  be  taken  up  in  the  name  of  Kiliaen  van  Rensselaer's  son  and  his  successors,  it  be 
we  1  and  faithfully  expressed  in  the  Patent,  that  to  the  aforesaid  Kilaen  m  Rensselaer's  son 
and  his  successors,  belongs  no  greater  superiority  or  authority  than  to  the  aforesaid  plaintiffs, 
his  equals  and  partners  in  the  aforesaid  Colonie,  except  simply  the  title  of  Patrocn,  provided 
always,  that  the  management  of  the  aforesaid  Colonie  shall  consist,  according  to  the  aforesaid 
agreement,  of  four  persons  or  votes,  to  wit.  the  defendants  presenting  two  votes,  and  the 
aforesaid  Blommaert  or  Moussart  one  vote,  and  the  heirs  of  Johannes  do  Laet.  deceased,  or 
the  widow  and  heirs  of  Adam  Wessels.  the  fourth  vote  ;  and  to  pay  the  costs  of  this  suit,  for 
reasons  their  High  Mightinesses  thereunto  moving. 

Thus  resolved  and  pronounced,  in  the  Assembly  of  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States 
General.  ontheU'"  June,  XVI«  and  fifty.  ^ 

(On  one  side  was  written) 

I,  the  undersigned,  have  removed  ftom  the  office  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  Secretary,  the 
bag  of  papers  between  Samuel  Blommert  and  Johannes  de  Laet.  cum  sociis.  plaintiffs  against 
Jan  van  Wely  and  Wouter  van  T-.viller,  as  Guardians  of  the  children  of  Kiliaen  van  Renselaer. 
defendants.     Done  the  l?""  June,  1660. 

C.    SCHENCK. 

I,  the  undersigned,  have  removed  from  the  office  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  Secretary,  the 
bag  of  papers  of  the  Guardians  of  the  minor  son  of  Kiliaen  van  Renrselaer.  defendants 
against  Samuel  Blommert  cum  sociis,  plaintiffs.    Done  the  7'"  October,  1660. 

Hknrice  Berna\t8. 


V  •  •   ^k-.- 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  granting  Letters  of  Protection  to  Cornells  Melyn. 

[  rrom  Iha  B<cM«r  of  WeM  India  AlHiIra,  1«M  -  l»l,  la  Ih*  Roril  AnhIrM  «t  Uia  n«ini*.  ] 

Thursday,  30"-  June  1G50. 
roiio  eT9  Read  in  the  Assembly  th«<  petition  presented  to  their  High  Mightinesses  in  the 

c«rn,ii.Mei,ii.      name,  utid  on  the  behalf  of  Cornelis  Melyn,  colonist  on  Stated  Island  in  New 


h 


mt 


il 


408 

Netherland. 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


It  is  hereby  resolved  and  concluded  after  previous  deliberation,  for  reasons  therein 
e»fr(tu»r<i.  "et  forth,  to  grant  to  the  petitioner  proceeding  to  New  Netherland,  letters  of 

rector  larrmnt.  protection  against  what  Director  Stuivesant  or  any  other  person,  be  he  who  he 
may,  might  bring  forward  in  virtue  of  the  aforesaid  sentence  of  banishment,  against  the 
abovenamed  petitioner.  And  the  letters  of  protection  aforesaid  shall  remain  in  force  and  be 
valid  so  long  as  the  suit  which  the  abovenamed  Petitioner  hath  instituted  against  the 
abovenamed  Director  Stuivesant  shall  remain  pending  and  undetermined  before  their  High 
Mightinesses  here. 


<  ■  »  11  » 


Zetter  of  Protection  in  favor  of  Gomelis  Mdyn. 

i  From  the  Aci»-Bo4k  of  ths  SUtw  Oenera),  In  the  Eoyil  Archlrei  tt  the  Higue.  ] 

Letter  of  Protection  and  Safeguard  for  Cornelis  Melyn,  Patroon  and  Colonist  on 
Staten  Island  in  New  Netherland,  permitting  him  to  return  thither. 

Folio  111  The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands.     To  all  those  who  shall  see 

these  or  hear  them  read.  Bb  it  known  :  That  We  have  granted  on  the  28"'  April  1648,  ucto 
Cornelis  Melyn,  Patroon  and  Colonist  on  Staten  Island  in  New  Netherland,  provisiofc  of  appeal, 
with  inhibitory  clause  from  the  sentence  which  was  pronounced  against  him  by  Peter 
Stuyvesant,  Director  of  New  Netherland  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  We-t  India  Company, 
with  the  advice  of  his  Council,  on  the  25">  July  of  the  year  1647.  And  whereas  the  aforesaid 
suit  is  not  yet  terminated  and  the  actual  circumstances  of  the  petitioner  do  not  by  any  means 
admit  of  his  longer  sojourn  in  this  country.  Therefore,  We,  after  previous  deliberation,  have 
granted  and  accorded,  as  We  do  hereby  grant  n'id  accord  unto  him,  safe  conduct  and  passport 
to  repair  freely  from  this  country  back  again  to  New  Netherland  aforesaid,  tb  ■  abovementioned 
suit  notwithstanding;  and  he  shall  be  accordingly  at  liberty  to  dwell  there  on  his  property 
unmolested  and  undisturbed  by  any  person  whatsoever,  during  the  time  that  the  suit  remains 
here  undecided ;  the  petitioner  having  empowered  a  person  here  to  defend  his  right  in  or  out 
of  court  against  the  said  sentence.  Wherefore  We  order  and  command  all  a;id  every  person 
being  in  our  service  and  under  our  obedience,  whom  this  may  in  any  wise  concern,  either  in 
this  country,  on  the  passage,  or  in  New  Netherland,  and  especially  the  abovenamed  Stuyvssant 
and  his  Council  that  they  shall  cause  and  allow  the  abovenamed  petitioner  to  enjoy  the  full 
effect  hereof,  and  accordingly,  not  to  molest  him  in  his  person  nor  in  any  wise  to  be  hindering 
unto  him,  on  pain  of  incuiring  our  highest  indignation.  Given  at  the  Hague,  under  cur  beat, 
paraph  and  signature  of  our  Secretary,  the  30**  June  XVP  and  fifty. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


409 


Mesolution  of  the  States  General  approving  the  preceding  Letter. 


I  From  the  Eejtl.tet  of  Wort  lodia  Affair.,  1688  - 1661 ,  in  Ihe  Boy.1  ArchlvM  li  th«  Higne.  ] 

Friday,  1«  July,  1650. 
The   draft  of  the    letters  of  protection    prepared    pursuant    to    their    High 
Mightinesses'   order  of  yesterday,  for  the  behoof  o^  Cornells  Melyn,  going  to 
New  Natherland,  being  read  in  the  Assembly,  it  is,  after  previous  deliberation,  considered  as 
enacted,  and  moreover  ordered  to  be  issued. 


Folio  679. 
Cornelia  Ue\}n 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  ordering  Secretary  van  Tienhovea  to  be  examined. 

I  From  the  Keclaler  of  Weal  India  Affair.,  1638  - 1«51,  In  the  Boy.l  Archive,  at  the  Hague  ] 

Thursday,  21"  July,  1650. 
Foiiom.  After  previous  deliberation,  it  is  hereby  resolved  and  concluded,  to  request  and 

authorize  Me,8"  van  Aertsbergen  and  the  other,  their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies  for  the 
affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  to  take  the  trouble  to  cause  Secretary  Corners  van 
Tienhoven,  at  present  here,  to  be  heard  and  examined  by  M'  Harman  van  Zuylen  van  Nyevelt, 
m  their  presence  and  that  of  some  of  the  Directors  of  said  Company,  and  to  answer 
NewNetheriaod.  categorically  on  certain  points  and  articles  lelatinjr  to  New  Netherland,  exibited 
and  shown  this  day  to  the  Assembly;  which  shall  accordingly  be  placed  in  the  hands  of 
Mess"  their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies. 

And  their  High  Mightinesses  shall  report  at  their  convenience,  on  said  subject.  Then  the 
deputies,  on  behalf  of  the  Province  of  Friesland,  gave  notice  hereupon,  that  they  are  not 
concerned  in  this  matter. 


ii  a 


Tnterrogatori.es  to  he  proposed  to  Secretary  van  Tienhoven. 

[  rr«n  Ih.  0rl«ln.l  1.  the  Ro,al  Arehlre.  at  the  llagne ;  l^tMa,  of  the  Bute.  General ;  ni,l.l„n.  m»l  IndUci*  CompagnU,  No.  ». ) 

Points  and  articles  to  which  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General,  or  their 
deputies  should  instruct,  and  consequently  order  and  command  Secretary 
Cornells  van  Tienhoven  to  render  categorical  answers.  Exhibited  21 
July,  1650. 

1. 
Can  he,  Cornells  van  Tienhoven,  understand  and  speak  the  Indian  language? 

a. 

Was  he  not  usually  employed   in   Director  Kiea's  time,  as  the  medium  through  whom 
comiiiunituliuns  were  made  to  the  ludiiinsy 

V  OL.  I.  4i^ 


410 


fmm  ■ 

^1 


5J 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Hath  he,  the  Secretary,  not  exacted  tribute  from  the  Indians  ? 


4. 
By  whose  order  did  he  do  so;  by  the  Directors  at  Amsterdam,  or  by  order  of  Kieft  only? 

6. 

Was  it  not  done  with  the  knowledge  and   approbation  of  the  entire   Council  in  New 
Netherland  ? 

6. 

When  did  it  occur? 

What  debates  and  controversies  took  place  on  both  sides  between  the  Indians  and  our 
people;  did  the  Indians  allow  or  refuse  such  tribute,  and  how  many  tribes  had  notice  of  it? 

7. 

In  what  year  was  he,  Tienhoven,  sent  down  to  the  Raritans  by  Kieft? 

8. 
Did  he  not  go  thither  with  a  party  of  armed  soldiers  and  sailors,  under  the  command  of 


Hendrick  Gerritsen,  skipper  of  the  Neptunut  )> 


9. 


By  whose  order,  and  with  what  result  was  he  there;  and  was  not  the  supercargo  of  the 
Neptunui,  named  Rosd,  killed  by  the  Indians  in  that  expedition  ? 


10. 


Did  not  the  Raritans,  in  the  course  of  the  following  year,  avenge  themselves  at  Staten 
Island,  by  killing  four  tobacco  planters  of  David  Pietersen  de  Vries,  whose  house  they  burnt? 


11. 


Did  not  the  Raritans  afterwards  make  peace  with  our  people  ? 


19. 

Did  not  the  Raritans,  after  the  peace,  keep  always  quiet,  and  abstain  from  all  acts  of 
open  hostility  against  our  people,  even  during  the  general  war  with  the  other  Indians? 

13. 

Did  not  oua  of  the  Wickwaskeck  Indians  kill  one  Claes  Cornelissen  Switz  in  revenge 
for  the  murder  oi'  one  of  his  relatives,  who  was  slain  by  three  of  Commander  Binnewitz'' 
farm  servants  ? 


14. 

Did  he,  Tienhoven,  not  assist  in  making  peace  for  that  affair  with  those  of  Wickwaskeck  at 
the  house  of  Jonas  Bronck  ? 


'  Sie.  Miriuit  —  Ed. 


ommand  of 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


411 


15. 


Was  any  proposal  made  to  the   12  men   by,  or  in   the  name   of  Director  Kieft    to 
commence,  on  account  of  that  murder,  a  war  against  those  Indians  ? 


16. 


Did  not  the  Twelve  men  advise  not  to  commence  a  war  on  account  of  the  murder  committed 
on  the  aforesaid  wheelwright  ? 


17. 


Did  not  Director  Kieft  subsequently  forbid  the  Twelve  men  to  hold  any  more  meetings, 
saymg  they  were  of  dangerous  tendency,  injurious  to  the  country  an-^  the  Director's  authority? 


18. 


Did  not  the  Indians  live  thenceforward  in   peace  with  the  Dutch  up  to  the  year  1642 
inclusive,  except  a  Hackquinsack,  who  killed  Gerrit  Janssen,  M'  van  Nederhorst's  servant? 


19. 
For  what  reason  did  the  Hacquinsack  kill  the  abovenamed  Gerrit  Janssen? 

20. 
Did  he,  Secretary  Tienhoven  himself,  not  draw  up  and  write  a  petition  in  the  name  of  the 
people  of   New  Netherland,   wherein    Director   Kieft  was    solicited  to  allow  war  to    be 
proclaimed  against  the  Indians  ? 

21. 

Did  all  the  people  ask  him,  Tinehoven,  to  do  this?    If  not,  why  did  he  use  the  name  of 
all  the  people  ? 

22. 

Was  not  the  petition  signed  by  all  those  who  requested  him  to  draw  it  up?    If  not,  why 
did  he  not  permit  all  to  sign  it? 

23. 

Let  him  state  the  names  of  those  who  requested  him  to  draw  up  said  petition  ;  especially, 
if  they  were  not  Maryn  Adriaensen,  Jan  Claessen  Damen  and  Abraham  Placck  ? 

24. 
What  relationship  exists  betwepn  him.  Tie  hoven,  and  Jan  Damen  and  Abraham  Planck? 

26. 

What  are  the  terms  of  the  petition  and  of  the  postil  or  order  upon  the  petition,  and  the  tenor 
or  contents  thereof? 

26. 

Were  not  he,  Tienhoven,  and  Corporal  Hans  Steen  sent  on  the  24"'  February,  1G43,  to 
the  Indians,  at  Pavonia,  near  Jan  Evertsen  Bout's  bouwerie,  before  and  previous  to  any 
attack  on  them  ?  r  ^ 

27. 
For  what  purpose  and  with  what  instruction  and  result,  was  he  there  >• 


-1     M 


412 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTP. 


Kb    «y5 


28. 

How  many  tribes  were  there  at  that  time  and  what  report  did  he  make  of  them  to 
the  Director? 

29. 

Had  not  the  Indians  at  that  time  fled  there  from  the  Maykanders,  their  enemies,  in  the 
hope  of  being  protected  by  our  people? 

30. 
Was  not  a  mysterious  toast  drank  at  an  entertainrn'-ni  at  the  house  of  Jan  Damen,  by  some 
few,  though  not  by  all  then  presetit,  without  the  major  part  having  been  aware  what  it  meant? 

31. 


What  was  this  mysterious  toast,  and  what  was  its  purport  ? 


32. 

On  the  request  expressed  in  the  aforesaid  petition,  was  not  a  troop  of  soldiers  dispatched 
by  Director  Kieft's  order,  in  the  night  between  the  25"-  and  26"'  February,  1643,  to  Pavonia, 
near  Jan  Evertsen  Bout's  bouwerie,  to  the  place  where  the  Indians  lay?  Also,  another 
party  under  the  command  of  Maryn  Adriaensen,  behind  Curler's  plantation,  for  the 
purpose  of  falling  on  the  Indians  there,  whilst  they  slept,  and  acting  towards  them  as  they 
found  expedient? 

33. 

Did  not  both  these  expeditions  attack,  shoot  and  slay  in  their  sleep  a  large  number  of  these 
Indians  with  their  wives  and  children,  including  even  innocent  sucklings,  and  set  fire  to 
their  huts? 

34. 

Had  the  Dutch  residing  at  the  Flat  land  any  warning  to  be  on  their  guard? 

36. 

Did  the  people,  especially  those  dwelling  at  the  Flat  land,  not  immediately  express 
dissatisfaction  at  this  sudden  and  unexpected  slaughter? 

36. 

Was  it  perpetrated  after  previous  deliberation  of  the  entire  Council  in  New  Netherland  and 
with  its  approbation  ? 

37. 
Did  not  the  general  war  follow  these  acts  when  the  Indians  sought  to  avenge  themselves? 

38. 

When  the  heads  of  certain  slain  Indians  were  brought  to  the  Manhatans,  did  not  Secretary 
Tienhoven's  mother-in-law  exult  over  the  circumstance,  and  with  her  feet  kick  the  heads 
which  were  brought  in? 

39. 

Was  she  not  then  upbraided  by  the  women  that  her  husband  and  brothers-in-law  had 
or.gmated  this  war.  and  also  caused  their  husbands  to  be  in  consequence  daily  slain  by 
the  Indians?  ^  ■' 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


418 


I  of  them  to 


jmies,  in  the 


herland  and 


40. 


Did  not  the  soldiers.  ,n  cold  blood,  and  before  all  the  world,  cut  and  stab  with  knives  one 
ofthe  two  Indian  prisoners  at  the  guard-house  who  had  been  brought  from  Heemstedo  and 
were  not  hvmg  sHces  cut  from  the  other's  body,  and  whilst  he  wL  st  1^1  v^ were  no'th"s 
pr.vy  parts  cut  off  in  the  Beaver's  path  where  they  afterwards  cut  off  his  head  ? 

41. 

^  Were  not  Kieft  and  La  Montagne  also  present  when  the  slices  were  cut  from  the  living 

4S. 

too^7ison!/s"'""  ''""  "^  °"""°  *"  ''  '''  "•^^  '"  '"^''^  ''  °-  P-P'«  -horn  they 

43. 

Hath  not  Director  Kieft  kept  scouts  who  showed  our  soldiers  the  Indians  that  lay  scattered 
far  and  wide,  and  whose  abode  was  not  known  to  our  people  ?  ^  scattered 

44. 

to  ?iin  wL^n'rr  ^'t7u'^  ^'°''  "'«''''*  '°^  '°^"«"""°  '^""^  -"^^  f'^vorable  opportunities 
to  shp,  when  he  brought  the  war  on  the  people  ?  "I'Fur'uu'ueB 

* 

46. 
How  many  head  of  cattle  were  lost  by  the  war? 

46. 
How  many  houses,  bouweriesand  such  like  property  burnt  and  destroyed? 

47. 
How  many  Indians  and  how  many  Christians  lost  their  lives  in  this  war? 

48.  ^      ' 

D.d  not  Director  Kieft  endeavor  to  throw  the  responsibility  of  this  war  on  the  people 
especially  on  the  petitioners  ?  m  me  people, 

49. 

Did  not  Mnryn  Adriaenssen,  an  old  freebooter  and  one  of  the  abovementioned  petitioners 
endeavor  to  shoot  K.eft  with  .  pistol,  which  he  presented  at  his  breast,  for  the  very  reason' 
that  he.  K.eft.  accused  him  of  being  one  of  the  originators  of  the  wLr  a  d  ^aZh  not 
prevented  by  Jean  de  la  Montagne.  Kieft's  Councillor,  who  let  the  hammer  snap  on  his  thumb  ? 

60. 
Was  not  Maryn  Adriaenssen  imprisoned,  and  what  happened  to  him  subsequently? 

61. 

Whilst  Maryn  Adriaenssen  was  imprisoned,  did  not  Jacob  Slangh  come  into  the  fort  with  a 
gun  on  h,s  shou  der.  demanding  of  Kieft.  whether  he  will  liberate  Maryn  Adriaense  ^7  otJ 
and  a.mmg  at  the  same  time  at  Kieft,  did  not  Slangh  fire  at  him  as  he  stood  at  his  door  ? 


fi       ':(, 


i  i^ 


J> 
'J 


414 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


52. 


Was  not  said  Jacob  Slangh  thereupon  forthwith  shot  as  an  enemy,  and  his  head  stuck  on 
a  post  ? 

53. 
.Did  not  Jan  Damen  also  tell  Kiefl  to  his  face  and  in  the  presence  of  the  Eight  men  and  of 
him,  the  Secretary,  that  he  was  not  a  cause  of  the  war,  and  that  he  had  signed  the  petition 
through  Kieft's  misrepresentation,  which  declaration  was  made  when  the  other  seven  Select 
men  refused  to  sit  with  him  ? 

54. 

I>id  not  Jan  Damen  at  the  time  state  in  public,  that  Kiefl  had  suggested  to  him  under  a 
mysterious  toast,  the  necessity  of  such  operations,  and  place  the  responsibility  of  the  mischiefs 
openly  on  Kieft's  own  s\iggestion  and  proposal  ? 

65. 

Did  not  the  Select  men  complain  to  the  Board  of  Directors  in  Fatherland  of  the  injuries  they 
had  suffered  from  this  war? 

56. 

Was  not  their  letter  sent  back  by  Director  Stuyvesant? 

Whftt  order  did  Stuyvesant  take  over,  and  from  whom? 

58. 
What  inquiry  or  proceeding  did  Stuyvesant  hereupon  make  and  institute? 

59. 
Finally,  what  was  the  cause  or  foundation  of  the  commencement  of  this  war? 

{Endorsed) 

»    Interrogatories    on   which   Cornells    van    Tienhoven    is   to 
be  heard. 


Extracts  from  the  Papers  of  Director  Kieft. 

[FromcoplMlntheEoyal  ArchlTMatlhonagae;  £aMfau  of  the  8Ute4  OeoenU ;  DItWod,  Wet  IndUch*  CompagnU,'So.K.-\ 

Extracts  from  the  papers  in  Director  William  Kieft's  copy  book  which  he  hath 
taken  with  him  to  Holland.    Received  J§  July,  1G60. 

Proposals  of  the  Honorable  Director  and  Council  to  the  Commonalty. 

First.  !s  it  not  right  and  proper  to  punish  the  scandalous  murder  lately  perpetrated  by  a 
savage  on  Claes  Swit?  ;  and  in  case  the  Indians  do  not  surrender  the  murderer  to  our  demand 
is  it  not  right  to  destroy  the  whole  village  to  which  he  belongs? 

Secondly.  In  what  manner  and  at  what  time  should  it  be  done  ? 

Thirdly.  By  whom  shall  it  be  executed  ? 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


415 


ead  stuck  on 


The  Commonalty  of  fiew  Netherland    assembled  by  the  Director's  order,  to 
answer  three  Articles  proposed  by  him,  do  say  thereunto  as  follows 7 

thlm!lllr    ^'  ''"T  '*  'V""^'^  '""P""*  expedient  that  the  murderer  should  be  punished  as 

D^r  torr„r"'r'V"  "'"  ''  '""^  ^'^"^  '"  ^^'«  -'-•  f-™  t-°  direction's  fn  that  ha 
Director  shall  employ  hereunto  as  many  of  the  strongest  and  most  active  of  the  Negroes  as  h! 
can  conven^ntly  spare  and  provide  them  with  a  small  ax  and  half-pike  ^  ' 

thpTrM  th  '  T.  ^P''  "*y'  "'  "^^y  ''""^  °°  "t*'^^  «"P«"or  than  the  Director,  who  is  as  well 
l„H?h  ".  .  commander,  that  to  prevent  all  disorder,  the  Director  shll    perso„Il  I 

lead  th    expedition,  m  which  case  the  people  are  resolved  personally  to  attend  h  m.  ' 

Unaily  for  the  purpose  of  lulling  the  suspicions  of  the  Indians  without  using  any  threats 
we  consider  U  prudent  that  the  Director  aend  a  sloop  again  1.  2.  (^  3  times.'peaceabTy  to 
demand  the  murderer,  in  order  then  to  put  him  to  death.  peaceaniy  to 

,hll'l^°'"7°"''^  '"''''  r''"'""'  "*'°''"  '^'  undernamed  twelve  persons,  and  empowered 
them  to  resolve  on  everything  with  the  Director  and  Council;  they  also  took  the Tth" 
namely-  Signed.)  Jacques  Bentyn,  [Maryn  Adriaensen],  Jan  Damen,  HendrLk  [Jansenl 
tailor  David  Pietersen  [de  Vries],  Jacob  Stoffelsen.  Abraham  Molenaer.  Frederick  Lubber   e^' 

'':^^T^:i::t::n  Ams;er : ""-'-'  ^--  ^-'^' — -- 


Resolution  adopted  by  the  Twelve  Men  empowered  by  the  whole  of  the  People. 

}.J^T'"'k\^"!^^""'  '"'^  •"'^"''•'«°««  "fNew  Netherland.  previously  invited  and  requested 
by  Wi  lem  Kieft  Director  General  and  the  Council  of  New  Netherland.  and  with  the  con  nt 
of  all  the  restof  t  e  nhabitants.our  fellow-brethren.  have  been  unanimously  elected  to  answe 

eyZw'.  h"        :  "r"  ""T"'  ""'  ''°""^"'  ^"-^  '°  S*-  °"  ^^^-^  according "  l 
best  knowledge  and  understanding;   Therefore,  three  articles  were   then   proposed  to  us 

whereupon  we  gave  answer  and  expressed  ourselves  according  to  the  best  of  o'ur  op  on  and 
belief,  to  which  we  unanimously  refer. 

And  whereas,  the  most  favorable  time  and  opportunity  for  our  nation  now  offer,  which 
according  to  previous  resolution  ought  to  be  considered;  we,  therefore,  request    h     Hon- 
Director.  Willem  K.eft.  to  proceed,  whereunto  we  offer  our  persons  to  follow  him  faithfully. 

'  The  Norwalk  Islands. 

•"to  keep  their  advice  secret"  A'e^-IW*  Colonial  ifanu,.n><,  IV..  from  which  wo  .dJ>,  n.n,es  in  bracket.  -  E. 


-  416 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


!l^ 


5' 


and  it  is  necessary  he  himseir  accompany  us  to  prevent  all  disorder;  the  Hon'"'*  Director  shall 
also  provide  powder,  ball,  and  the  provisions  necessary  for  the  expedition,  such  as  bread  and 
butter,  together  with  a  steward,  so  that  everything  may  be  in  order,  and  the  rations  served  j 
and  if  any  one  require  more  than  bread  and  butter,  he  must  provide  it  himself. 

Also,  if  it  happen,  which  may  God  Almighty  please  to  forbid,  that  one  or  more  of  the 
freemen  be  seriously  wounded  in  the  expedition,  or  in  the  aUack  on  the  enemy,  the  Honble 
Director  and  Council  shall  remain  bound,  on  the  part  of  the  ITon'*'''  West  India  Company,  to 
support  him  or  them,  that  they  may  live  comfortably  with  their  Tamilies;  and  to  have  a  simple 
wound  cured  at  said  Company's  expense. 

Ady,  21"  January,  1642,  in  New  Netherland. 

Extract  from  the  Register  of  Resolutions  kept  by  Director  Willem  Kieft  and 
Council,  in  New  Netherland. 

Whereas  the  good  inhabitants  here  have  occupied  their  property  up  to  this  time  in  great 
alarm,  and  cautiously  cultivated  the  soil  through  fear  of  the  Indians,  who  have  in  a  treacherous 
manner  murdered  some  of  our  nation  without  any  provocation,  and  we,  by  indulgence,  cannot 
obtain  any  satisfaction,  recourse  must  therefore  be  had  to  arms  for  the  purpose  of  defending 
our  right,  in  order  that  we  may  live  here  in  peace,  with  full  confidence  that  God  will  bless  our 
resolution,  the  rather  as  the  people  themselves  on  the  22'"'  February,  16J3,  requested  that  they 
may  put  the  same  in  execution.  Wherefore,  we  hereby  authorize  and  empower  Maryn 
Adriaensen,  on  his  petition,  to  attack  with  his  company  a  party  of  Indians  lying  behind  Curler's 
Hook  or  plantation,  and  to  act  with  them  as  they  shall  find  expedient,  as  time  and 
circumstances  will  permit. 

Done  25"'  February,  1643. 


Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Long  Island. 

We,  the  undersigned,  inhabitants  and  subjects  residing  on  Long  Island,  under 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  Hon""'"  Lords,  the  Mighty  Lords  States  General 
of  the  United  Netherlands,  the  Serene  Prince,  his  Highness,  and  the 
General  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  and  ui^der  your  Hon*"'* 
government. 

Request  with  all  humble  submission  —  whereas,  a  short  time  ago  the  scum' of  this  place, 
which  is  justly  called  our  fatherland,  hath  revolted  against  the  righteous  side,  our  common 
friends;  and  whereas,  we  see  their  preparation  for  hostilities  tending  to  the  ruin  and 
destruction  of  the  inhabitants  there  who  are  under  the  necessity  of  earning,  by  steady  labor, 
in  fields  and  woods,  food  and  support  for  their  wives  and  children,  each  for  himself,  and 
conjointly  for  us  all,  regarding  the  inconveniences  which  must  spring  therefrom,  do  request 
as  above,  and  humbly  pray,  in  all  respectful  obedience  —  that  we,  in  genera'  may  be  granted 
and  allowed  such  public  enemy  to  ruin  and  conquer,  and,  further,  from  time  to  time,  unto  the 


'  The  word  in  tlie  text  U  "  bcaclicrminge,"  protection  ;  but  being  unable  to  rnnke  iense  of  tlie  p«M«go  with  llmt  word,  'ti» 
proeumed  to  be  an  error  of  the  copyiat  for  "  beschuiminge."  —  Ed. 


sm  Kieft  and 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    V  «- 

417 

fo^'t"  ceTthil  7  """"""k"  ''"r  "'  "^""^'  "^  *'■**  »*  °"-  »"«  P^---  -d  'nuc''  wished 
peace  of  th.s  place,  may  be  and  .emain  permanent.     This  doing  in  the  name  of  us  aTl 

(Signed)         Gerrit  Wolfpersen.  Jacob  Wolpersen. 

DiRCK    WOLPFERSEN.  HanS    HaNSEN. 

and  Lambert  Huybertsbn  Mol. 

Postil. 

We  cannot  at  present  resolve  to  attack  the  Indians  at  Mareckkawich.  as  they  have  not  given 

us  huherto  any  provocation,  and  as  it  would  draw  down  an  unrighteous  war  on  our  heaj; 

sp  cally  as  we  are  assured  that  they  would  be  on  their  guard  and  hard  to  beat,  and  apparent v 

excte  more  enem.es.  and  be  productive  of  much  injury  to  up.  whilst  we  trust  t'lat^m 

through  God's  mercy,  now  result  in  a  good  issue.  ^  "■  """' 

But  in  case  they  evince  a  hostile  disposition,  every  man  must  do  his  best  to  defend  himself 

i.;^ro;x«  oXr.."r;'st,r  ■  "•"""•  ■'-'^-  --"^- «--« -- 

Done  the  27"'  February,  A-  1643.  in  fort  Amsterdam,  New  Netherland. 

Extract  from  the  Register  of  the  resolutions  of  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States 
General  of  the  United  Netherlands.     Tuesday,  the  9-  August.  166o! 

[  Omitted.  b«iDg  a  duplicate  of  Document  ;»•(;  p.  418.  ] 


ilh  I  liat  word,  'tit 


Hepori  of  the  CommiUee  of  the  Slates  General  on  Mdyn'a  Papers. 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  deputies  for  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  havine 
xam.ned  the  petU.on  and  papers  thereunto  annexed,  delivered  in  by  Cornelis  m!  yn  and 
bemg  .nstructed  to  extract  therefrom  the  matter  for  consideration,  have  repo  ted  u"a  the 
pomts  therein  set  forth  are  of  two  sorts :  private  and  public 

The  private  points  consist  in  the  suing  and  prosecuting  of  a  Mandamus  on  appeal,  obtained 
by  the  abovenamed  C.  Melyn  against  Peter  Stuivesant.  Director  in  Nc^  Nether  and  and 
Cornehs  van  T.enhoven,  Secretary,  for  a  certain  sentence  pronounced  by  t  e  D^ector 
and  Council  against  him.  the  petitioner.  ^  i^irector 

i^^!^lZT^'\^  IvT'^  ^"'"'"''  '^*'"''°^«"  "^"'y  ?■■«''«"««  »>'•"««"•  i"  writing,  and  requests 
hat  your  high  Mightinesses  would  fix  a  certain  early  day  when  the  appellant  in  the  Tase 
should  be  obliged  to  enter  his  complaint.  &c. 

unne'cesrafLrlt  h""''""'"  "'"■"">, '""°  ''"""P""^'  '''«  P^"^"""*"?  '^^^  undertaking  an 
unnecessary  and  bloody  war  against  the   natives  of  New  Netherland.  friends  lliere  of  the 

V^OL.  I.  g3 


»,  ..<*- 


418 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


subjects  of  these  United  Netherlands,  to  the  destruction  of  the  infant  settlements  and 
population  of  New  Netherland ;  therein  he  accuses  the  abovenamed  Cornelis  van  Tienhovec 
to  have  been  the  chief  fomonter  and  party  in  provoking  and  fostering  the  destructive 
war  aforesaid. 

The  inquiry  as  to  the  cause,  the  auihors  and  .tianagement  of  the  aforesaid  bloody  and 
ruinous  war  is  considered  by  your  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  and  the  associate  Directors,  to 
be  necessary  and  essential,  and  with  thi<j  view,  that  the  aforesaid  Cornelik}  van  Tienhoven  be 
ordered  not  to  depart  for  New  Netherland  until  he  shall  be  heard  in  the  matter  aforesaid  on 
certain  interrogatories  committed  for  that  purpose  to  paper  and  annexed  hereunto,  nor  until 
this  r<iS9  be  disposed  of. 


HesdutioH  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceding  Repcn't. 

I  CroK  the  nrflMor  oT  Wnt  Indli  Affaira,  llim  —  1«B1,  In  Um  Bor*l  Arehlrn  at  Itat  Ui>(ii«.  ] 

Tuesday,  9'*  August,  1660. 
Folio  5T0.  The   report  being  heard  of  Mess"  van  Aertsbergen  and  others   their   High 

Mightinesses'  previous  deputies  for  the  afl'nirs  of  the  West  India  Company,  having  in  virtue  of 
»I"-Sh(.^i'™"'  '^^  resolution  of  the  21"  of  July  last,  caused  Secretary  Cornelis  van  Tienhoven 

to  be  heard  and  examined  by  the  advocate  M'  Herman  van  Zuylen  and  Nyevelt, 
in  presence  of  themselves  and  some  Directors  of  said  Company  ;  also  to  answer  to  certain  points 
«"nli!  '*"'' ''°"'"  ""''  "''''*^'*'^  respecting  the  war  in  New  Netherland,  submitted  and  exhibited  to 

their  High  Mightinesses  on  ti.e  day  aforesaid ;  it  is.  after  previous  deliberation, 
resolved  and  concluded  that  copy  cf  aforesaid  points  and  articles  be  furnished,  at  his  own 
expense,  to  the  aforenamed  Secretary  Cornelis  van  Tienhoven,  who  shall  he  obliged  to  answer 
and  file  his  reply  thereunto  within  eight  days  after  the  receipt  thereof;  and  meanwhile  remain 
here  at  the  Hague  without  departing.  The  Lords  of  Friesiand  have  hereupora  repeated  their 
previously  made  declarations. 


director  Stuyvmant  to  the  States  General 

[trim  Iho  Orl(lD>l  In  Iha  IU>7id  ArehlTao  ai  Ilia  Ha«tia ;  Flla,  WtH  lmli*.\ 

Right  Honorable  High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

My  Lords. 

Your  High  Mighlinesses' letters  have  been  duly  received  by  us.  Y'our  High  Mightinosspi 
were  p'e»«ed  •<)  advise  us  in  the  lirst,  of  your  cnlinual  care  f.tr  |t.'opliMg  and  advancing  this 
place,  being  yet  engaged  through  your  Higli  Mi^lilinuBses"  deputies,  with  the  DirecloiB  of  the 


V :  \ 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


419 


Incorporated  West  India  Company  in  establishing  a  permanent  arrangement  in  the  matter. 
Meanwhile  your  High  Mightinesses  have  permitted  some  persons  belonging  to  the  Commonalty 
sent  hence  to  return  here,  with  inhibition  to  disturb  or  prosecute  them  for  what  they  have 
represented.  We  first^of  all  tender  your  High  Mightinesses  all  possible  thanks  for  your 
precaution  under  so  many  weighty  .roubles.  Respect  for  that  and  for  your  High  Mightinesses' 
sovereign  authority  obliges  and  induces  us  to  observe  your  High  Mightinesses'  orders  in 
regard  of  the  other,  Rendering  unto  your  High  Mightinesses'  letters  full  credit  and 
obedience;  meanwhile  the  returned  Remonstrants  bring  with  them,  as  they  report  and  also 
exhibit  to  strangers,  an  authentic  copy  of  the  signed  resolution  of  your  High  Mightinesses' 
deputies  whereby  we  are,  among  other  things,  commanded  to  appear  before  your  High 
Mightinesses  to  answer  some  charges.  Although  we  have  demanded  copy  of  that' resolution 
which  has  been  communicated  and  read  to  some  officers  and  inhabitants  of  this  city,  and  even 
to  foreigners,  ye*  hath  it  been  refused  us  up  to  the  present  time,  so  that  we  know  not  what  to 
answer  thereunto,  much  less  what  to  do. 

Right  Honorable,  High  and  Mighty  Lords— On  heing  released  by  those  to  whom  we  a'e  bound 
by  oath,  we  shall  not  fail  to  appear  before  your  High  Mightinesses,  on  your  summons,  being 

ourselves  conscious  of  not  having  committed  anything  worthy  of  punishment,  either  against  your 
High  Mightinesses'  grandeur,  oragainst  the  tenor  of  your  Commission,  or  contrary  toour  recorded 
oath,  or  to  the  injury  or  prejudice  of  the  public  interest.     We  can  therefore  object  nothing 
against  the  accusation  presented  by  our  inveterate  opponents,  who,  we  understand,  are  many  and 
powerful,  but  a  reply  in  the  negative,  together  with  an  humble  prayer  that  our  secret  accusers 
may  appear  personally  before  your  High  Mightinesses  with  their  suborned  witnesses,  in  order  to 
convict  us,  in  the  usual  course  of  law  to  our  shame,  disgrace  and  confusion,  or  in  default  of 
proof,  to  revoke  the  charge  and  to  indemnify  us  for  the  damage  and  disgrace  we  have  sustained. 
The  first,  which  is  vouchsafed,  saving  your  High  Mightinesses'  authority  and  judgment,  to  the 
meanest  offenders,  belongs  also  to  us,  a  freeborn  citizen  of  a  free  State ;  the  last  as  a  public 
functionary,  favored  and   intrusted  with  your  High  Mightinesses'  commission  ;  though  aiming 
at  or  desiring  as  a  Christian,  no  man's  damage  or  disgrace  through  a  spirit  of  vengeance, 
yet  as  a  man  and  public  officer  we  cannot,  without  personal  degradation,  permit  suffered  insults 
to  go  unreproved,  according  to  the  instruction  of  8eneca:  AJ  calumnias  lacendum  non  ett  ut 
conlrndicendo  no,  ulciicamur  te.d  ne  laccndo  mendacio  not  affmsum  progressum  iiermiltamu,.     It  pains 
us,  therefore,  that  former  pretending  friends  who,  on  their  departure  and  setting  out  from  this 
place,  freely  and  unsolicited  thanked  us  as  their  father,  swearing  with  an  oath,  as  well  to  our 
foce  as  behind  our  back,  that  they  had  nothing,  either  against  us  or  against  our  government, 
nor   would   they    trouble    themselves    with    any    private    affairs,    should    afterwards,    when 
contradicting   their   own    oath  and  conscience,   not   be  obliged    to   answer  legally  for  their 
calumnious  and  unfounded  accusations.     Nevertheless  your  High  Mightinesses'  good  intention 
shall  serve  us,  in  these  and  other  commands,  as  a  rule  to  govern  ourselves  under  them  with 
patience  and  obedience  until  the  Almighty  grant  another  result. 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  commands  regarding  the  exportation  of  cattle  shall  be  observed  ns 
far  as  possible,  but  time  will  determine  whether  it  will  not  create  disgust  among  the  Knglish 
people  residing  under  our  jurisdiction,  inasmuch  as  they  live  only  by  trade  in  grain  and  cattle. 
In  order  to  avoid  trouble,  we  shall  use  all  possible  moderation  ;  were  we  provided  with  money 
and  goods  to  enable  us  to  purchase  all  the  grain  and  cuttle  Hint  might  be  ofli-red,  we  should 
have  it  in  our  power  to  enforce  your  High  Mightinesses'  orders  with  greater  rigor. 


I 


31 -' 


420 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


As  soon  ns  we  received  the  proclamations  of  the  Peace,  we  caused  them  to  be  published  and 
posted  in  all  the  towns  and  villages  of  this  our  government,  and  had  previously  ordered  a 
cessation  of  hostilities  on  the  strength  of  public  rumor  and  on  the  advices  of  our  superiors. 

Herewith,  Right  Honorable,  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  we  commend  you  to  the  grace  and 
favor  of  the  Most  High,  and  shall  be  and  remain, 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  obedient 

and  faithful  servant. 
Dated  Manhatans,  In  Fort  Amsterdam,  (Signed)         P.  Stuyvesant. 

in  New  Netherland,  this  l?"-  August,  1G50. 

Addressed  as  follows : 

Noble,  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  the  Noble  Lords  States  General  of  the  United 
Netherlands,  at  the  Hague. 


I 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  foregoing  Letter. 

[  From  U»  Reginer  of  WmI  Indl»  Air»lri,  1688  - 1661.  In  the  Eojil  ArchlTM  .1  Ihe  n.gne.  ] 

Satuiday,  IS'"  October,  1G60. 

D,r<.I,tZ.n.  .  "^^""'"^^  "  '^"^  f^""^  Director  Stuivesant.  written  at  Manhatans,  in  Fort 
Amsterdam,  in  New  Netherland,  the  17'"  August  last,  in  answer  to  their  High 
Mightinesses'  previous  despatch.     Whereupon  no  action  was  had. 


Selectmm  of  Neio  Amsterdam  to  the  States  General. 

(  Fron.  U..  R»(Ul.r  of  /,„,*««,  BH4t4n  of  lb.  8l..«  Oe««l,  I.  ik.  BojiU  ArchlTM  it  Uii  Uifrit.  J 

High  and  Mighly  Lords.     Gracious  Sovereigns. 

Folio  M.I.  Our  associates,  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven  and  Jan  Everts  Bout,  who  were 

delegated  Inst  year,  164!>.  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  by  our  Assembly,  in  conseq.-.nce  of  the 
extremely  urgent  necessity  of  the  poor  distressed  people  of  this  country,  relumed  here,  through 
(.0.1  s  merry,  on  the  ««,"■  June,  bringing  with  them  an  authentic  copy  of  the  Report,  or 
Irovis.onal  Order,  drawn  up  and  suba.itted  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  by  your  Committee 
deputed  for  the  affair,  of  New  Netherland  in  the  matter  of  the  Iledres..  Preservation 
and  Population. 

That  we  have  not,  as  yet,  received  your  High  Mightinesses'  ratif-cation  thereof  is.  we 
confi.iently  trust,  owing  solely  to  ihe  tedious  and  dangerous  voyage,  for  we  have  seen  and 
found  your  High  Mightinesses  to  be  our  beloved  fathers,  wiio  have  been  pleased  to  take  to 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


421 


r  the  United 


heart  the  sorrowful  condition  and  extreme  necessity  of  this  poor,  distressed  people.  We 
cannot  express  nor  render  sufficient  thanks  to  our  Gracious  God  and  your  High  MiKhtinesses 
wh,ch  the  love  and  affection  exhibited  towards  us.  can  sufficiently  do.  ^And  peLiving  that  the 

f  /Z  r  ""V  "'T^'  ""'^  '^"*  y""""  "'^"^  Mightinesses-  letters  have  been  handed,  on 
said  28     June,  by  our  aforesaid  associates  to  Director  General  Stuyvesant  and  Council,  who 

rJ^J.h  W"  'r^^'y  ^°"''  "'»*'  Mightinesses'  said  order,  except  only  in  proclaiming 
Peace  wUh  the  Kmg  of  Spain,  which  hath  been  done  here  at  the  Manhatans  but  nowher! 
else,  to  our  knowledge;  and  as  the  distressed  state  of  this  country  remains  unchanged- 
except  by  gettmg  froni  bad  to  worse,  as  we  have  informed  our  associate,  Adriaen  van  der 
Donck.-we  are   therefore,  tc  our  grief  and  sorrow,  obliged  to  apply  to  your  High  Mightinesses 

1^7^'  '"  '""^r-  ^°";  '"'"•     "^^  P'""^  y''"'  «•■«''  «"^  '^'g'^'y-  t°  be  graciously 

pleased  to  remove  our  suffer.ng.  for  so  long  as  we  are  here  without  the  Redress,  we  cannot  be 

relieved.      Hopmg.   therefore,   that   it  will   soon  arrive  to  comfort  and   console  us.  we,  in 

conclusmn,  shall   commend  you.  High  and   Mighty,   generally  and   individually,  and  your 

lTr"K.'  !  ^T-TrT'"'  '°  ^°^'''  P'°'^*'''°"'  '«">«'"'"«  y°"'  High  Mightinesses- 
most  humble  and  most  faithful  subjects.  »         e 

(Signed)         AuotjsTiN  Hehmans. 

Jacob  van  Kouwenhoven. 

Elbert  Elbertsen. 

T  .      .  Hkndhick  Hendrickshn  Kip. 

Lower  stood. 

By  order  of  the  Selectmen. 

/rn«K^.„      ■  V  (Signed)        D.  v.  Schblluyne. 

(In  the  margin  was,) 

At  the  Assembly  of  the  Selectmen,  the  13'^  September.  1660.     New  Amsterdam,  Manhatans, 
New  Netherland. 


Maochiel  Jans. 
Thomas  Holl. 
Oloff  Stevens. 
govert  loockermans. 


'*m 


Resolution  of  the  States  Oeiusral  on  a  Retmnstrance  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donch 

[  rnm  ih.  R.(l.l.r  of  W«.  Indl.  ABki™,  lOM  _  IMl,  m  ||»  BoyU  Archl»«  .1  ih.  U,ri«.  1 

Friday,  iS"-  iNovember,  1050. 

A.tru«"d-  ,   """'*  *°  ^^^  •"''•'''"8  *''=  Hemonstance  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  a  delegare 
i»«ck.  from  the  people  of  New  Netherland. 

Received,  also,  a  letter  from  the  Selectmen  there,  written  in  New  Amsterdam  the  13'*  of 
VT.^ZX^  '""'  September,  both  praying  Redress  in  the  matter  of  the  disorders  which  exist, 
inN.,N.u.«,.„.,.  prevail  and  manifest  themselves  more  and  more  in  New  Netherland  aforesaid. 

Herewith  were,  likewise,  exhibited  two  sealed  private  letters  addressed  from  said  country  to 
M'  van  Aertsbergen,  at  present  absent,  and  to  other  their  High  Mightinesses-  deputies. 

Whereupon  deliberalion  being  had,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  the  aforesaid 
remonstrance,  with  said  public  and  private  letters  be  placed,  altogether,  in  the  hands  of  Mess" 
Huygens,  anJ  other  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  for  the  affairs  of  New  Netherland  to 
niciuire  into  the  business  reloting  hereunto  lately  under  consideration  here,  and  to  look  further 


i' 


I 


B 


422 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


therein,  to  examine  the  aforesaid  remonstrances  and  letters,  and  to  report  on  the  whole.  In 
the  absence  of,  or  in  case  of  inconvenience  to,  the  one  or  the  other  of  the  Lords,  those  present 
may  proceed  and  dispatch  the  aforesaid  business. 


Secretary  van  TienhoverCs  Answer  to  the  Remonstrance  from  New  NetJierland. 

I  Fiom  Uu,  MB.  Id  lb.  E.y.1  ArohlT-  U  lb.  UMp.. ;  LoUOca,  of  the  81.1..  G.i.M.1 ,  Babrio  RM  /«/<«*,  OmpagnU,,  No.  80;  IBlb  dlrWoD  of 

lb.  Bunill..] 

Brief  Statement  or  Answer  to  some  of  the  points  contained  in  the  written 
Deduction  laid  by  Adriaen  van  der  Donck  cum  tociU  before  the  High  and 
Mighty  Lords  States  General :  Drawn  up  l)y  CorneMs  van  Tienhoven, 
Secretary  to  the  Director  and  Council  of  New  Netherland. 

In  order  to  present  the  Answer  succinctly  he.  Van  Tienhoven,  will  allege  not  only  how  illy  it 
becomes  the  said  Van  der  Donck  and  other  private  inhabitants  to  challenge  and  abuse,  in  such 
harsh  and  general  terms,  the  administration  both  of  the  Directors  in  this  country  and  of  their 
officers  yonder;  and  that  they  would  have  performed  their  duty  much  better,  had  they  first 
submitted  to  their  Lords  and  Patroons  whatever  Observations  they  might  intend  to  offer. 

But  passing  this  by,  and  leaving  the  consideration  thereof  to  your  High  Mightinesses' 
discretion,  it  must  be  remarked  preliminarily  and  generally,  that  those  persons  make  a  great 
many  assertions  and  prove  nothing,  so  that  what  they  shamefully  state,  can  be  as  easily  denied 
and  with  greater  truth.  Coming  then  to  the  point,  we  shall  only  notice  those  parts  wherein 
either  the  Board  (at  Amsterdam)  or  the  Director  is  accused  ;  and  we  say  to  the  1st  Point: 

It  is  denied,  and  will  never  be  proved  that  the  Company  hath  refused  our  nation  land  for 
purposes  of  cultivation,  and  willingly  allowed  foreigners  to  occupy  it. 

'J'lie  Company's  order  to  act  on  the  defensive  was  better  and  more  prudent  than  to  have 
recourse  to  hostilities,  inasmuch  as  it  had  not  the  force  to  resist  its  hypocritical  friends,  and 
could^protect  its  rights  only  by  protest. 

Trade  has  long  since  been  opened  to  every  one  and  is  as  profitable  as  evert  no  property  has 
been  confiscated  except  of  those  who  violated  their  contract  or  the  order  whereunto  they  were 
bound  ;  and  if  any  one  thinks  he  has  been  wronged  by  confiscation,  he  can  come  and  speak  for 
himself.     At  all  events,  'tis  not  these  people's  business. 

They  complain  that  Christians  have  been  treated  like  Indians;  to  wit,  in  the  sale  of  goods. 

But,  observe,  that  such  was  not  the  act  of  the  Company  nor  of  its  Director,  because  they 

God  help  th.!m  — have  not,  and  for  several  years  have  not  had,  anything  there  to  sell. 

The  fault  lies  at  the  door  of  the  majority  of  those  Remonstrants  who  are  merchants  or 
factors,  and  who  charge  there  for  what  costs  fl.  100  in  this  country,  one,  twc  hundred  per  cent, 
nnd  more  advance  over  and  above  first  cost,  assurance,  duty,  laborers'  wages,  freight  &c.,  all 
which  are  added  to  the  first  cost.  'Tis  evident  these  people  accuse  the  Board  of  DirecJorg  and  its 
officers  of  the  very  fault  they  themselves  commit,  and  never  will  they  prove  that  the  Company 
had  gold  goods,  during  the  time,  it  kept  its  store  and  magazines  stocked  there,  at  :.n  advance  of 
more  than  fifty  per  cent,  agreeably  to  the  Exemptions.     The  Director  there  c.inot  prevent 


1^     ! 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


423 


>■  80;  IMh  dimion  of 


this  one  and  that  forestalling  and  seeking  his  own  profit,  particularly  as  the  trade  is  thrown 
open  to  the  httle  as  well  as  to  the  big. 

'Tis  a  pure  calumny  that  the  Company  ordered  half  a  fault  to  be  accounted  a  whole  one.' 

What  instruction  or  order  the  Pa.roon  gives  his  Director  is  no  affair  of  the  Colonist:  forsooth 
tis  Jor  the  purpose  of  inventing  prosecutions.  These  people  then  would  fain  live  subject  to 
no  person  s  censure  or  discipline,  which,  however,  they  doubly  require. 

The  instance  wherein  the  Director  exercised  and  usurped  Sovereign  power,  must  be  specified 
and  proved.     It,  too,  is  in  general  terms. 

That  the  Colonists  had  need  of  the  Directors  is  evident  from  the  account  books  which  will 
show  that  the  Company  supplied  all  freemen,  some  few  excepted,  with  clothing,  provisions  and 
other  articles  for  the  construction  of  houses,  at  an  advance  of  50  per  cent,  on  the  just  cost  in 
Fatherland ;  which  supplies  have  not  yet  been  paid  for;  and  people  by  their  complaints  would 
fam  hich  the  country  from  the  Company,  and  pay  nothing. 

'Tis  ridiculous  to  accuse  Director  Kieft  of  saying  that  he  was  Sovereign  like  the  Prince  in 

iH  .  fh  I  ;  .  ! '  u  'T^  '°  '^'  "^"'''  °''  '"°^^' '°  f'-'herland.  it  arose  from  the  circumstance 
that  the  Island  of  the  Manhatans  was  reserved,  in  the  Exemptions,  as  the  Capital  of  New 
Netherland,  and  hat  all  the  Colonies  round  about  should  bring  their  appeal  to  it,  as  th" 
SupremeCourt  of  that  quarter.  i  »»  vuo 

•Tis  to  be.  moreover,  borne  in  mind  that  the  Patroon  of  the  Colonic  Renselaervyck  causes 
nil  h.s  tenants  to  sign,  that  they  will  not  appeal  to  the  Manhatans.  in  di.ect  contravention  of 
the  Exemptions,  by  which  the  Colonists  are  bound  to  render  to  the  Director  and  Council 
at  the  Manhatans  an  annual  Report  both  of  the  Colony  and  of  the  Administration  of  Justice. 

The  Directors  have  never  had  any  administration  of.  nor  concerned  themselves  with 
eccles.ast.ca  property ;  t.s  also  denied  and  cannot  be  proved,  that  any  of  the  inhabitants  of 
New  Netherland  have,  e.ther  voluntarily  nor  when  requested,  contributed  or  given  anything 
for  the  bu.lJ.ng  o  an  Asylum  for  orphans,  or  for  the  aged.  'Tis  true  that  the  Church  hi  the 
fort  was  budt  in  W.llem  Kieft's  time,  and  a  subscnption  list  was  signed  which  amounted  to 
fl.  1800.  rue  accounts  of  most  of  the  subscribers  we.-e  debited  accordingly,  but  they  have 
noc  yet  paid  the  money.  Meanwhile  the  Company  disbursed  the  funds,  so  that  it  was  not  the 
Commonalty  (some  few  excepted)  but  the  Company  that  paid  the  workmen.  If  the  peoole 
require  institutions  as  above  stated,  they  must  contribute  towards  them  as  is  the  custom  in 
this  country;  and  were  there  Asylums  for  orphans  and  the  aged  there,  revenues  would  be 

ngeTSe""'  ^         '^   '^'   '"'"''"'   '°   '''"''■'  ''"'   '°   ""PP"''  '^^  °^P''""  '"''^  »»>« 

The  Uemonstrants  Wll.  if  any  one  can  be  likely  to  p^ove  that  money,  or  real  or  personal 
property  has  been  bestowed  by  will  or  donation,  by  any  living  person,  for  such  or  any  other 
public  works;  but  there  is  no  instance  of  the  kind  in  New  Netherland;  and  the  charw  is 
uttered  or  written  through  passion.  When  the  Church,  which  is  in  the  fort,  was  proposed  to 
be  bu.lt,  the  Church  wardens  were  content;  but  it  is  these  people  who  make  a  to-do,  because 
they  consider  the  Compa.iy'B  fort  not  worthy  the  lionor  of  a  Church.  Before  the  Church  was 
erected,  the  grist-mill  could  not  work  with  a  southeast  wind,  because  the  wind  from  that 
quarter  was  shut  off  by  the  walls  of  the  fort. 

Although  the  new  School-house,  towards  which  the  Commonalty  contributed  something,  has 
not  been  yet  built,  it  is  not  the  Director,  but  the  Church  wardens,  who  have  charge  of  the 

'  U.t  u  een  puyro  o,lo,n„U  d.t  do  c„,np.u;i,i«  g.oi  Jonue«tt  I.Beft,  h.Uc  f.ut,  voor  I.e^I.  le  rokw«D. 


^1 


V-  'I 


mm 


424 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


funds.  The  Director  is  busy  providing  materials.  Meanwhile  a  place  has  been  selected  for 
a  bchoPi,  of  which  Jan  Corneiissen  has  charge.  The  other  teachers  keep  school  in  hired 
houses,  so  that  the  youth  are  not  in  want  of  schools  to  the  extent  of  the  circiiinstances  of  the 
country.  Tis  true  there  is  no  Latin  school  nor  academy;  if  the  Commonp.lty  require  such, 
tliey  can  apply  for  it  and  fu.nish  the  necessary  funds. 

As  regards  the  deacons'  or  Poor-fund,  the  deacons  are  accountable  for  that,  and  are  the 
persons  of  whom  inquiry  should  be  made  as  to  where  the  money  i,  invested  which  they  have, 
from  time  to  time,  placed  at  interest;  and  as  the  Director  never  had  charge  of  it.  such  not 
being  usual  the  deacons,  and  not  the  Director,  are  responsible  for  it.  'Tis,  indeed,  true  that 
Director  Kieft,  being  at  a  loss  for  money,  had  a  box  suspended  in  his  house;  of  that  box  the 
deacons  had  one  key,  and  all  the  small  fines  and  penalties  which  were  levied  on  court  days, 
were  deposited  in  it.  He  opened  it  with  the  knowledge  of  the  deacons,  and  took  on  interest 
f  Jie  money,  which  amounted  to  a  handsome  sum. 

'Tis  admitted  that  the  Excise  on  beer  was  imposed  by  Willem  Kieft.  and  that  on  wine  by 
Fetrus  btuyvesant;  and  that  such  excise  was  collected  up  to  the  date  of  my  departure.  But 
tis  o  be  observed  here,  that  the  Remonstrants  have  no  cause  to  complain  on  that  score,  for 
the  trader,  burgher,  farmer  and  all  others  except  the  vintners,  lay  in  as  much  wine  and  beer 
as  they  please,  free  of  excise.  They  are  merely  obliged  to  enter  it.  so  that  the  quantity  may 
be  ascertained.  The  vintners  pay  three  guilders  per  tun  on  beer,  and  one  stiver  per  can  on 
wme;  they  receive  this  back  from  those  who  daily  resort  to  their  houses,  and  from  the 
traveler  from  New  England.  Virginia  and  elsewhere. 

No  other  internal  taxes  have  been  imposed,  up  to  the  present  time,  on  the  Commonalty, 
except  the  excise  already  mentioned,  unless  the  voluntary  offering  which  was  applied  two  years 
ago  to  the  erection  of  the  church,  be  accounted  a  tax,  of  which  Jacob  Couwenhoven,  also  one 
ot  the  Church  Wardens,  will  have  to  render  an  account. 

In  New  England  there  is  no  impost  or  duty  on  imports  or  exports,  but  every  one  is  assessed 
by  the  ocal  government  according  to  his  means,  and  must  pay  to  the  extent  of  his  property 
and  as  the  ^nagistrates  tax  him,  for  "^    ^  ^ 

Building. and  repairing  of  Churches  ; 
Support  of  Ministers; 

Erection  of  Schools  and  Salary  of  Teachers  ; 
All  city  and  town  improvements; 

cou';urrtt".r'  '''l"" "'  °"  '''^''r^'  ""*^ '°'''''  •"""^  ■""««  ^^  ^'•'^•^"-^^  ^^^-  >•«  that 

country  so   hat  horses  and  wagons  can  be  used  and  journeys  made  from  one  place  to  the  other ; 

Construction  and  repair  of  all  bridges  across  rivers  on  the  highways ; 

Erection  of  public  houses  for  travelers  ; 

Salaries  of  Covernors,  Magistrates,  MarHlmls  and  constables;  and 

Pay  of  Majors,  Captains  and  other  officers  of  the  Militia. 

A  general  Court  is  held  quarterly  in  each  of  the  New  England  Colonies,  consisting  of  all  the 
mag.strates  within  such  province,  and  there  is,  annually,  a  general  assembi;  o   a  1 1  e'^^^^^^^^^^^ 

X     n?:    °,  "  ""7"''  ""'"''^  "'"^  ""''  ""'^^^  »"•"  '"-''"«  -"""--  a  long  time      AH 

:rtrp:o:';: :: Tnrdtd^"^^^ ''-  -'- '-'-'''-'  ^'-^  ---« '"« p-p'«-  '^^  -pp- 

The  accounts  ought  to  show  the  amount  of  duties  received  annually  in  Kieft's  time,  but  it 
will  not  appear  as  much,  by  far.  as  tlu-y  «ay.     'Tis  not  the  Company's  nor  the  DireZ's  lault 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


425 


that  the  Commonalty  have  to  pay  so  much,  but  that  of  the  traders,  who  charge  1.  2  and 
3  hundred  advance  ;  and  the  people  must  submit,  because  there  are  few  merchants 

fromXV"""'''  "7  "°;''«^«»'''«'-'  ^'  ^f^""^"  'hat  30,000  guilders  a  year  have  been  collected 
from  the  Commonalty  m  Stuyvesant's  time;  for  nothing  was  received  but  the  beer  and  wine 
excise  wh.cn.  at  the  Manhatans.  yields  about  4000  guilders  a  year ;  little  or  nothing  is  received 
from  the  other  neighboring  towns,  because  they  have  no  taverns,  except  one  at  the  Ferry  and 
one  at  Flushing.  /      " 

If  any  confiscations  have  taken  place,  they  have  not  been  of  property  belonging  to  colonists, 
but  of  imported  contraband  goods,  and  no  person's  property  has  been  confiscated  without 
sutncient  cause. 

The  question  k,  are  the  Company  or  the  Directors  obliged  to  have  constructed  any  buildings 
for  the  people  out  of  the  duties  paid  by  the  trader  in  New  Netherland  on  exported  goods, 
particularly  as  their  High  Mightinesses  granted  those  duties  to  the  Company  to  facilitate 
garrisons,  and  the  payment  of  the  expenses  attendant  thereupon,  and  not  for  building  Hospitals 
and  Orphan  asylums.  Churches  and  School-houses  for  the  people. 

It  cannot  be  substantiated  that  the  Company's  property  has  been  squandered  for  the  purpose 
of  securing  friends.  f    f    ^ 

The  provisions  received  in  exchange  for  the  Tamandare  Negroes,  were  sent  to  Curacao, 
except  a  portion  consumed  at  the  Manhatans.  as  the  accounts  will  show.  But  all  these  are 
matters  which  do  not  concern  these  people,  especially  as  they  are  not  responsible  for  them. 

m  regard  to  the  letters  of  manumission  which  the  Director  was  so  good  as  to  grant  to  the 
Negroes  who  had  been  the  Company's  slaves :  They  were  set  free  in  return  for  their  long 
service,  on  condition  that  the  children  remain  slaves  ;  these  are  treated  »he  same  ns  Christians : 
at  present  there  are  no  more  than  three  of  these  children  in  service  ;  one  at  the  House  of  the 
Hope,  one  at  the  Company's  bouwerie.  and  one  with  Martin  Crigier.  who.  as  everybody 
knows,  brought  up  the  girl.  '       ' 

•Twas  Mr.  Stuyvesant's  duty  to  construct,  caulk  and  repair  the  Company's  property  He 
will  answer  for  the  profit  or  loss  the  Company  has  in  consequence  incurred. 

The  burghers  on  the  Island  of  Manhatans  and  thereabouts  ought  to  know,  that  no  one  comes 
or  Id  admitted  into  New  Netherland  (it  being  a  conquest),  except  on  this  condition-not  that 
he  shall  have  anything  to  say,  but-that  he  shall  acknowledge  the  sovereignty  of  their  High 
Mightinesses  the  States  General,  the  Directors  as  his  Lords  and  Patroons.  and  obey  the 
Director  and  Council  for  the  time  being,  as  a  good  subject  is  bound  to  do. 

Those  who  complain  of  Stuyvesant's  haughtiness  are.  such  I  think,  as  wish  to  live  without 
government  or  order. 

The  complaint  that  no  regulation  has  been  made  concerning  wampum,  is  unfounded.  In 
Director  Kieft's  time,  good  Wampum  passed  for  four,  and  loose  beads  at  six,  for  a  stiver.  The 
reason  for  not  prohibiting  unstringed  wampum  was,  because  no  money  was  in  circulation,  and 
mechanics,  farmers  and  the  rest  of  the  Commonalty,  having  no  other  currency,  would  suffer 
serioP.  loss:  and  had  it  been  cried  down,  doubtless  the  Remonstrants  would  have  booked  the 
circumstance  among  the  rest  of  their  grievances. 

No  one  will  prove  that  Directoror  Stuyvesant  hath  berated  as  rascals,  or  made  use  of  foul 
language  to.  any  persons  of  respectability,  who  treated  him  courteously.     If  the  Director  hath 
made  use  of  any  harsh  language,  it  must  be  that  some  profligate  hath  provoked  him  to  it. 
Vol.  I.  54 


¥ 


It  -t  i 


426 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


The  Fort  not  being  properly  repaired,  is  no  concern  of  the  colonists ;  'tis  not  their  domain, 
but  the  Company's.  They  would  fain  be  protected  by  good  forts  and  garrisons  belonging  to 
the  Company,  without  affording  any  aid,  assistance  in  labor  or  money  for  those  objects.  But  it 
seems  they  do  not  wish  to  see  a  fort  properly  fortified  and  duly  garrisoned,  from  the 
apprehension  that  the  ill-disposed  and  seditious  might  be  the  more  effectually  punished ;  this 
they  call,  cruelty. 

The  fort  had,  doubtless,  been  already  completed,  had  the  Director  not  been  obliged  to  supply 
the  garrison  of  New  Netherland  and  Curasao  with  provisions,  clothing,  and  money. 

With  whom  had  Director  Stuyvesant  an  unprovoked  and  unjustifiable  personal  quarrel? 

They  call  a  present  of  Maize  or  Indian  corn,  a  contribution;  a  present  has  never  been  received 
from  the  Indians  without  double  as  much  being  given  in  return;  for  these  people  being  very 
covetous,  throw  a  herring  in  order  to  catch  a  ced;  as  every  one  acquainted  with  the  Indians 
can  testify. 

Francis  Douthay,  Adriaen  van  der  Donck's  father-in-law  and  an  English  Minister,  was 
granted  a  colonic  at  Mespacht,  not  for  himself  alone  as  Patroon,  but  for  him  and  his  associates 
whose  Agent  he  was,  and  who  at  the  time  were  residing  at  Rhode  Island  and  at  Cahanock 
and  other  places.  Mr.  Smith  was  one  of  the  leaders  of  these  people,  for  said  Minister  had 
scarcely  any  means  of  himself  to  build  a  hut,  let  alone  to  plant  a  colonie  at  his  own  expense. 
He  was  merely  to  be  employed  as  a  clergyman  by  his  associates  who  were  to  prepare  a 
bouwerie  for  him  in  that  Colonie,  in  return  for  which  he  should  discharge  the  duty  of  preacher 
among  them,  and  live  on  the  proceeds  of  the  bouwerie. 

Coming  to  live  at  the  Manhatans  during  the  war,  he  was  permitted  to  officiate  as  Minister 
for  the  English  in  and  around  that  place,  who  were  bound  to  maintain  him  without  either 
the  Director  or  Company  being  liable  to  any  charge  therefor.  And  as  the  English  did  not 
afford  him  a  sufficient  support,  two  collections  were  taken  up  among  the  Dutch  and  English, 
on  which  he  lived  at  the  Manhatans. 

The  Mespacht  Colonie  was  never  confiscated  ;  that  is  proved  by  the  actual  residence  on  it  of 
the  owners,  who  had  an  Interest  in  it  as  well  as  Douthey ;  but  as  the  latter  wished  to  obstruct 
Its  settlement  and  to  permit  no  one  to  build  in  the  colonie  unless  on  paying  him  a  certain  sum 
down  for  each  morgen  of  land,  and  a  yearly  sum  in  addition  in  the  nature  of  ground  rent,  and 
endeavored  thus  to  convert  it  into  a  domain,  against  which  those  interested  in  the  Colonie, 
especially  Mr.  Smith  complained,  the  Director  and  Council  finally  concluded  that  the 
copartners  should  enter  on  their  property,  and  the  bouwerie  and  lands  in  the  possesion  of 
Douthay  be  reserved  to  him,  so  that  he  hath  suffered  no  injury  or  loss  thereby.  This  I  could 
prove,  were  it  not  that  the  documents  are  in  New  Netherland  and  not  here. 

I  have  treated  already  of  the  appeal.  No  clauses  conflicting  with  the  Exemptions  are 
inserted  in  the  patents;  but  the  phrase— "«ocA  te  beramen"  [hereafter  to  be  imposed]— can 
be  omitted  from  them,  if  found  objectionable. 

Stuyvesant  hath  never  oleaded  any  causes  in  court,  but  spoke  and  proposed  questions  to 
parties,  as  president,  and,  with  advice  of  the  Council,  adminietered  justice  whereof  the 
malevolent  complain  ;  but  that  Stuyvesant  withheld  justice  from  any  one  remains  to  be  proved. 

As  to  what  appertains  to  the  Deputy  director,  Dinclagen,  let  him  plead  his  own  case. 

It  can  be  established  that  Brian  Nuton  not  only  understands,  but  speaks  the  Dutch  language, 
so  that  their  accusation,  that  Nuton  does  not  understand  Dutch,  is  a  falsehood.  All  the  other 
slanders  and  calumnies  uttered  against  the  rest  of  the  officers,  ought  to  be  proved. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


427 


T,B  true  that  .t  was  ea.d  ,n  New  Netherland,  ,n  the  course  of  conversation,  that  no  appeal 

lay  from  a  New  Netherland  judgment,  pronounced  on  the  Island  Manhatans;  this  was  founded 

on  the  Exemptions  where  that  Island  is  establishedas  the  Supreme  Court  of  all  the  circumjacent 

Colonies,  and  on  the  fact  that  no  precedent  existed  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  having  ever 

received  those  ,n  appeal  who.  coming  from  New  Netherland.  had  applied  for  that  purpose 

here-viz'.    Hendr.ck  Jansen  the  tailor.  Laurens  Cornelissen  and  several  others,  who  were 

banished  many  years  ago  from  New  Netherland.    'Twould  be  a  very  strange  thing  if  the 

officers  of  the  country  could  not  banish  anybody  from  it.  whilst  the  authorities  of  the  Colonie 

SZ  r.H  7J       7^°  are  subordinate  to  the  Company,  absolutely  banish  whomsoever  they 

please  and  the  welfare  of  the  Colonie  requires  to  be  excluded ;  And  they  do  not  allow  any 

person  to  reside  there  except  at  their  pleasure  and  upon  certain  conditions,  some  of  which  i 

submit  here-First.  No  person  up  to  the  present  time  in  the  Colonie  possesses  a  foot  of  land 

of  his  own.  but  IS  obliged  to  »ake  all  the  land   he  cultivates  upon  a  rent-lease;  where  a 

dwelling-house  is  built,  he  is  obliged  to  pay  some  beavers  annually  as  ground  rent,  which 

Va  w?"  r"'  "'  '"^"''■"'^  '°  P"y'  '"  '•''"^"  'f'^y  ^^«  ^"«wed  free  trade-  as  'tis 
called.  Where  is  there  one  inhabitant  under  the  Company's  jurisdiction  charged  or  taxed  in 
any  way  for  either  trade  or  lots,?  All  lands  are  conveyed  in  fee  subject  to  this  clause- 
beramt  ojle  noch  te  beramen.     [ Taxes  imposed  or  to  be  hereafter  imposed.] 

Francis  Douthey,  the  English  minister,  hath  never  been  employed  by  the  Company, 
wherefore  .t  owes -him  nothing ;  but  his  English  congregation  is  bound  to  pay  him.  as  can  be 
proved  in  Now  Netherland.  The  Company  has  advanced  to  the  said  minister  from  time  to 
time  in  goods  and  necessaries,  to  the  amount  of  about  fl.UOO.,  as  the  colonial  account  books 
might  show ;  this  he  has  not  yet  paid,  and  he  complains  because  he  is  unwilling  to  pay.  I 
know  not  whether  the  Director  hath  required  a  promise  from  Douthey. 

Director  Stuyvesant.  on  his  arrival  in  New  Netherland.  endeavored,  purs-.ant  to  his  orders 
qmeUy  to  put  a  stop  to  the  contraband  trade  in  guns,  powder  and  lead.  On  perceiving  which.' 
the  Colonie  Renselaers  wyck  itself,  sent  a  letter  and  petition  to  the  Director,  wherein  they 
requested  moderation  the  rather,  they  said,  if  the  trade  be  wholly  abolished,  all  the  Christians 
in  the  colonie  would  run  great  danger  of  being  murdered-as  by  the  tenor  of  said  petition 
may  more  fully  be  seen.  The  Director  and  Council,  taking  the  petition  into  consideration, 
and  reflecting  further  on  the  consequences,  resolved  to  barter  sparingly  a  few  guns  and  a  little 
powder  through  the  Commissary  at  Fort  Orange  on  the  Company's  account :  taking  good  care, 
moreover,  that  the  sloops  navigating  the  river  shoul-  not  convey  any  quantity  up.  This  was 
provisionally  only,  and  until  further  order.  'Tis  to  be  observed  in  this  place,  that  the  Director 
dreading  one  of  two  evils,  permitted  some  arms  to  be  bartered  in  the  Fort  in  order  to  preserve 
the  Colonie  from  danger.  Neither  will  any  one  prove  that  the  Director  hath  sold,  or  allowed  the 
sale  of,  any  articles  of  contraband  on  his  own  private  account.  The  seizure  of  some  guns  bv 
eave  of  the  Director,  happened  because  they  were  not  accompanied  by  any  permit,  as  ordered 
by  the  Company.  Under  such  guise  many  guns  could  be  introduced.  The  Director 
ordered  sixteen  guilders  to  be  paid  for  each  gun  that  was  seized,  although  it  could  not  have 
cost  more  than  8  (|,  9  in  this  country. 

'Tis  true  that  Vastrick  brought  over,  by  Director  Stuyvesant's  order,  a  case  containing  30 
guns,  which  the  Director,  with  the  knowledge  of  the  Deputy  and  Fiscal,  permitted  to  be  landed 
in  open  day.  These  guns  were  transferred  to  Commissary  Keyser  with  instructions  to  sell 
them  to  the  Dutch  who  were  unprovided  with  arms,  so  that  they  might,  in  the  hour  of  need 


If  if 


438 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


have  wherewith  to  defend  themselves.  If  there  were  any  more  guns  in  the  ship,  'twas 
without  the  Director's  knowledge.  The  Fiscal  whose  business  it  was,  should  have  seen  to  it, 
and  inspect  the  vessel;  and  these  accusers  are  bound  to  prove  connivance  and  neglect  of 
proper  inspection. 

Jacob  Reynsen  and  Jacob  Schermerhoorn  are  petty  traders,  natives  of  Waterland ;  one  of 
them— Jacob  Schermerhoorn— resided  at  Fort  Orange  and  Jacob  Reynties  at  Fort  Amsterdam  ; 
the  latter  purchased  powder,  lead,  guns  and  salt  and  sent  them  up  to  Schermerhoorn  who 
disposed  of  them  to  the  Indians.  So  it  happened  that  Goert  Barent,  the  Company's  corporal 
who  had  charge  of  whatever  of  the  Company's  arms  required  to  be  repaired  or  cleaned,  sold 
guns,  locks,  barrels,  &c.,  to  Jacob  Reynties  aforesaid ;  as  can  be  proved  by  his  own  confession 
contained  in  letters  written  to  his  partner  long  ere  this  transaction  came  to  light,  and  by  the 
information  of  the  corporal.  Seduced  by  Jacob  Reynties'  solicitation,  the  corporal  sold  him 
arms  as  often  as  he  applied  for  them,  though  the  former  was  well  aware  that  the  guns  and 
barrels  were  the  property  of  the  Company  and  not  of  the  corporal.  A  parcel  of  peltries  was 
therefore  confiscated,  as  may  be  seen  in  the  accounts;  most  of  those  furs  having,  as 
appears  from  the  letters,  been  purchased  with  contraband  goods.  And  as  Jacob  Reyntjes  has 
been  back  in  this  country  since  the  confiscation,  he  would  have  readily  complained  had  he  not 
felt  guilty,  especially  as  he  had  been  sufficiently  urged  to  do  so  by  the  enemies  of  the  Company 
and  of  the  Director ;  but  his  own  letters  can  be  produced  in  evidence  against  him. 

Joost  de  Backer,  being  accused  by  the  aforesaid  Corporal  of  having  also  purchased  locks 
and  barrels  of  him,  and  the  first  information  being  found  correct,  legal  search  was  made  in 
Joost's  house,  where  a  gun  belonging  to  the  Company  was  found,  which  he  had  obtained  from 
the  Corporal;  he  was,  therefore,  placed  in  confinement  until  he  gave  security  for  the 
Fiscal's  suit. 

As  the  English  of  New  England  harbored  and  employed  all  fugitives,  whether  persons  in 
the  Company's  service  or  freemen,  who  fled  to  them  Irom  the  Manhatans  without  a  pass, 
which  is  required  by  the  custom  of  the  country.  Commissioners  endeavored  to  induce  the 
Englihh  to  restore  the  fugitives  according  to  a  previous  agreement  entered  into  with  Governors 
Eton'  and  Hopkins.'  But  as  the  former  declined  to  surrender  the  runaways  to  us,  although 
earnestly  solicited  so  to  do,  the  Director  and  Council,  pursuant  to  a  previous  resolution,  issued 
a  proclamation,  by  way  of  retaliation,  to  the  eff'ect  that  all  persons  who  should  come  to  New 
Netherland  from  the  province  of  New  Haven  (all  other  places  being  excepted),  should  be 
protected  ;  and  as  the  Governor  delivered  up  to  us  some  fugitives,  the  Director  and  Council 
revoked  the  proclamation,  and  since  then  matters  have  gone  on  peaceably,  the  dispute  about 
the  boundaries  remaining  in  statu  quo. 

No  person's  property  is  confiscated  in  New  Netherland  without  just  cause,  and  if  any  one 
feel  aggrieved  on  this  point,  the  Director  will  be  ready  to  answer.     'Tis  probable  the  ships 

•  TiiEopHii-ug  Eaton,  first  Governor  of  New  Haven  Colony,  wo8  born  at  Stony  Stratford,  in  Oxford.hire,  his  father  being 
the  minieter  of  that  place.  Ue  wa«  bred  a  merchant  and  waa  fur  eeve.al  yi-ars  agent  for  the  King  of  England  at  the  court 
of  Denmark ;  and  after  hie  return  pro.ecuted  his  busine*.  in  London  v,i I.  high  reputation.  He  accotDj.anied  Mr.  Davenport 
to  New  England  in  16a7,  und  soon  after  his  arrival  was  chosen  one  of  the  magistrates  of  Mamchusetti  He  was  one  of  the 
foundem  of  Mew  Hav.n  in  10:18,  and  was  annually  el.'cted  Governor  till  his  death,  Jan.  7,  lil37,  aged  98.  AlUii. 

•  Edward  Hofkins,  Governor  of  Connecticut,  and  a  benefactor  ot  Harvard  College,  was  an  eminent  merchant  in  London 
and  arrived  at  Boston  in  the  summer  of  IC37  and  soon  removed  to  Connecticut.  He  was  cho.en  a  msg.sirate  in  1B8»  and 
Governor  of  Connecticut  every  other  year  from  1840  to  1654.  He  afterwards  wont  to  England,  where  he  was  chosen  warden 
of  the  English  fleet,  oommissioner  of  the  Admiralty  and  a  member  of  Parliament.    U*  died  in  London  in  March  1667 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    V. 


429 


or  the  skippers  are  afraid  of  confiscation,  and  tlierefore  do  not  resort  to  New  Netlierland  for 
nol,ody  can  resort  tliere  witiiout  a  permit.  Wiioever  is  provided  with  that,  and  does  not 
violate  h>s  contract  and  has  duly  entered  his  goods,  need  not  be  afraid  of  confiscations;  but 
all  smugglers  and  persons  sailing  under  double  commissions  may  well  dread  them. 

All  those  who  were  indebted  to  the  Company  were  notified  to  pay  up  the  debts  left 
uncollected  by  the  late  Willem  Kieft,  and  as  some  could,  and  others  could  not  pay.  no  one 
was  constrained  to  liquidate  their  account;  but  this  debt,  amounting  to  about  fl.30,000. 
rendered  many  who  were  disinclined  to  pay,  insolent  end  illdisposed,  especially  as  the 
Company  had,  now,  nothing  to  sell  in  that  country  on  credit,  and  it  appeared  that  some 
endeavored  to  pay,  Brazil  fashion.  The  petitioners  requested  that  the  Commonalty  should 
not  be  oppressed.  This  has  never  been  done;  but  they  would  gladly  see  the  Company 
dunning  or  suing  nooody.  and  yet  paying  its  creditors.  The  Company's  books  will  show 
that  the  debts  were  not  contracted  during,  but  long  before  the  war.  Those  who  were  poor 
and  burdened  with  wives  and  children,  have  be.n  assisted  by  the  Company  with  clothing, 
houses,  cattle  and  land,  &c.,  which  were,  from  time  to  time,  carried  to  account  against  them, 
in  the  hope  that  payment  would  be  made  sometime  or  other. 

If  the  New  England  taxes,  already  mentioned,  be  compared  with  those  of  New  Netherland, 
twill  be  found  that  the  people  of  the  former  country  are  more  heavily  taxed  than  ours.    The 
taxes  in  New  Netherland  are  : 
An  excise  on  wine  of  one  stiver  per  can,  first  imposed  in  the  year  1647. 
An  excise  on  beer  of  three  guilders  per  tun,  laid  on  by  Kieft  in  the  year  1644, 
Which  excise  is  paid  by  the  Tapster  and  not  by  the  Burgher. 

A  duty  of  eight  per  cent  on  exported  beavers,  which  falls,  not  on  the  colonist,  but  on  the 
merchant,  who  is  bound  to  pay  it,  according  to  contract. 

The  Director  always  manifested  a  desire,  and  was  pleased  to  see  a  delegation",  from  the 
Commonalty,  which  should  seek  in  Fatherland  from  the  Company,  as  Patroons,  and  the  Lords 
btates,  as  Sovereigns,  the  following,  viz': 

Population ;  settlement  of  boundaries  ;  reduction  of  the  duties  on  New  Netherland  tobacco. 
&c. ;  facilities  for  emigration  ;  permanent  and  solid  privileges,  &c. 

He  always  offered  to  assist  in  the  promotion  of  these  objects,  but  the  Remonstrants  had 
recourse  to  underhand  ways  ;  they  excited  some  of  the  Commonalty,  from  whom  they  obtained 
clandestine  and  secret  certificates,  and  aimed  at  nothing  less  as  their  Remonstrance  proves,  than 
to  render  the  Company,  their  Patroons,  and  the  officers  in  New  Netherland,  (except  such  as  are 
devoted  to  them.)  odious  before  their  High  Mightinesses,  so  as  by  that  means  to  deprive  the 
Company  of  the  Jus  Palronatua,  and  inflict  on  it  further  injury. 

The  Remonstrants  assert  that  we  had  courted  the  English  in  order  through  them  to  distract 
the  Board,  as  they  call  it.  This  statement  is  untrue,  as  appears  by  the  propositions  submitted 
to  them.  'Tis  worthy  of  remark  here,  however,  that  the  English  residing  under  the  protection 
of  the  Dutch,  have  taken  an  oath  of  fidelity,  and  are  domiciliated  and  settled  in  New 
Netherland ;  they  are  therefore  to  be  accounted  fellow  citizens  of  the  country,  which  these 
persons  have  always  opposed,  because  the  English  would,  as  well  as  they,  have  had  some 
voice  in  the  delegation,  and  would  not  subscribe  to  all  the  calumnies  and  slanders,  but  aimed 
solely  at  the  good  of  the  country  and  of  its  inhabitants.  No  postil  was  ever  affixed  to  the 
petition,  authorizing  them  to  go  and  speak  privately  to  the  Commonalty.  The  intention  of 
the  Director  was.  to  have  the  people  convoked  at  his  own  time  and  when  the  proper  season 


If'' 

if  '•■ 

It  4j- 


P 


ui 


^  I 


430 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPXa 


arrived,  when  they  might  be  addressed  publicly  on  the  subject  of  the  delegation.  The 
Director  was  not  obliged,  as  alleged,  to  have  the  people  called  together  immediatisly ;  he  must 
be  the  judge  of  the  time,  and  when  every  one  could  leave  home  conveniently,  and  without 
serious  loss,  especially  as  some  lived  far  in  the  interior,  etc. 

The  unwillingness  of  the  Remonstrants  to  communicate,  arose  from  the  circumstance,  that 
all  whom  they  now  paint  in  such  ugly  colois,  could  have  provided  them  elves  with  means  of 
defence,  and  have  the  contrary  proved,  and  in  that  case  would  be  able  to  produce  something 
even  from  some  of  those  very  persons.  And  as  the  Director  and  those  belonging  to  the 
government  in  New  Netherland  are  sorely  wronged  and  defamed,  I  request  time,  in  order  to 
await,  if  necessary,  documents  to  the  contrary  from  New  Netherland. 

Verdonck  and  his  colleagues  say,  that  the  Director  had  instituted  personal  actions  against 
some.  The  Director  arriving  at  the  house  of  one  Michiei  Jansen,  a  co-signer  of  the 
Remonstrance,  was  notified  by  said  Michiei  and  by  Thomas  Hall,  saying:— "  A  scandalous 
Journal  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck  h  within  there."  The  Director  took  this  Journal  away  with 
him,  and  on  account  of  the  calumnies  and  aspersions  it  contained,  as  well  against  their  High 
Mightinesses  as  against  individ-^als.  Van  der  Donck  was  confined  to  his  lodgings,  and  required 
to  prove  what  he  had  wril  ew ;  be  was  released,  however,  on  the  intercession  and  at  the 
request  of  others. 

The  publication  and  posting  of  a  notice  in  Kieft's  and  Stuyvesant's  administrations,  to 
the  effect  that  no  declaration  or  other  public  writing  should  have  any  legal  force  in  New 
Netherland,  except  written  by  the  Secretary,  did  not  proceed  from  any  design  to  prevent  the 
preparation  of  evidence,  but  from  this  consideration:  — Those  living  in  New  Netherland  are,  for 
the  most  part,  country  people  and  seafaring  men,  who  summon  each  other  frequently  before 
the  court. for  mere  trifles;  many  of  them  cannot  read  or  write,  and  several  produce  no 
intelligible  papers  or  evidence ;  and  if  anything  were  brought  forward,  'twas  written  sometimes 
by  a  sailor  or  farmer,  oftentimes  wholly  indistinct,  and  entirely  repugnant  to  the  meaning  or 
declaration  of  the  person  who  had  caused  it  to  be  written.  The  consequence  was,  the  Director 
and  Council  could  not  learn  the  facts  of  the  case  properly,  and  in  accordance  with  justice,  &c. 

No  persons  have  been  arrested,  during  Stuyvesant's  administration,  but  Verdonck  for 
writing  the  Journal  and  Augustyn  Heermans,  Gabri's  clerk,  for  having  refused  to  produce 
the  writings  which  were  drawn  up  for  circulation  among  the  Nine  men.  This  was  told  to  the 
Director,  who  had  been  repeatedly  for  them,  like  a  little  boy. 

On  the  Ist  point  of  the  Redress,  as  they  term  it,  these  Remonstrants  advise  that  the 
Company  ought  to  abandon  the  country,  and  decamp.  Can  there  be  a  more  frivolous 
suggestion? 

The  Company  conveyed  thither,  at  its  own  expense,  cattle  and  a  number  of  people;  built 
a  fortress,  succored  many  persons  who,  on  arriving  from  Holland,  were  poor  and  in  distress, 
and  furnished  them  with  clothing  and  provisions,  and  now  that  some  of  them  possess  a  little 
more  u  ,=,  ,hey  can  consume  in  a  day,  thgy  would  fain  be  released  from  the  authority  of  their 
beneOict,  r-r   ir,  i,  if  possibi  .  e  en  without  paying— a  sign  of  gross  ingratitude. 

The  CM'iiUr;  Has  been,  up  to  the  present  time,  nothing  but  a  source  of  expense  to  the 
Company,  and  now  when  'tis  in  a  position  to  provide  henceforward  for  itself,  and  there  is 
some  hope  that  'twill  be  a  source  of  profit  to  the  Company  hereafter,  these  people  are 
unwilling  to  pay  the  tenths  they  honestly  owe  at  the  end  of  ten  years,  according  to  the 
Exemptions  which  they  invoke. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    V. 


481 


On  the  2nd  point  they  say :  that  provision  ought  to  be  made  for  ecclesiastical  and  municipal 
property,  divme  service,  and  for  an  asylum  for  orphans  and  aged  people.  If  they  are  such 
patriots  as  they  appear  to  be,  let  them  be  leaders  in  generous  contributions  for  such  laudable 
objects,  and  not  complain  when  the  Directors  requested  a  collection  towards  the  erection  of 
a  Church  and  school.  What  complaints  would  there  be.  were  the  Director  to  demand  a 
collection  for  an  asylum  for  aged  people  and  orphans.  Divine  service  will  not  be  interrupted, 
by  the  absence  of  D' Johannes  Backerus.  who.  however,  has  been  there  only  27  months. 

Thpn''  7r"r'°r^''n  .  '"''*'/  ''""'•^  ^"^  ^'"^'y  '^'''Wnan.  who  requires  no  interpreter 
when  defending  the  Reformed  Religion  against  any  minister  of  our  neighbors^  the 
English  Brownists. 

The  preceding  are,  in  fact,  the  points  requiring  any  answer.  We  shall  add  thereunto 
as  follow*  ''""""  ""P^cting  the  persons  who  have  signed  the  Remonstrance.    They  are 

Adriaen  van  der  Donck   has   been  about  8  years  in   New  Netherland;   he  originally 

ZtlS  Z  "  uZ'l"  *''r'"P'°3^  "'■  '^'  co-proprietors  in  the  Colonie  of  Renselaers  wyck. 
but  did  not  long  hold  that  ofBce ;  he  resided  in  the  Colonie.  however,  until  the  year  1646 

Arnoldus  VAN  Hardenberch  accompanied  Hay  Jansen.  in  1644.  to  New  Netherland.  with 
a  cargo  for  his  brother,  where  he  never  suffered  any  let  or  damage,  to  our  knowledge;  but 
he  knows  how  to  charge  the  colonists  well  for  his  wares. 

CatHTe  tXTuir  ""  '"  '''  ''^"^  """  ^"^'"^*-'  '^'"«'  ^«  ^«  "°-  '-  "^-^  ^° 
Jacob  van  CotnvENHovEN  having,  when  a  lad.  accompanied  his  father  to  that  country,  was 
taken  by  Wouter  van  Twiller  into  the  Company's  service  as  an  assistant,  and  becomTng 
afterwards  a  tobacco  planter,  the  Company  helped  him.  as  is  to  be  seen  by  the  books,  with 
necessaries ;  but  they  have  been  paid  for.  ».  """i 

Olof  Stevensen.  brother-in-law  of  Covert  Loockermans.  went  out  in  the  year  1637.  in  the 
ship  the  Hartng,  as  a  soldier  in  the  Company's  service ;  was  promoted  by  Director  Kieft  and 
finally  appointed  Commissary  of  the  store;  he  has  profited  by  the  Company's  service  and  is 
endeavorirg  to  give  his  benefactor  the  pay  of  the  world;  that  is,  evil  for  good.  He  has 
signed  under  protest,  saying  he  was  obliged  to  sign,  which  can  be  understood  two  ways- 
either  that  he  felt  obliged  to  subscribe  to  the  truth,  or  that  he  was  constrained  thereunto' 
If  he  intends  the  latter,  he  must  prove  it.  "icujio. 

th«*rT'  ^T^""  ^T  °"'  'V^'  ''P'^^'y  '^  farm-servant  in  the  employ  of  the  partners  of 
the  Colon  e  of  Renselaers  wyck,  in  New  Netherland.     He  made  his  fortune  in  a  few  years 

land  Manhatans  in  the  year  1646.  He  was  to  have  come  hither,  but  accounts  not  be  ng 
settled  between  h.m  and  the  Colonie.  as  he  has  a  claim  which  the  partners  do  not  admit! 
Jan  Evertsen  came  over  in  his  stead.  au'un, 

Thomas  Hall  came  to  the  South  river  in  1635.  in  the  service  of  an  Englishman  named 
Mr  Horns  who  intended  at  the  time  to  rob  us  of  the  South  river  of  New  Netherland, 
mcludingfor  Nassouw,  and  ran  away  from  his  master  there;  arriving  at  the  Manhatans,  he 
hired  himself  as  farm-servant  to  Jacob  van  Curler.  Becoming  a  freeman,  he  made  a  tobacco 
plantation  on  Wouter  van  Tw.ller's  land;  he  has  also  been  overseer  (^«^«rter).  Twiller 
knows  the  man.    Thomas  Hall  resides,  at  present,  on  a  little  bouwerie  belonging  to  the 


482 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Elbert  Elbertzen,  arriving  in  the  country  as  a  farm  lad,  was  about  10  or  eleven  years  in 
TVouter  van  Twilier's  service,  and  has  never  had  any  land  of  his  own.  About  three  years 
ago  he  married  the  widow  of  Gerrit  Wolphertsen  (brother  of  the  abovementioned  Jacob  van 
Couwenhoven),  and  is,  therefore,  up  to  the  present  time,  in  the  Company's  debt,  from  the 
payment  of  which  he  would  apparently  like  to  be  relieved. 

GovERT  LoocKERMANs,  brother-in-law  of  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven,  went  to  New  Netherland 
in  1G33,  as  cook's  mate  in  the  yacht  St.  Martyn;  was  taken  by  Wouter  van  Twiiler  into  the 
Company's  service ;  having  realized  some  profit  in  it,  he  became  a  freeman,  and  finally  took 
charge  of  the  trade  of  Gillis  Verbruggen  and  company,  in  New  Netherland.  This  Loockmans 
ought  to  show  his  gratitude  to  the  Company,  under  God,  for  his  prosperity,  and  not  plot  to 
deprive  it  of  the  country. 

Hbndrick  Kip  is  a  tailor,  and  has  never  sufldred  any  injury  in  ?>'ew  Netherland  to 
our  knowledge. 

Jan  Evertsen  Bout,  formerly  in  T  e  Company's  service,  went  over  the  last  time  in 
the  year  1034,  in  the  ship  the  Eendracht,  in  the  employment  of  Hon"'"  Michiel  Pauw ; 
resided  at  Pavonia  until  the  year  1G43,  and  prospered  somewhat;  and  as  the  Hon""  Company 
purchased  Mr.  Pauw's  property,  the  said  Jan  Evertsen  got  on  right  veil  in  its  service, 
it  having  acquired  M'  Pauw's  interest.  And  as  his  house  and  barn,  at  Pavonia,  were  burnt 
in  the  war,  which  he  seems  to  mak-  a  pretext  for  his  complaint,  'tis  proper  to  observe 
here,  that  the  Hon""  Company  having  paid  fl.2G,000  for  Mr.  Pauw's  Colonic,  made  a  free  gift 
to  the  said  Jan  Evertsen,  long  after  the  houue  was  burnt,  of  the  land  whereon  his  house  stood 
and  of  the  bouwerie,  which  produced  good  wheat.  Michel  Jansen  purchased  that  farm  and  a 
poor,  unfinished  house,  with  some  few  cattle,  for  fl.8000. 

In  fine,  these  people,  glozing  over  their  acts,  say  they  are  bound  by  opth  and  obliged  by 
conscience;  but,  had  this  any  force,  they  would  not  thus  assail  the  Company  and  others,  their 
benefactors,  nor  seek  to  strip  them  of  this  noble  country  by  advising  a  conveyance  of  it,  now 
that  it  begins  to  assume  some  shape;  promises  to  make  the  Company  some  return,  and  when 
many  of  the  colonists  find  themselves  in  better  circumstances  than  ever.  Ambition,  apparently, 
p'ompts  many,  &c. 

Ady  29.  November,  1650.     The  Hague. 


<    •'. 


Extract  of  Ohftervationa  on  the    West  India  Qmjiany's  Affairs. 

I  From  tl»  MS.  In  Ih*  Bnjral  ArehIrM  •!  Iho  Hafnc ;   rx>kn<'iu  of  thn  AuIm  0.n»r.l ;   Rohrlf  Wut  MitoJu  <\mp<,fnU,  No.  n  j  Brwlllia  put 

rriha  Diitidle,  \^.] 

The  Committee  of  the  prncipal  Partners  of  the  West  India  Company  at 
Amsterdam,  havin»  hdard  the  report  of  the  business  nt  the  Hague,  have 
resolved  to  comr.umcate  their  opinion  thereupon  as  follows:— 

5.  As  regards  New  Netherland,  they  are  of  opinion  that  the  trade  ought  to  he  encouraged 
with  the  Eame  freedoms,  and  the  charges  thereon  ought  to  be  on  the  same  footing,  as  in  New 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    V. 


488 


[  Without  any  year,  but  found  with  papers  of  the  year  1650.  ] 


wi 


fatherland  to 


Jie.olutlon  of  tU  States  General  on  a  Petition  of  AdrLn  van'der  Donch. 

[Froin.h.E*gW.,of  W«,  IndU  Afti™,  !««_,„.,  1«  .h.  Uo,.,  Arch.™ .,  U>a  n.r...  ] 

Saturday,  14"'  January,  1G51. 
Read  to  the  Assembly  the  Petition  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck.  delegated  by  the 
People  of  New  Netherland,  again  praying  that  a  speedy  and  necess'ary  reJr  s 
A  n  r  J^^yl^^^"""^^^'^  «n  '"  regard  to  the  affairs  of  New  Netherland.  Whereupon 
dehberafon  be,ng  had.  t  is  resolved  and  concluded  th.t  the  aforesaid  Petition  be  pkc  d  n  Z 
hands  of  Messrs.  Aertsbergen  and  the  other  their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies  fothe  West 
lad.a  affaus,  m  order  to  examine  the  same  and  to  make  use  of  its  information  and  ad  ice 


Folio  MT. 

Peopla  of  New 

Netherland. 

Bedreat. 


Eeedution  of  the  States  Ome,'al  o.    the  liecords  of  tU  Indm  Companies. 

t  Vfom  Ih.  BagUtar  of  Waat  Indl.  Amilr.,  1688  -  1«5I,  In  the  Boj.1  Arohlraa  .1  Ih,  n.,ue.  ] 

Saturday,  H"-  January,  1651. 

Fo„o..T.  On  motion  of  Secretary  Ruysch,  it  is,  on  deliberation,  resolved  and  concluded 

-^^ofsecreur.  t.,at  their  High  Mightinesses-  Resolutions  respecting  the  East  and  West  '^dia 

Krf  .t.  Compan.es  bo  continued  to  be  kept  in  separate  Registers  pursuant  to  their  High 

diaoompaniaa.       M.ghtinesses' fesolution  of  the  IG'"  April,  1638.  f'r  "ign 


aOj  Brunian  pari 


Order  to  Secretary  van  Tienhaven  tn  answer  Interrogatories. 

t  From  Ih.  Mln..l.a  In  the  Ro,»|  irchl,,.  at  Ih.  ni*,,,,  rila,  »•««  ImlU.  ] 

the'affa^rn'rhrw" .";'";  "n  ''''''''  '^""  ^"''''  ''"'''"''  ""  '^°  United  Netherlands,  for 
to  serves  /.  n  ,"  "  Company,  hereby  order  Mr.  Harmon  van  Z.,ylen  van  Nyvelt 
ou  ,  I  T  '  Tf'  ""  ''-'"""hoven  with  a  duplicate  of  certain  point,  and  article, 
iLhtir  "Z\1\'"  ""  '"  """^  Netherland.  submitted  and  exhibLl  to  tb  i  '  h 
MighUnesse.  on  21.t  July,  1060.  and  the  aforesaid  Thienhovea  .hall  be  obliged,  pur^^amt 

oo 


I 


^. 


484 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


their  High  Mightinesses'  resolution  of  the  9'*  August,  of  said  year,  to  answer  and  enter  his 
reply  thereunto,  within  the  space  of  eight  days  after  the  receipt  and   service  hereof;   and 
meanwhile  to  remain  here  at  the  Hague,  without  leaving. 
Done  at  the  Hague  aforesaid,  7  February,  1651. 

By  order  of  the  aforesaid  Lords,  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies. 


<■■»!■» 


Eesoluthn  of  the  States  General  summoning  Seci-etary  van  Tienhoven  and  Jan  C. 

Damen  hefoi'e  them. 

[From  tha  BegUter  of  WeU  India  ASkin,  l«88-ie&l,  In  Ihe  Boyal  Arehlraa  at  Iha  Hafoa.] 

Tuesday,  14'"  March,  1661. 
Folio  «T.  On  the  report  of  Mess"  Van  Aertsbergen  and  the  other  their  High  Mightinesses' 

Nwhwhinu"'" ''"'  Deputies  for  West  India  affairs,  it  is,  after  previous  deliberation,  resolved  and 
concluded,  that  the  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  residing  in  Amsterdam  shall  be 
ThiMhoran.  written  to,  to  direct  Jan  Claes*  Damen  and  Cornelus  van  Tienoven,  Secretary 

in  New  Netherland,  to  come  hither  by  the  first  opportunity,  and  to  appear  before 
the  abovenamed  Mess"  Aertsbergen  and  the  other  their  High  Mijrhtinesses'  Deputies,  and  not 
to  depart  for  New  Netherland  before  and  until  they  will  have  been  here.  And  said  Tienoven, 
on  coming  here,  simll  be  summoned  and  notified  promptly  to  answer  before  the  said 
Deputies  the  interrogatories  heretofore  communicated  to  him.  And  this  their  High 
Mightinesses'  resolution,  as  well  as  the  letters  consequent  thereon,  shall  be  dispatched  and 
sent  off  without  reconsideration. 


.» .  ■  ♦  ■■»■»- 


iff     7 


States  General  to  the  Chamber  of  the   We^t  India  Company  at  Amsterdam, 

[  from  tba  Brglilar  at  rUftaiu  BtUmk  of  Iha  BUIaa  Oanaral,  In  Iha  Boyal  Arehlraa  at  Iha  Uapie.  J 

Thb  States,  etc. 

Follow.  Honorable,  &c.     We  have  this  day  heard  and  considered  the  Report  of  Mess" 

van  Aertsbergen  and  other  our  Deputies  for  West  India  affairs,  and  have  accordingly,  after 
previous  deliberation,  resolved  to  request  and  require  you  hereby,  to  direct  Jan  Claesi 
"imr  Damen  and  Cornells  van  Thienhoven,  Secretary  of  New  Netherland,  to  come 
Thi«ho..n.  hither  by  the  first  opportunity  to  appear  before  the  said  Mess"  van  Aertsbergen 
and  the  other  our  Deputies,  and  not  depart  for  New  Netherland  before  and  until  they  shall 
have  been  here,  whereon  relying.     Done  14  March,  1G61. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


and  Jan  0. 


485 


JieeoluUon  of  the  States  General  referring  a  Letter  of  the  Amsterdam  Chan^. 

Tuesday,  81  March  1661. 

HtfhTrr''  «_'««"  fr-  the  Directors  of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Co,npany 
H  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam  dated  25.-.  instant,  being  an  answer  to  their  E 
M.ghtmesses'  letter  of  the  U-  of  this  month,  to  the  effect  that  Jan  Jans-  Dan  en 
has  returned  to  New  Netherland,  and  that  Secretary  Corneiis  van  Tie  hove"  i^ 

— -    -"•      i^hir       r  "'  '''*'  ^'^^  ^^^  ""'  '^"'"^  ^"'  "«  -•"  afford  theiHgh 
c..„,K.w»...  M.ghfn^sses  .nformat.on  on  all  points.     Whereupon  deliberation  being  had   it  i. 

Mess«  Aersbe  ;:';1dterhtreirSi;;  Vr '^  '"n'  ''''  ''  '''-'  ^  ^'^  '^^^ ^^ 
inspect  and  examine  it  and  re^or;  uZ^    '"''"""  '^'"'"'^^  for  West  India  affair,  to 


FoUo  MO. 

Chamber  at  A  nuier- 

(!uni. 

Dftmen  and 
Tienhoreo. 


Hesolvtion  of  the  States  General  fading  Secretary  van  Tienhooen  to  depart 

I  rrom  th.  n^,...r  .r  R«ol„,|«,.  Of  *,  8...«  G.„„,,  „  „,.  e.,^  A«hl,«  ..  u..  Hv«.  ] 


Friday,  Slst  April  1651. 
.^It  *^..^       '^!';  Pf  "■«"  "''  ^'--'^tin  Beeckman  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf  of  Mr  Harm„„ 


—        ■»««  ♦  11 » 


States  Ge,.eral  to  the  Cha,nUr  of  the   West  India  Gon,pany  at  Amsterdam. 

Thb  States,  ktc. 

ThiTh"*"       ."""°"'':''''  *^-  '^»'"<""  w«  «re  certainly  informed  that  Secretary  Cornell,  van 
Th.en  oven  ,s  .nlenJing  to  proceed  on  an  earlj  day  to  New  Netherlnnd.  w    hLe  reso  ved^o 


ii! 


436  NEW-rORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Petition  of  certain  Dutch  Merchants  to  the  States  General. 

I  From  the  OrigtuI  Id  tb«  Bofal  Archlrcs  il  (he  Htgae ;  FUe,  Wtit  tndU.  ] 

To  the  Noble,  High  and  Mighty,  the  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 

The  resident  merchants  of  these  United  Netherlands  respectfully  and   with   reverence 
represent  that  they  have  traded  for  upwards  of  twenty  years  past,  to  all  the  Caribbean  islands 
and  to  Virginia,  by  which  commerce  the  aforesaid  places  have,  from  very  feeble  beginnings  and 
appearances— yea,  utter  inability  of  themselves,  — so  improved  from  time  to  time,  and  been 
brought  10  such  condition  as  to  be  at  present  a  source  of  astonishment  to  the  whole  world. 
This  trade  has  been  prosecuted  with  considerable  profit  for  the  inhabitants  of  this  Province, 
though  not  without  great  risk,  because  they  must  always  invest  and  intrust  a  heavy  capital  to 
people  of  the  aforesaid  places,  whom  they  have  frequently  assisted  in  their  misfortune  and 
great  necessity,  and  brought,  with  food  and  raiment,  out  of  extreme  ruin.     This  trade  was 
formerly   prosecuted  by  all  nations    freely  and   unincumbered,    and    notwithstanding  the 
inhabitants  of  the  aforesaid  places  and  islands,  have,  by  means  of  our  supplies  and  liberal 
credits,  had  the  opportunity  to  improve   and   advance  their  Colonies  to  their   incalculable 
advantage,  and  to  such  a  flourishing  state,  yet  an  attempt  is  now  being  made,  regardless  of 
what  we  have  contributed  to  their  prosperity,  to  exclude  us  from  the  trade  to  said  places,  and 
those  of  the  Parliament  of  England  have  issued  a  certain  notice  to  that  efl'ect,  prohibiting  the 
trade  to  Islands  where  they  or  their  nation  have  any  Colonies,  anc'  particularly  to  the  Virginias, 
on  pain  of  the  forfeiture  of  ship  and  goods,  and  of  being  treated  ae  enemies.    'Tis  indeed  true 
that  they  have  fixed  some  time  in  their  prpclamation,  but  it  is  so  short  that  'tis  impossible  to 
obey  it,  and  utterly  impracticable  to  get  in  from  thence  our  ships,  unsold  goods  and  outstanding 
debts  within  the  said  time,  we  being  allowed  for  that  purpose,  only  from  the  S"  October, 
1650,  the  day  of  publication,  until  the  20""  March,  1661  j  after  which  day,  our  ships  found 
returning  thence,  or  trading  anywhere  else,  on  or  near  those  places,  are  declared  good  prizes. 
All   the  merchants   interested   in   said    trade,  are,  therefore,   obliged    to  address  themselves 
respectfully  to  you.  High    and   Mighty,   with    due   reverence,   humbly   praying   your   High 
Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  take  into  serious  consideration,  this  matter,  which  is  of  such 
importance  and  advantage  to  this  state,  so  that  they  may  not  only  be  freod  from  the  rigor  of 
the  aforesaid  proclamation,  but  be  also  maintained  and  continued  in  the  privilege  of  trading 
to  the  abovementioned  islands  and  places;  and  to  be  pleased  to  give  extraordinary  instructions 
for  that  purpose,  and,  if  possible,  at  the  earliest  moment,  to  the  Noble,  High  and  Mighty  Lords 
Commissioners,  whom  your  High  Mightinesses  have  appointed  to  treat  with  the  Ambassadors 
from  England,  as  we  have  been  informed,  for  a  certainty,  that  a  considerable  number  of  men 
of  war  lie  in  the  harbor  of  Falmoutii,  prepared  to  enforce  that  proclamation,  and  'tis  reported 
that  they  have  already  sailed  thither;  so  that  your  petitioners  may  be  saved  from  loss,  and  not 
deprived  of  a  trade  so  advantageous  to  all  the  inhabitants  of  this  Province.     For,  independent 
of  the  profit  accruing  from  ship-building  and  what  is  connected  therewith,  our  cargoes,  which 
are  exported  thither  to  the  value  yearly  of  several  millions,  consist,  not  of  gold,  silver,  or  any 
description  of  coin,  but  exclusively  of  all  sorts  of  domestic  manufactures,  breweil  beer,  linen 
cloth,  brandies,  or  other  distilled  liquors,  duffels,  coarse  cloth,  and  other  articles  suitable  for 
food  and  raiment  for  the  people  inhabiting  those  places,  in  return  for  vhich  are  imported  all 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    V. 


sorts  of  eastern  commodities,  as  from  Virginia,  beavers  and  other  eastern  furs,  considerable 
to  acco,  and  from  the  Caribbean  islands  a  large  quantity  of  sugars,  tobacco.  i^dTgo  g  „er 
cotton  and  d.vers  sorts  of  valuable  wood,  affording  extensive  trade  by  the  exportation  o    faid 

171     T'T  "    ''  ""  ?■■  '"'  ''''-'  -"'"''"ting  to  the  support  of  Several  thousand 
people,  mdependent  of  the  profit  of  common  stock. 

(Signed)        Jean  Gabry.  Goycken  Elber,  W-  Watson,  Gilles  Verbrugge  and  Son 
Jean  Schuyl,  Egbert  Dolm  ,   Pieter  Bert,  Abraham  van  Susteren.' 

Adam  van  Germez,  Jaques  de  la  Rue,  Willem  Reyerssen,  Solomon  van 
der  Burch,  Jan  Jansen  van  Dinter,  H.  Colyn,  Jan  Claese  Langedyck  and 
ComP/,  Willem  Kalff,  Hendrick  Stocqman,  Pieter  de  Lageur,  Joan 
Kley,  Isac  Foucquier,  D.  Strycker,  Geraert  Smitos,  P  Goethals,  Joorii 

y, ^^^  ^-  ^^^ssa,  Egbert  Senit,  Jeremia  van  Collen,  Guilliaem 

Momma,  Rombout  Lefer,  Gasparo  van  Collen,  Joan  van  den  Velde 
Andries  Pols,  Jacques  Tliiery.  D.  Haen  Jun',  A.  Boelens,  Joannes  Faes' 
Jacob  van  Eschwiler.  Watt  Fuls,  Jeronimo  de  Haze  Jun'.,  Bait' 
Schouten,  Egb'  Cor'  Schouten,  Godefridt  Wassenbergh,  Guyl" 
Bartolott,  Rouan  Ben  Isaack  de  Neufviele,  Balthy  Jan  Coyirian,  Dierck 
van  de  Perre,  Justus  Baeck. 


Secret  Resolution  of  the  States  General. 

[  From  tht  B«gM«r  of  Ihe  B«en«  RmoIuUod.  of  th«  SUit«.  OmMml,  In  th.  Bojil  Archlrc.  .t  th.  Hifii..  ] 

Thursday,  83  November,  1661. 
M'  Veth.  president  of  the  Assembly,  hath  suggested  to  their  High  Mightinesses 

„":ntn„»  ,    r  fV'r  t'u"""''''"  Extraordinary,  proceeding  hence  to  England, 

ought  not  to  be  recommended  by  fur. her  and  express  resolution,  to  endeavor,  by  all  possible 
2'nii5"d."-ill5  '"«^"''  ''"'^  appliances,  that  the  inhabitants  of  this  country  may  resort  to,  and  trade 
v..n,..  with  the  Caribbean  islands  and  places  in  Virginia,  in  the  sa'me  manner  asly 

have  hitherto  resorted  and  traded  thither,  irrespective  of  whether  said  islands  or  places  were 
firs  or  shoud  be  hereafter  occupied  or  possessed  by  the  inhabitants  and  subjects  of  the 
I  "'•'•a-ent  of  the  Republic  of  England,  or  of  those  United  Netherlanda.  any  prohibition  made 
or  published  by  the  one  party  or  th,  other,  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.  Whereupon 
deliberation  being  had.  it  is  resolved  and  concluded,  hereby  seriously  to  recommend  to  thj 
aid  Ambassadors,  in  addition  to  the  performance  of  the  other  articles  of  their  instruction, 
the  negotiation  of  the  aforesaid  11""  article.  "'rucuon. 


438 


NEW-YORK  CO1.ONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Memorial  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donch. 


t  From  lh«  MS.  in  the  Eoyil  Arohlret  at  th<  Higa« ;  LoMkat  of  lh«  BlatM  G«ner.l ;  DlrUlon,  We>*  IndUdU  Ompatitit,  No.  8«.  ] 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherland  Provinces. 

Th.  8t,t«.  o.n,nd  Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  agent  of  the  Commonalty  of  New  Netherland,  represents 
"Ii'.lTdo/.'^.'i'A'';  respectfully,  to  your  High  Mightinesses  that  on  reiterated  complaints, 
^i«jTnd'"eondu'-  remonstrances  and  representations  to  your  High  Mightinesses  in  this  regard,  such 
Kpen^fi  K?tl^;  progress  has  been  made  that  not  only  a  written  report  has  followed,  but,  with  a 
mU  jiigMin^'  view  to  maintain  better  order  in  that  country  and  in  this  matter,  divers  good  and 
R,'^;;!;'"..''*?.""^.  wholesome  resolutions  have  been  adopted  by  you,  High  and  Mighty,  on  the  1" 
DonraTilla  AiS^ml  gjjj  jjih  April,  1650,  Tiud  on  14'*  March  and  21"  April,  1651,  so  that  the  entire 
oMriu^ihf*?^  Commonalty  there,  on  seeing  the  written  report  and  aforesaid  orders  which  were 
fpSJr'  communicated  by  the  Delegates  whom  you.  High  and  Mighty,  permitted  to  go 
Byorrte"o'"h''.'J^t.  thither,  entertained  now  very  high  hopes,  and  each  and  every  of  them  promised 
*N.kuT«oB.  themselves  the  enjoyment  of  the  good  and  long  wished  for  fruits  thereof,  and  to 
be  able  to  thank  your  High  Mightinesses  for  them. 

But  with  grief,  regret  and  sorrowful  eyes  must  they  witness  and  behold  that,  to  the  country's 
ruin  and  their  own  exceeding  great  damage  and  derangement,  Stuyvesant,  Director  in  New 
Netherland,  and  a  few  French  and  English  Councillors,  appointed  neither  by  your  High 
Mightinesses  nor  by  the  Hon"'"  West  India  Company,  but  by  him,  the  Director,  according  to 
his  own  pleasure,  in  opposition  to  the  protest  of  the  other  officers  known  to,  appointed  by 
your  High  Mightinesses  and  the  Hon""  West  India  Company  and  possessing  jurisdiction  with 
the  Director  in  that  country,  have  so  ill-received  your  High  Mightinesses'  authority  and  orders 
that  the  said  orders  not  only  have  been  disregarded  and  passed  over,  but  the  direct  contrary 
thereof  has  been  put  into  practice  without  any  member  of  the  government  being  at  liberty  to 
make  an  objection  thereunto,  unless  at  the  risk  of  being  affronted  by  every  means,  direct  and 
indirect,  and  banished,  as  your  High  Mightinesses  will  be  fully  able  to  perceive  from  the 
annexed  protest  and  following  examples. 

The  Director  was  not  willing  to  communicate  to  the  other  Councillors  appointed  by  your 
High  Mightinesses  and  the  Hon""  Company,  your  High  Mightinesses'  general  letters  dated 
the  Ist  and  II'*  April,  and  given  to  the  Delegates  on  their  departure,  so  that  such  refusal  was 
protested  against,  as  is  to  be  seen  by  the  document  hereunto  annexed. 

The  guns  which  were  sent  over,  are  not  stamped  and  distributed  according  to  order,  but  the 
Director  first  took  possession  of  all  of  them,  sold  some  of  them  to  the  Indians  or  Natives  of 
the  country,  and  refused  to  leave  the  remainder  at  the  disposal  of  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven 
thereunto  qualified  by  your  High  Mightinesses'  resolution  dated  11'"  April,  1650,  so  that  the 
whole  affair  has  got  into  confusion. 

The  Commonalty  are  not  only  not  disciplined  nor  armed,  pursuant  to  your  High 
Mightinesses'  order,  but  when  such  was  repeatedly  demanded  by  the  Select  men  pursuant  to 
your  High  Mightinesses'  issued  commands,  they  were  dismissed  with  hard  words,  by  the 
Director  who  only  answered  —  I  shall  do  so  when  I  please ;  so  that  this  matter  has  been  treated 
with  contempt  up  to  the  present  time,  contrary  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  order. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    VI. 


489 


By  said  letter  dated  11'-  April.  1650.  your  High  Hightinesses  also  command  that  Vice 
Director  Dmcklagen  and  the  Select  men  be  continued  until  further  order;  but  this  has  not 
been  obeyed,  the  direct  contrary  has  been  done,  for  in  opposition  to  this  your  High 
Mightinesses'  instruction;  in  violation  of  their  settled  right  of  nomination  signed  by  the 
Director  himself,  and  contrary  to  all  reason  and  equity,  the  Select  men  were  altogether 
suddenly  and  unexpectedly  dismissed  by  Director  Stuyvesant,  and  again  received  back 
according  to  his  humor. 

Vice  Director  Lubbert  van  Dincklage  has  in  the  presence  and  before  the  eyes  of 
Director  Stuyvesant  been  forcibly  removed  by  soldiers  from  the  Court  where  he  sat  as  joint 
Judge,  and  was  for  several  days  confined  in  the  military  guard-house,  after  which  he  was  not 
suffered  to  go  unmolested,  but  finally  deposed  without  your  High  Mightinesses'  knowledge, 
though  appointed  and  qualified  by  your  High  Mightinesses,  whilst  foreigners,  such  as 
Ji-nghshmen  and  Frenchmen,  neither  nominated  nor  known  by  your  High  Mightinesses,  are 
on  the  contrary,  employed  and  continued. 

Your  High  Mightinesses  have,  also,  by  resolution  of  the  14  March,  1661,  commanded 
Secretary  Cornelis  van  Tienhoven  and  Jan  Claessen  Damen  not  to  depart  for  New  Netherland 
before,  nor  until,  they  had  furnished  your  Hon""  Committee  with  information  on  some 
important  points  respecting  the  war,  and  had  obtained  your  High  Mightinesses'  consent;  but 
Jan  Claessen  Damen  went  off  immediately  after  the  receipt  of  the  notification,  not  reRardiuK 
It  in  the  least.  *         ® 

And  Secretary  Tienhoven,  who  was  accused  and  proved  before  your  High  Mightinesses,  to 
have  been  the  chief  cause  of  the  cruel,  injurious,  unnecessary  and  even  provoked  igeaffectee^de^ 
war  with  the  natives  of  New  Netherland  who  was  sent  hither  by  Director  Stuyvesant  to 
defend  his  causes  pending  before  your  High  Mightinesses,  with  which,  however,  he  gave 
himself  little  or  no  trouble,  having,  in  the  meanwhile  debauched  an  honest  man's  daughter 
here,  under  promise  of  marriage,  (notwithstanding  he  had  a  Wife  and  Children  in  ^avr 
Netherland)  lived  with  her  here  in  continual  dalliance  until  he,  too,  took  his  departure  for 
New  Netherland,  on  the  S'"  May  1650  in  violation  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  iterated  resolution 
and  letters  in  company  with  this  female  whom,  with  the  consent  of  her  friends,  and  under  a 
promise  of  marriage,  he  took  along  with  him  on  ship  board. 

Your  High  Mightinesses  were  also  pleased,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  people  there  to 
license  Derek  van  Schelluyne  as  a  Notary  who  hath  commenced  the  exercise  of  his  profession 
there  with  the  consent  of  the  Director  and  Council,  but  it  being  no  longer  pleasing  to  the 
Director,  he  forbade  him  the  exercise  of  said  office,  regardless  of  your  High  Mightinesses' 
commission,  which  is  in  direct  opposition  to  such  an  act. 

Your  High  Mightinesses  will  clearly  see  from  all  this  and  from  the  annexed  petition  of  the 
people  to  you.  High  and  Mighty,  and  from  the  protest  of  the  Vice  Director  and  Fiscal  who, 
with  the  Select  men  constituted  in  that  country  the  Magistracy  on  behalf  of  your  High 
Mightinesses  and  the  Hon""  West  India  Company  up  to  the  present  time,  that  everything  in  that 
quarter  goes  on  contrary  to  your  High  Mightine.  es'  direct  order,  in  great  confusion,  according 
to  the  will  and  pleasure  alone  of  the  Director  and  his  foreign  Council ;  the  country,  without 
population,  18  reduced  to  the  greatest  ruin  and  brought  under  foreign  nations,  English  and 
Swedes.  Therefore  nothing  is  more  necessary  than  a  good  Redress,  which  we  have  zealously 
and  industriously  solicited  and  importuned  now  for  more  than  two  years  on  behalf  of  the  people. 


440 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Since  the  Select  men  and  the  Magistracy  are  dismissed  contrary  to  your  High  Mightinesses' 
commands,  and  contrary  to  all  right  and  reason,  we  again  humbly  pray  and  request  that  they 
be,  in  conformity  with  your  High  Mightinesses'  granted  order,  again  commissioned  and  that 
they  continue  until  further  directions  from  your  High  Mightinesses;  also,  that  your  High 
Mightinesses  would  be  pleased  to  confirm  by  resolution  the  Report  made  to  your 
High  Mightinesses'  Assembly  on  the  11*  April  1660  by  M'.  van  Aertsbergen  and  the  other 
your  High  Mightinesses'  Committee  for  the  a:'^airs  of  New  Netherland,  and  privately 
communicated  to  us  in  writing,  and  by  us  sent,  with  the  knowledge  and  approval  of  your  High 
Mightinesses'  committee,  to  the  people  of  New  Netherland — 

So  tliat  all  confusions  and  troubles  being  cut  off  thereby,  the  country  may,  by  means  thereof, 
be  brought  into  a  state  of  peaceful  prosperity  in  population  and  trade,  as  New  England,  though 
commenced  several  years  after  us,  hath  now  arrived  to  a  high  degree  of  population  and 
commerce  by  a  similar  mode  of  government  to  that  laid  down  and  contained  in  said  report. 

And  as  no  demand  was  made  by  the  aforesaid  on  your  High  Mightinesses  for  money,  as  in 

the  case  of  the  redress  of  Brazil,  but  merely  an  order  of  government  and  maintenance  against 

violent  infraction  of  privileges  granted  to  the  people  and  Colonists  of  New  Netl.erland ;  so  the 

said  delegate  of  the  Commonalty  of  New  Netherland  again  humbly  prays  and  requests  jour  High 

Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  dispose  favorably  of  the  aforesaid,  in  order  that  he,  the  delegate, 

may  leave  by  the  first  ship  this  spring  on  his  return  for  New  Netherland,  with  your  High 

Mightinesses'  good  resolution,  and  make  a  report  of  his  commission  to  the  great  comfort  and 

joy  of  the  people  there,  who  will  be  thereby  encouraged  to  supplicate  God  Almighty  mure  and 

more  for  the  prosperity  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  administration. 

Which  doing, 

(Signed)        Askiaen  van  des  Donck. 


Sdect  men  of  New  Amsterdam  to  the  States  General. 

[  Fiom  1  US.  In  the  Bojril  ArehlrM  »!  Ibe  Higas ;  LokeOuu  of  Ui<-  CatM  Qenoral ;  Dlrlilan,  Wft  JmlUclit  OompagnU,  ITo.  M.  ] 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the  free  United  Netherland  Provinces,  our 
Most  Illustrious  Sovereigns. 

Gracious  Lords. 

The  sorrowful  and  utterly  prostrate  cohj  this  country  and  its  poor  inhabitants,  have 

we  been  obliged  to  make  known,  in  their  ^o  your  illustrious  High  Mighilnesses,  last 

year,  1649,  by  our  committee  and  delegates,  vfuy  and  plainly,  according  to  our  ability.  Your 
High  Mightinesses'  condescension  in  listening  to  our  sad  and  truthful  complaints  was  a  source 
of  exceeding  great  joy  to  us  and  the  people,  for  which  we  cannot  sufficiently  thank  you ;  but, 
notwithstanding  we  fully  believe  and  are  assured  that  your  High  Mightinesses  are  again 
preoccupied  with  highly  important  affairs,  we  make  bold,  and  our  universal  imperious 
necessity  presses  us  humbly  to  approach  your  High  Mightinesses  once  more,  being  forced  to 
complain  principally  of  great  scarcity,  excessively  onerous  duties,  exactions  and  such  like,  and 
the  grievous  inconvenient  government  over  us  in  these  parts.    The  annexed  protest  of  the 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI.  aai 

Vice  Director  and  A.lvocate  Fiscal  (who  alone  with  the  Director  constitute  the  government 
here)  can  assure  your  High  Mightinesses  thereof  and  how  it  fares  here  at  presfr   Wha 

on  TSlln  ""  ^°"'."'»''  '^"«»'''"«"«'''  P»ti«"ce.  Adriaen  van  der  Donck.  the  deZte 
ZnHlolr  h"  ^77"^"^  ^™'".  °-  A"-bIy.  to  your  High  Mightinesses  at  the  Hogu  wiU 
LT  k/  K,  *  ^''f/"'^""  ^ith  fuller  and  more  ample  information  on  every  point  We 
the  lorT  ^''"!;  "  '7'"'  ^°"'  "'«'  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  reform  aL'  to  redr^! 
Hi^hTJ  >  T''-  ''™"'"'"'  """''"'"'  °'  ''''  -""'^y-  "--''■•"8  to  the  plan  of  you 
fofJf     A  ^T"'  "''  "  y°"  ^"'  P'^'^''^  ^"^  ''«'«™"-«  to  be  proper  for  ou/relief 

e  t  vear  from  ;::r"H'  h  m"  T'  ""•     ""*  ''^"  "^^''^  '^'^'^  «-«»  I  fid'ence  to  rec    v' 
next  year  from  your  H.gh  M.ght.nesses.  the  effect  of  our  tendered  duties,  as  our  service  for 

the  Commonalty  expires  according  to  our  commission  and   instruction  on  next  New  yea^s 

day.  and  the  D.rector.  not  obeying  your  High  Mightinesses'  order,  gives  out  that  heliU  no 

act  on  our  nom.nat.on  of  other  Select  men  to  be  elected  in  place  oflhe  six  who  retire  so  tha 

rh:zHc\;i''orhf""r'"''v^  ™^^'  ^'*«°^^^  '"^^°-'"-  ^n  the;™^ 

Hi.h  M^htl!!  1    ,      ,  """i  7  '"^  ""«"■•     "^^  ^''"  '^'"  represented  the  matter  to  your 

t"Lt  we  m  v  be  I  ""^  t""t"^'  '"  '°"'°"'"y  ^""  ^•'^  "'"'^'-t  t^"t''.  through  dread 

that  we  may  be  harassed,  as  others  have  been  heretofore  with  suits  at  law.  where  no  cause 

on  the  New  year,  we  shall  herewith  commend  to  God's  protection  your  High  Mightinesses' 
persons,  government  and  the  preservation  of  thia  country.     Remaining  Highand  Mighty 

1  our  faithful,  obedient  and  humble  servants.     . 

(Signed)        Augustin  HeAman. 

Jacob  van  Kouwenhovbn. 
Oloff  Stevens. 

In  the  Assembly  of  the  Select  men,  ^'ZZ''  H^""""* 

V  .„  A      .    J         .,     .  IHOMAS  Hall. 

New  AniBterdam.  Manhatans.  j^^  ^^^^^^ 

New  Netherland,  22-  December.  1660.  Elbeet  Elbeets. 

And  by  order  of  said  Selectmen, 

D.  V.  ScHELLEUYNE,  Scribo,  1660. 


Declaration  ruptcting  Director  Stuyvemnt',  Conduct. 
Before  me,  Derek  van  Schelluyue,  created  and  admitted,  by  the  High  and  Miahlv  I  nrA. 
State.  General  of  the  United  Netherlands  a  Notary  Public,  an'd  resilg  in  New  Amfte^dam 
Manhattans,  in  New  Netherland.  appeared  this  day,  the  xix.  P^cember.  XVP  and  fif^  ' 

he  Hon-.  Mess"  Lubbertus  van  Dincklage.  Vice-Director,  and  Henricus  van  Dyck 
Advocate-Fiscal  of  New  Netherland.  declaring,  in  form  of  complaint,  that  Director  Petru. 
Stuyvesant  said,  in  substance,  on  the  fourth  of  July  last,  in  full  court,  that  the  Direc  o  s  of  he 

.eZn  r'T     r   r''^'"  ''""'•'""y  """'  ""'"'^'^  »'""-»  »<»  communicate  to  us  any 
general  letter  either  of  their  Honors,  of  their  High  Mightinesses  tKe  Lord.  States  Genera  .hii 
H  ghnes.  or  other,  relating  to  the  affairs  of  this  country.     They,  accordingly,  declare    ha 
his  Honor,  pursuant  hereunto,  has  not  been  pleased  to  exhibit  or  to  communfca^;  to  u^up  to 
Vol.  L  5q 


r«* 


442 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


this  day,  any  letter  relating  to  public  nffnirs  either  from  the  Company,  from  their  High 
Mightinesses,  or  from  his  Highness.  Item,  that  his  Honor  was  pleased  to  treat  on  public  affai;? 
with  the  English  of  New  England  without  any  resolution  or  concurrence  of  our  Assembly, 
notwithstanding  both  the  one  and  the  other  of  us  protested  against  it  at  divers  times.  That 
his  Honor  conveys  a  great  deal  of  land,  mostly  to  the  English,  and  deeds  thereof  are  issued 
in  the  name  of  the  Director  General  and  Council,  without  our  having  any  knowledge  thereof; 
that  his  Honor  delivers  many  orders,  replies  to  petitions,  judgments  and  sentences  which  his 
clerk,  Jacob  Kip,  issues,  without  our  knowledge  and  advice  ;  that  his  Honor,  also,  disposes  of 
the  ship's  stores  independent  of  us ;  that  his  Honor,  likewise  without  us,  appointed  and 
commissioned,  as  Lieutenant  of  a  company  of  soldiers  consisting  of  28  men,  an  Englishman 
named  Brian  Nuton,  who  does  not  understand  the  Dutch  language,  and  pronounces  judgment, 
with  his  Honor,  on  political  and  all  other  matters.  Item,  he  retains,  as  councillor,  a  Frenchman 
named  La  Montague,  on  like  footing,  who  is  indebted  to  the  Company  fully  ten  thousand 
guilders  ;  and  now,  again,  adjoins  as  Councillor  and  Commissary  one  Carel  Verbruggen,  also 
an  Englishman,  all  without  our  knowledge  and  against  our  will ;  against  all  which  have  we 
and  the  entire  Commonalty  protested,  not  being  subject,  as  freemen,  to  any  Military  council ; 
the  Director  hath  sold  the  Company's  guns  and  cannon,  with  all  sorts  of  munitic  >8  of  war,  to  the 
English  at  Boston ;  he  retains  our  salary,  and  does  not  pay  our  just  share  in  the  captured 
prizes  and  confiscations,  and  thus  the  country  is  exposed,  by  such  rule  and  government,  to  the 
imminent  danger  of  going  to  ruin,  and  ere  long  to  fall  into  foreign  hands  ;  wherefore,  we  are 
under  the  necessity  of  ignoring  all  those  occurrences  and  the  mischiefs  which  are  impending^ 
over  the  country,  and  expressly  to  protest  before  their  High  Mightinesses,  his  Highness,  the 
Hon"*  West  India  Company  and  the  entire  world,  holding  ourselves  pure,  clear  and  innocent ; 
consenting  that  record  hereof  be  made  by  me.  Notary,  and  delivered  in  due  form,  in  order  to  be 
used  as  shall  be  deemed  advisable  to  witness  the  truth  hereof.  Signed  in  New  Amsterdam, 
:;anhatans.  New  Netherland.  Dated  ut  supra.  (Signed)  H.  van  Dyck,  fiscal,  L.  van 
Dincklage,  and  in  presence  of  me,  D.  v.  Schelluyne,  Not.  Fubl.  Underneath  was:  Agrees 
with  the  Original  remaining  with  me.     D.  v.  Schelluyne,  Not.  Publ.     1650. 


<!■»■■» 


Readution  of  tJie  States  General  refen-ing  Van  der  Donck's  Petition. 

[From  the  BegUlm  of  WmI  IndUt  Alhln,  Iffil  — 1««S,Id  tha  Bojit  ArchirM  at  th«  Uifne.] 

Saturday,  lO"-  February,  1662. 
A.r.na.ruonriL.  The  petition  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  deputed  by  the  people  of  New 
Netherland,  being  read  to  the  Assembly,  submitting  divers  points  to  their  High  Mightinesses, 
it  is,  after  deliberation,  resolved  and  concluded,  that  the  aforesaid  petition  shall  be  placed  in 
the  hands  of  Mess"  Capelle  tho  Ryssel  and  other  their  High  Mightinesses  previous  deputies, 
in  order  to  inspect,  examine  and  report  on  It. 


Folio  8. 
A,  VBD  der  Donrk. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI. 


443 


Report  to,  and  Resolution  of,  the  States  General. 
Friday,  the  16*'-  February,  1662. 


Fouo*.  Mess"  Capelletho  Ryasel  and 

other,  your  High  Mightinesses'  deputies,  hfve 
reported,  that  pursuant  to  resolution  df  the 
10'*  of  this  current  month,  they  examined  the 
remonstrance  and  papers  submitted  by  Adriaen 
van  der  Donoli,  delegate  of  the  Commonalty 
of  New  Netherland,  and  found  the  following 
points  of  consideration  to  result  from  them. 

1. 

The  abovenamed  delegate  recites  the  com- 
plaints of  the  deputies  from  New  Netherland, 
made  since  October,  1649,  and  your  High 
Mightinesses'  resolutions  for  the  removal 
thereof,  adopted  the  ll'"  April,  1650,  and  the 
14"'  March  and  21"«  April,  1661,  with  request 
that  they  may  be  carried  into  effect. 

9. 

Presents  a  petition  from  the  people  of  New 
Netherland,  dated  Manhattans,  in  New  Nether- 
land, the  xxii  December,  1650,  signed  by  six 
men  of  the  Commonalty. 

8. 

Complains  of  Director  Stuy  vesant's  excesses 
contrary  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  express 
orders  in  writing,  and  letters  dated  the  11"- 
and  21"  April,  1650,  Hands  in,  also,  a  pro- 
test of  the  Deputy  or  Vice-Director  Lubbert 
van  Dincklage  and  Hendrick  van  Dyck, 
Advocate-fiscal  of  New  Netherland,  dated  19'" 
December,  1650,  against  these  excesses  of 
Director  Stuyvesant. 


4. 


The  States  General  of  tha  United  Nether- 
lands having  looked  through,  examined  and 
weighed  the  annexed  points,  have,  after 
previous  deliberation,  by  resolution  declared 
as  is  affixed  beside  each  of  them : 


The  Petitioner  is  ordered  to  submit,  as  soon 
as  possible,  what  he  objects  against  Director 
Stuyvesant,  and  he  shall  have  to  duly  verify 
the  complaints. 


States  that  Director  Stuyvesant  hath  agreed        The  Petitioner  shall  have  to  make  a  draft 

on  a  boundary  wuh  the  English,  subject  to  of  the  old  boundary  line  of  New  Netlrland 

your  H.gh  M.ght.nesses'  approbation,  by  which  designating  what  is' urrendered  to  t.  e  L^gl  .  i 

as  much  land  ts  surrendered  to  the  English,  subject  to  the  approval  of  their  High  Migh  i- 


444 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAI,  MANUSCRIPTS. 


out  of  the  old  bounds  of  New  Netherland,  as    nesses,  in  order  that  further  action  may  be 
couldform50colonie8,of4league88quare,each.    talien  on  seeing  it. 


6. 

Requests  that  'he  report  on  the  provisional 
order  of  government,  drawn  up  by  Mr.  van 
Scheraertsbergen,  in  presence  (met  verhoor)  of 
the  Directors,  may  be  converted  into  a  resolu- 
tion. 


6. 

The  delegate  requests  that  he  may  be 
discharged,  in  order  to  his  return  to  New 
Netherinnd  with  the  aforesaid  provisional 
order  of  government. 


The  Provinces  are  requested  to  give  their 
opinions — the  sooner  the  better— on  this 
provisional  order  of  government,  and  it  is 
further  resolved  to  send  a  copy  of  it  to  the 
respective  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Com- 
pany, with  order  to  communicate  their 
considerations  thereon,  at  the  earliest  moment. 

When  final  disposition  shall  be  made  of  the 
6'^  article,  due  regard  shall  be  taken  for  the 
petitioner's  discharge. 


Extracta  of  Letters,  Journals,  Resolutions,  dec,  from  New  Netherland. 

[  rrom  Iha  MoIhM  copy  In  the  Bojal  ArchlTCi  a  the  B>ci« ;  Lotttkat  of  lb«  Btilu  OtmnI ;  DirliloB,  Wut  hdinkt  CompagnU,  IT*.  M.  ] 

Extracts  and  Copies  of  Letters,  Memoirs,  Journals  and  Resc'jtions  sent  by  the 
Select  men  of  New  Netherland  in  the  years  1660  and  1661,  to  Adriaen  van 
der  Donck,  corroborating  the  petition;  (furnished)  pursuant  to  their  High 
Hightinesses'  Order  dated  16*''  P'ebruary,  1662. 

Extract  of  a  letter  of  the  Select  men  dated  17'^  Agust  1650  to  Adriaen  van 
der  Douck. 

You  will  learn  from  our  letter  to  the  Noble  Mighty  Lords  their  High  Mightinesses'  deputies 
on  the  affairs  of  New  Netherland,  the  time  of  our  arrival  here  and  in  what  condition  we  found 
the  Board  and  the  Commonalty. 

The  people  are  greatly  imposed  on ;  men  will  fain  hang  and  burn  the  Select  men,  and 
moreover,  whilst  duly  observing  our  honor  and  oath,  &c.  The  affliction  in  which  the  poor 
Commonalty  here  live,  cannot  be  any  longer  endured  ;  they  are  more  and  more  oppressed. 


Extracts  of  two  different  letters  from  Augustin  Herman,  dated  10  September,  1660. 

Further,  whatever  you  have  done  there  for  the  public  interests,  I,  for  my  part,  do  especially 
approve ;  hope  also  'twill  terminate  well,  although  the  opposite  party  jeer  at  it,  saying,  when 
they  do  anything  —  (Jo,  and  complain  to  the  States.  We  are  anxiously  expecting  the  approval 
of  the  Redri'ss  and  a  change,  about  which  we  [can  talk]  in  covered  terms;  but  if  it  endure 
longer,  1  fear  'twill  terminate  badly,  which  God  forbid. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI. 


445 


The  D'rector  hath  .e.zed  three  .hip,,  because  he  will  have  from  each  one  hundred  nound. 
of  powder,  harbor  duty ;  though  neither  Mr.  Dincl^iagen  nor  the  Fi»cal  knows  anything  of  it 
nor  wa.  ,t  determined  on  in  Council,  yet  he  will  have  it  by  force;  but  Vastrick  and  Bloemer; 
are  gone  free,  or  are  paid  for  it.     It  appears  that  the  Company  backs  him  up  strongly.    I  had 
indeed,  brought  a  flag  with  me  for  the  Burghers,  but  Stuyvesant  will  not  allow  it  to  be  carried 
Ue  does  as  he  pleases. 


Extract  of  the  letter  of  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven  and  Dierck  van  Schelluyne. 
Notary,  dated  the  13th  September,  1660. 

The  Director  and  his  partisans  work  secrectly  among  the  people  and  make  them  believe 
that  we  have  done  nothing  but  brought  expense  on  the  Commonalty;  that  their  High 
Mightmesses  w,l|  never  introduce  reforms  into  the  country;  that  the  Directors  write. they  will 
mamtam  h.m,  that  the  gentlemen  from  Amsterdam  will  steadily  oppose  the  Redress ;  and 
thus  he  attracts  to  him  most  of  the  people  who  derive  some  profit  thereby.    For  the  rest,  we 

harm ,  shall  be  eventually  rumed  and  run  aground,  if  the  Redress  do  not  arrive  speedily. 

Extract  from  an  authentic  copy  of  a  letter  from  Vice  Director  Dincklage  to  the 

Hon-"  Directors  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber,  dated  the  8'^  Septemb'  1650. 

I  have  already  addressed  two  letters  to  your  Honors,  but  have  not  received  any  answer  to 

hem     At  present.  I  write  only  this:-.Here  the  law  is  violated.'    Profit  is  loss ;  and  Zlil 

IS  private  property;  resources  are  wasted  and   diverted  without  advantage  to  the  Hon^: 

Company  and  the  country;  I  cannot  help  it,  as  Director  Stuyvesant  says,  'tis  none  of  my 

business;  that  he  will  answer  for  it  all  at  Amsterdam.  ^ 


Ldriaen  van 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  the  Select  men,  dated  13'^  Sepf  1660. 

hZ^wZ  ^""''^'\'^f  «»'*  '^«"^'''«n  «f  this  Country  in  the  accompanying  letter  to  their 
H.gh  M.ghtme.ses  and  the.r  committee  on  the  affairs  of  New  Netheriand.     Things  proceed 
daily.  ,„  truth,  as  related  in  the  letter.     We  are  obliged  to  listen  every  day  to  scoffs  and  sneer, 
from  many  because  their  High  Mightinesses  have  done  nothing  in  the  matter  of  the  Redress 
which  several  have  flung  so  far  off"  that  it  could  not  come  to  life. 

Extract  of  the  Journal  kept  by  order  of  the  Commonalty  to  which  tliey  refer  in 
letters  to  us. 

4  July,  1650.    Friends  report  and  complain  that  they  have  not  only  not  been  recogniz.      v 
the  Director  and  Council  during  the  absence  of  the  delegates,  but  that  contumely  t 
reproaches  have  been  cast  on  them  by  the  Director,  from  whom  they  were  obliged  also  to 
listen  to  divers  calumnies,  insults  and  contumelious  words ;  they  also  complain  that  the  Director 

'  Hier  gitt  ffl«n  met  den  reehten  weg.  • 


446 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


was  pleased  on  the  S"*  of  April  last,  with  a  view  to  insult  and  affront  the  Select  men,  to  cause 
the  benches  in  their  pew  in  the  Church  to  be  torn  up,  and  to  take  possession  of  it  himself. 

About  this  time  the  Fiscal  received  a  settlement  of  his  share  of  the  confiscations,  and  being 
referred  therewith  to  the  Directors,  he  showed  it  to  the  Commonalty  and  reported  also  abroad, 
among  others  to  Oloff  Stevense  and  Schelluyne,  that  the  Director  swallows  everything;  that 
he  will  prove  him  a  perjured  villain  and  that  he  hath  robbed  the  Company  of  fully  one 
hundred  thousand  guilders. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  the  Vice-Director,  dated  12""  September,  1G50, 

The  people  here  are  somewhat  solaced  on  learning  from  the  despatch  that  the  affairs  of 
New  Netherland  are  beginning  to  bi  thoroughly  and  truly  considered  by  their  High 
Mightinesses,  but  they  anxiously  expect  absolute  Redress.  Seeing  they  are  so  harassed  and 
plagued  in  every  way,  it  surprizes  me  that  they  have  endured  it  so  long,  and  I  cannot  easily 
help  it.  Several  affidavits,  to  be  annexed  hereunto,  should  make  some  commotion.  I  have 
enough  to  do  to  keep  the  people  quiet.  The  abuses  and  faults  are  as  notorious  as  the  sun  at 
clear  noon. 

Extract  of  the  letter  from  the   Select  men  to  Van  der  Donck,  dated  the  G* 
September,  1C50. 

Among  other  things,  some  individual  Directors  of  Amsterdam  have  written  by  Vastrick  to 
the  Director  General  that  they  will  uphold  him  with  all  their  might  and  means;  that  they 
shall  be  dismissed  before  him;  that  the  Burgomasters  of  Amsterdam  will  effectually  oppose 
the  Redress,  &c.  But  the  Board  and  I  shall  all  confidently  rely  on  their  High  Mightinesses 
and  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  abovementioned,  and  depend  on  their  words  and  earnest 
zeal,  and  exercise  patience  in  all  things,  although  wholesale  ruin  of  ourselves  and  of  the 
people  and  country,  stares  us  in  the  face,  and  the  water  reaches  almost  to  our  lips. 

Extract  of  a  Memoir  sent  by  Mr.  van  Dinclage  to  Van  der  Donck. 

Petrus  Stuyvesant,  Director  of  New  Netherland,  Curasao,  &c.,  did  nothing  in  this  country 
and  Curasao  during  the  last  lour  years,  from  the  year  1G40  to  this  current  year,  IGfiO,  for  the 
beni'lit  of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  this  Burgliery  or  the  inhabitants, 
notwithstanding  he,  himsell,  declared  in  the  year  1(147,  before  the  entire  Commonalty  under 
arms,  when  he  came  into  office  and  Kiefl  retired,  that  ho  should  govern,  and  be,  like  n  father 
over  his  children,  for  the  advantage  of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company  and  this  Burghery 
and  country.  The  aforesaid  Memoir  being,  further,  of  the  same  tenor  and  purport,  but  too 
long  to  peruse. 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven  and  Dirck  van  Schelluyne,  the 
Notary,  to  Van  der  Donck,  dated  G"-  October,  IGQO. 

I  embrace  the  opportunity  afforded  by  the  depurture  of  the  ketch  called  the  Voorlooj)er,  for 
the  Caribbean  Islands,  to  advise  you,  by  way  of  Barbadoes,  that  we  have  not  as  yet  received  the 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    VI.  447 

Redress  of  New  Netherland  nor  any  improvement  here,  but  find  the  sorrowful  condition  of 
th.8  country  to  be  worse  and  worse,  and  in  a  short  time  we  shall  have  to  feel  the  smart-  this 
hiri?"  T  '°  ^7"^'"«"'^  '»  y°»  particularly  the  despatch  of  affairs.  On  motion  mad'e  by 
h.mself  m  Counc.l.  but  on  which  no  resolution  followed.  Director  Stuyvesant  departed  on  the 
I7.H  September  last  for  New  England,  with  an  intention,  according  to  said  motion,  of  which  I 

thZ\T!i!  r  "°r  T'^"''"'''  '"  ''"'^  •'  °'''  ^''''''''^''  '°  ^'•'>"««^'  ««■"«  Public  business 

will  determine"!'     ^^  '   '""''•     ^'''  '"  ^"'  ''''"''  '"  that   quarter,  time 

Should  Secretary  Thienhoven  come  here  with  people  and  troops,  as  is  reported,  we  shall 
again  have  war  w.th  the  Indians,  and  they  fear  it;  and  if  he  come  here  before  the  Redress,  it 
can  easily  occur,  for  the  Indians  have  no  confidence  >„  him,  and  should  he  come,  they  will  not 
imagme  anything  else.  In  fine,  adding  this  to  what  has  been  written  to  you  by  the  VMcnicr 
you  can  well  imagine  our  conditio  1  and  anxiety. 


il 


The  Select  men  of  New  Amsterdam  to  the  States  General. 
High  and  Mighty  Lords.  Gracious  pDvereigns. 

ourToaJd"."^""""!!,'''."  ;,"V""  ^''"■"""  ''°"''  '^'  '""  ^'''«''''  ""*  commissioned  by 
our   Board  to   your  High    Mightinesses   last   year,  1649.  in   consequence  of  the    imperiou^ 
necessity  of  the  poor  suff-eruig  people  of  this  country,  arrived  here  again  through  God  Wcy 
on  the  28- June   bringing  with  them  an  authentic  copy  of  the  report  or  Provisional  Ord^r  o^ 
the   subjec    of  the   Redress.   Preservation    and    Peopling  of  this   Country,  drawn    up   anS 
submitted  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  by  your  High  Mightinesses'  CommiUee.  actingTn  the 
aff-airs  of  New  Nether  and.     We  confidently  trust  that  nothing  but  the  tedious  and  danger  u 
voyage  has  prevented  our  receipt  to  this  time,  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  approval  tlu^reof 
for  we  have  seen  and  found  you.  High  and   Mighty,  to  be  our  dear  fathers,  who  have  b  en 
pleased  to  take  to  heart  the  sorrowful  condition  and  urgent  necessity  of  this  poor  afflicted 
Commonalty.     We  are  unable  to  evince  or  to  proffer  sufficient  thankfulness  to  the  good  God 
and  you   High  and  Mighty ;  the  love  and  affection  shown  to  us.  can  amply  supply  this.     Your 
High    Mightinesses'   letter   being   handed    by  our  delegated  associates  to   Director  General 
Stuyvesant  and  Council,  on  the  said  2S"-  June,  they  have  in  consequence  of  the  non-arrival  of  the 
Redress,  been  pleased  to  disregard  your  High  Mightinesses'  orders  up  to  this   time    with 
the  exception  alone  of  the  proclamation  of  the  peace  with  the  King  of  Spain,  which  has  been 
made    here   only   at   the    Manhattans   and    no   further,   to   our   knowledge.     The  wretched 
condition  of  this  country  continues,  meanwhile,  unaltered,  an.l  has  even  become  worse,  as  we 
have  communicated  to  our  associate  delegate  Adriaen  van  der  Donck.     We  are,  therefore  to 
our  grief  and  sorrow,  under  the  i,er..ssity  of  troubling   you  in    this  manner  and  of  again 
iniplonng  your  favor,  and  pray  you.  High  and  Mighty,  to  be  pleased  to  be  indulgent  toward, 
us.  for  so  long  a.  the  Itedres.  is  not  here,  we  cannot  refrain  from  .0  doing;  therefore,  hoping 
that  Its  speedy  arrival  will  comfort  and  console  us.  we.  in  concluding,  shall  commen.l  you. 
High  and    Mighty,  both  generally  and  in    particular,  and   your   prosperous  and  wholesome 
(,overnme,,t  unto  (Jod's  protection,  remaining  your  High   Mightinesses'  most  humble  and 
most  faithful  tervauls. ' 

•  D«Ud  13  SopUniber,  1680.    B««  Juplicstt,  tupra,  p.  420.  —  Kn. 


1 


i  i 


448 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


The  Select  men  of  New  Amsterdam  to  tlie  Committee  of  the  Slates  General. 


Noble  Mighty  Lords. 

On  the  arrival  here,  namely,  on  the  28""  June  last,  of  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven  and  Jan 

Evertse  Boutt,  delegates  sent  commissioned  by  our  Board  last  year  to  their  High  Mightinesses, 

and  on  the  delivery  of  the  letters  from  their  High  Mighlinesses  and  others,  to  the  Director  and 

Council  of  New  Netherland,  we  wrote  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  and  summarily  related  in 

brief,  that  the  Director  and  Council  did  not  observe  their  High  Mightinesses'  order.     The 

melancholy  condition  of  this  country  remains  unchanged,  and  even  has  become  worse;  His 

Honor  does  not  recognize  any  Select  men,  and  regards  not  our  Board  ;  he  considers  not  of  the 

least  account  the  copy  of  the  report  and  Provisional  Order.  '".  the  matter  of  the  Redress, 

preservation  and  peopling  of  New  Netherland,  &c.,  with  great  labor  and  pains  drawn  'ip, 

proposed  and  submitted  by  you.  High  and  Mighty,  for  the  advantage  of  this  country  and  its 

inhabitants,  and  which  we  were  under  the  necessity  of  communicating  to  the  Commonalty,  in 

order  to  animate  and  encourage  them,  notwithstanding  his  Honor  never  deigned  to  look  at  it. 

The  Commonalty  live  in  fear  and  anguish,  not  knowing  with  whom  to  associate.     They  dare 

not  now,  as  we  fully  know,  make  any  declaration  of  what  they  are  cognizant  of.     Terror 

possesses  them,  thinking  he  can  still  injure  us.     But  we  hope  that  their  High  Mightinesses  and 

you.  Noble  Mighty,  will  give  full  credit  to  all   that  we  have   represented  and  written,  all 

which  (God  help  us)  is  too  true  —  We  gladly  saw,  and  it  was  fortunate  that  the  drainage  of 

the  people  had  censed,  and  that  they  could  earn  an  honorable  livelihood.     God  grant  that  the 

country  may  this  year  be  redressed  ;  it  would  cheer  and  console  the  people  and  set  them  on 

their  legs,  otherwise  we  and  the  entire  country  are  in.  danger  of  going  to  ruin,  and  of  falling 

jnto  foreign  hands.     But  we  shall  wait  patiently,  and  cannot  but  hope  that  a  matter  in  which 

their  High  Mightinesses  have  taken  so  much  trouble  and  interest,  hath  already,  or  will  soon, 

come  to  perfection.     We  cannot  conceive,  let  alone  express,  words  suflicient  to  convey  our 

gratitude  to  you.  Noble  Mighty.     We  have  written  to  our  delegate  and  agent,  Adriaen  van  der 

Donck,  all  the  particulars;  we  request  and  pray  you.  Noble  Mighty,  to  be  pleased  to  attach 

credit  to  it  all.  which  is  the  strict  truth,  and  to  continue   to  support  and  uphold  the  cause,  and 

to  look  with  indulgence  on,  and  to  excuse  our  plain  and   humble  style.     Herewith  shall  we 

commend  you.  Noble  Mighty,  in  general  and  in  particular,  and  your  prosperous  and  good 

government  to  God's  protection,   remaining.  Noble  Mighty,  your  most   humble   and   most 

faithful  servants. 

(Addressed:) 

To  the  Noble  Mighty  Lords,  the  Lords 
van  Aertsbergen  and  the  other  their 
High  Mightinesses'  deputies,  occupied 
with  the  affairs  of  New  Netherland. 


Copy  of  an  extract  from  the  Register  of  the  resolutions  of  the  Select  men  of 
New  Amsterdam,  Manhattans,  the  89'^  August,  1050. 

Honorable  Gentlemen. 

Whereas  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  .States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands,  by  letters 
delivered  to  the  Director  General  on  the  SU'^  June  last,  resolve  to  continue  our  Bo...d,  and  you. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VL 


449 


regardless  thereof,  have  not  heen  pleased  to  recognize  us,  up  to  the  present  time.  Item  whereas 
the  D„ector  General  hath  caused  the  benches  in  the  Select  men's  pew  in  the  ch^  h  wh  ch 
Z:rM::^'^T^T'T"1  ^.^-'--'--'^-«.to  hetom'  up,andtoorpos;el 
thereof  himse...  to  the  derogation,  derision  and  contumely  of  our  Board :  which  thouL^h  it 
concerns  not  us  individually,  but  regards  the  Board,  who  represent  the  peopTe  . t  2  are 
::auZr'^D:"'"tt!'^"^^''"   r'^^^   ^-^^   •^^^°«'^''°"   andaffronTti^luSran 

Beneath  was,  (Signed)         Olop  Stkvknssb. 

By  order  of  the  Select  men  in  New  Amsterdam. 

(Signed)         D.  van  Schllluvnb. 


Extract  from  the  Journal  of  the  Select  men.     3  November.  1650. 

The  English  of  Gravesend  among  others,  having,  with  the  Director's  consent.  Riven  the 
Ind,ans  of  Cannarse  some  stamped  guns,  in  payment  for  their  land,  the  latter  can  wi  "1! 
o..  t  e  6-  duto  to  Couwenhoven's  house.  Couwenhoven  complained  of  it  to  the  Fisca  and  t^ 
Mr.  Montague  who.  tou.  hath  seen  the  guns ;  but  without  any  result.     'Twas  allol-ei::  pLs  «o 

Extract   from    the   letter   of  the  Select   men   to   Van   der   Donck.  dated  22- 
December.  1660. 

We  observe,  with  surprise,  that  (he  directors  of  the  affairs  of  this  country  have  made  a 

representat-on  to  the  Burgomasters  of  Ams,..r.Iam  accusing  us  most  unjustly  of'endeavoTinl  to 

.vert  the  trade  of  th.s  country,  and  that  they  believing  .he  statement.  L  pleased  so  poZ    u-  y 

to  protect  and  encourage  their  Honors  in  their  error,  when  our  aim  and  endeavor  never  had 

any  other  object  than  the  Con.pnnyV  and  country's  welfare 

grS;":!ii '  Their'HiihVrr;" ""  ;"^'""""  '"^^'"^  '^^"  "•"^^''*"  ^^^'^^ «'  -»•  -•^  - 

brll      :  .  h  ^    ^"«''  •"-»«-«  ''"vmg  granted  him  an  order  and  protection  so  ns  not .« 

be  mol.,^ted  by  any  person,  places  us  un.ier  dutiful  thankfulness  to  their  High  Mightinesses- 
but  the  Directors,  or  some  others  having  o.i  the  contrary  instructed  their  oL-er  here.  "  „ 
respect  any  sa  eguard  granted,  or  to  be  granted,  by  their  High  Mightinesses  to  any    nh     itl   t 

ll^hXhliners'tde:^"""'"^  ""^  ''  '"^"^'^""'«'  ""''  "^  '^«  '"-"'"«  -'^-e  to  their 


Extract  from  a  declaration  of  the  Vice  Director  as  to  the  answer  he  -eciy.d 
Irom  the  hiscni.  when  he  inquired  about  the  news  from  Holland  ;  dated  ;¥ 
November  IGoO. 

The  Fiscal  answered,  My„  Heer  Sluyvesanl  told  me  the  Directors  write,  that  their  Hiah 

W.gh,ine.,es  have  referred  the  affairs  of  New  Nethe ,d  ,0  th.-n,.  as  that  country tlo«, 

.xclusiveiy  to  them,  and  I  shall  remain  some  year,  longer.     They  also  write  that  He  should 
Vol.  I.  57 


t^ 


450 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


not  ooDsider  of  any  value,  nor  regard  in  the  least,  t'le  protections  and  passes  which  their  High 
Mightinesses  had  already  granted  and  given,  or  shuuld  hereailer  grant  to  any  inhabitants  of 
New  Netherland,  &c. 

Extract  from  a  declaration  of  Joachim  Peters  Cuyter  in  the  matter  and  case 
aforesaid  ;  dated  as  above. 

Myn  Heer  Stuyvesant  had  received  several  letters ;  among  others,  from  Mr.  Pergens  and 
other  individual  directors  of  the  Hon'"''' West  India  Company,  and  that  M'  Pergens  had  written, 
that  the  Committee  had  from  their  body  stated  to  their  High  Mightinesses  in  the  matter  of  New 
Netherland  in  their  High  Mightinesses'  meeting,  that  New  Netherland  did  not  belong  to  their 
High  Mightinesses ;  that  the  Lords  Majors  had  purchased  the  country ;  Miat  it  was  their  property 
exclusively,  and  also  that  such  was  true.  He  said  further,  that  they  will  uphold  the  Director 
with  all  their  might  and  means,  even  (they  write)  unto  blood. 

Extract  from  the  letter  of  the  Select  men  to  Van  der  Donck,of  22"''  December  1660. 

At  present  we  are  nothing  more  than  ciphers  and  esteemed  an  a  scoff,  and  Stuyvesant 
iioreover  threatens  us  with  utter  ruin,  for  which  purpose  he  applies  every  means,  and  we 
Iready  behold  with  pain  its  approach  from  a  distance.  This,  it  appears,  will  be  the  end  and 
reward  of  our  honest  labor  for  the  public  good,  unless  God  and  their  High  Mightinesses 
otherwise  seasonably  provide,  as  we,  nevertheless,  hope  and  trust  they  will.  We  have,  among 
other  things,  submitted  to  the  Director  and  Council  on  the  IS"*  of  this  month,  pursuant  to  our 
Commission  and  instructions,  the  nomination  of  a  double  number  in  order  to  elect  six  other 
Select  men  in  place  of  those  retiring,  but  he  himself  reports,  that  he  will  not  act  on  it;  he  says, 
that  we  have  exceeded  our  Commission  and  instruction,  and  ignores  the  amplification  granted 
to  us,  which  he,  nevertheless,  signed  in  his  Register  of  resolutions  in  the  presence  of  us  all,  and 
his  Council  afterwards  approved  and  also  signed. 

The  Vice  Director  and  Fiscal  entered  the  annexed  protest  against  the  Director  principally 
because  his  Honor  hath  without  their  knowledge  negotiated  with  the  English  at  the  North,  and 
in  that  transaction  hath  without  doubt  committed  an  error,  for  the  version  of  the  news  from 
New  England  is  for  the  most  part  true  ;  and  moreover,  because  his  Honor  was  not  willing  to 
communicate  anything  about  it  to  them.  There  is  one  circumstance  regarding  this  protest, 
worthy  of  remark,  viz'.  The  Vice  director  and  Fiscal  are  continued  of  the  Council,  and  not 
discharged  or  dismissed,  yet,  though  everything  is  kept  secret  and  concealed  from  them,  all  it 
done  and  executed  as  if  they  assented  thereunto. 

Extract  of  a  joint  letter  of  the  Select  men  to  Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  doted 
86  November,  1650. 

To  be  brief,  you  will  be  able  to  understand  everything  from  the  accompanying.  It  grieves 
us  exceedingly  that  we,  in  the  observance  of  our  oaths  and  honor,  are  still  daily  subjected  to 
gross  scoffs,  jeers  and  misrepresentations,  to  our  serious  private  loss  respectively,  as  has  been 
stated  to  you  in  the  extract  from  the  Journal,  &c.     bo  far  is  it  gone,  that  the  Director,  instead 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI. 


451 


r  and  case 


ember  1660. 


of  obey.ng  their  H.gh  Mightinesses'  order,  acts  directly  contrary  to  it.    His  Honor  has  been 
with  the  English  at  the  North,  and  negotiated  with  them  about  the  boundaries,  &c.,  but  keeps 
It  all,  as  yet,  a  secret  from  his  Council.     The  annexed  newe  from  New  England,  which  has 
been  brought  here  and  thrown  in  to  a  certain  English  house,  where  the  English  themselves 
laugh  at  the  Director,  is,  we  fear,  too  true,  as  it  is,  also,  confirmed  by  daily  rumors.     We  hope 
and  request  that  you,  at  least,  will  do  your  duty  so  that  it  may  attract  the  attention  of  our 
^vereigns  when  the  Treaty  of  the  Director  and  the  English  may  come  up  for  ratification. 
We  know  not  what  the  Director  will  effect  by  such  a  mode  of  proceeding,  especially  as  it 
happens  that  the  stamped  guns,  distributed  among  the  people,  are  sold  to  the  Indians  with  his 
consent,  and  those  guilty  of  such  acts  are  not  sought  for ;  whereby,  and  as  his  Honor  will  not 
permit  the  inspection  of  the  arms,  still  further  opportunity  is  afforded.     Those  persons  would 
be  soon  found   out  were   the   Director  pleased    to   follow   their  High  Mightinesses'  order, 
certainly  if  he  will  permit  those  who  have  charge  of  the  distribution,  to  obey  it ;  but  that  may 
not  be.     'TIS  now  all  of  two  years,  last  Amsterdam  fair,  since  the  citizens  were  under  arms: 
and  under  these  circumstances  we  fear,  that  as  long  a  time  will  elapse  again;  that  for  divers 
reasons  and  from  daily  experience,  the  Indians  will  anticipate  the  Director  and  exact  from  us 
awoful  inspection  of  our  guns,  and  may  God  grant  that  the  weakness  of  the  citizens  and 
people  may  be  ready  in  their  own  defence.     The  past  and  the  present  impress  on  you  the 
advancement  of  matters  more  strongly  than  our  pen  can  herein  recommend.     We  entertain  no 
doubt  ot  your  devotedne«s,  and,  being  disinclined  to  make  further  complaint,  we  hope  that 
their  High  Mightinesses  will  at  once  put  an  end  to  the  affair,  and  forthwith  determine  the 
intolerable   disunion,  confusion  and  jarrings;   whether  these  are  now  again  set  on  foot  by 
Directors  in  Fatherland,  or  whether  they  are  fomented  among  the  people  on  the  invention  of 
the  Executive  and  Fiscal  here,  we  leave  others  to  infer  from  the  annexed  papers.     For  the 
Director   being  still  in  his   sovereign  power,  we  dare   not  w/ite   any  more  to  their   High 
Mightinesses,  as  he  again  obtains  copies  of  everything;  and  we  dread  that  the  effects  of  his 
daily  menaces  will  light   suddenly  on  our  heads,  and  that  the  country  will,   moreover    if 
seasonable  provision  be  not  made  by  their  High  Mightinesses  in  the  premises,  soon  fail  into 
the  hands  of  foreigners,  an  event  rendered  the  more  probable  by  the  non-resistance  the  Swede 
meets   with   in   the   South    river,   and   the    high   favor   the    English   experience.     So  much 
transpires  for  the  ruin  of  this  country  that  it  makes  our  heads  ache  to  think  of  it     His 
permitting  the  Vice-Diiector  and  our  Board  to  continue  until  further  order,  pursuant  to  the 
commands  of  their  High  Mightinesses,  is  too  far  away.     A  somewhit  different  result  will  be 
easi^  witnessed  next  New-Year  ;  and  the  Director  still  represents,  that  he  is  anxious  to  be  at 
the  Hague  to  vindicate  himself  but  that  it  may  be  done  here.     If  their  High  Mightinesses  be 
not  easily  imposed  upon  by  falsehoods  and  frauds,  it  will  not  be  difficult  for  us  to  prove  and 
establish,  according  to  the  Ilemonstrance  and  daily  experience,  the  melancholy  condition  to 
which  the  people   here  is  reduced    by  mismanagement   and    misgovernment.     We   think  it 
strange  that  no  better  attention  is  paid  to  the  Vice-Director's  repeated  letters  to  the  Board  of 
Directors  informing  them  that  their  public  property  in  this  country  is  becoming  private,  and 
that  the  public  good  is  not  studied  here.     It  grieves  us  extremely  that  the  Hon""  Company 
Itself  IS  defrauded,  the   people   oppressed,  and   that   even   such    persons   are  still    found  as 
counteract  the  public  interest.     You  can  readily  conceive  what  grief  it  causes  among  the 
people  here  when  the   Fiscal  announced   that  the  Directors  (in  Amsterdam)  had  written  to 
Mr.  Stuyvesaut,  among  many  other  things,  to  pay  no  regard  nor  attention  to  any  safeguard  or 


W 


452 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


passport  of  their  High  Mightinesses.  Mr.  Pergens  and  others  know  best  whether  it  be  so.  It 
grieves  us  to  be  obliged  to  listen  to  such  things;  high  eulogiums  on  the  Hon""  Company  and 
ridicule  of  the  States  and  the  Ship  of  state  (whereof  we  have  never  made  mention),  is  greatly 
in  vogue  with  the  Director  and  his  adherents,  and  recourse  is  had  to  every  expedient  to 
influence  our  Board  and  to  insult  us  in  particular,  so  that  we  may  by  our  errors  in  some  way 
afford  a  pretext  for  confiscations  and  banishments.  But  we  hope  that  the  good  God  will 
preserve  us  against  this  craftiness,  and  that  their  High  Mightinesses  will  quickly  bring  matteri 
to  a  close,  for  our  release  from  this  wearisome  business. 

Extracts  of  the  last  letters  of  the  year  1651,  written  to  me  since  tne  Select  men 
and  the  Vice  Director  have  been  dismissed,  contrary  to  their  High 
Mightinesses'  ord-jr;  serving  also  for  the  justification  and  verification  of  the 
petition,  as  provmg  clearly  the  points  set  forth  therein. 

Extract  of  the  letter  of  the  IS*  September,  1051,  signed  by  the  Select  men. 

In  order  to  avoid  any  error  on  our  parts,  and  pursuant  to  our  instructions,  which  are  equally 
binding  on  the  Director  as  on  us,  we  submitted  last  New  Year  to  his  Honor  (although  he, 
contrary  to  their  High  Mightinesses*  Instructions,  would  not  condescend  to  recognize  us)  a 
nomination  of  a  double  number,  to  choose  from  it  six  new  Select  men  in  the  place  of  those 
retiring,  whom  his  Honor  was  pleased  in  this  wise  to  discharge,  &c.,  doing  his  best,  for  all 
that,  to  prosecute  us  on  account  of  the  llemonstrance  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  and  in  the 
meantime  to  institute  proceedings  against  us.  We  are  fully  aware  of  that,  by  means  of  this 
Board,  which  dare  not  oppose  the  Director  and  all  his  illegal  actions,  or  maintain  justice. 
Notwithstanding,  we  finding  ourselves  overpowered  and  out  of  office,  dare  not  meet  together 
without  getting  into  difficulty,  yet  have  we  contrived  to  communicate  these  to  you.  'Twill 
not  be  in  our  power  after  this,  to  watch  over  the  public  interests.  The  matter  being 
thoroughly  understood  in  Fatherland,  it  remains  with  you  to  deliberate  and  to  ascertain 
whether  the  Uedress  and  the  expense  thereon,  are  to  bo  furnished  by  their  High  Mightinesses 
or  in  what  other  manner,  &c. 


Extract  of  a  lengthy  letter  from  Sohelluyne,  being  wholly  a  complaint  of  the 
violence  experienced  by  him.     Date,  IS""  Octob',  1651. 

The  favor  in  which  Tienhoven  is  still  received  by  him  (Stuyvesant),  and  his  false  tongue, 
to  which  credit  is  given,  cause  no  little  trouble.  1  dare  not  prepare  any  more  writings.  I 
commend  matters  to  God. 

You  will  be  able  to  see  from  mine  and  other  persons'  letters,  how  we  are  lorded,  and  how, 
with  his  illegally  appointed  Select  men,  we  live  like  sheep  among  wolves,  one  friend  not  being 
able  to  speak  to  another  without  suspicion.  1  greatly  desire  to  communicate  verbally  with 
you  and  others,  i  had  willingly  assisted  Melyn  in  sending  over  his  documents,  but  with  my 
inhibition  it  could  not  be;  however,  the  most  important  are  forwarded.  In  my  opinion, 
'twill  be  decided  that  very  spoil  has  been  made  of  another  man's  property.  Whilst  almost 
every  one  is  harassed  by  all  sorts  of  practices,  power,  fore  md  undue  means,  as  Melyn, 
myself,  Dyckman,  the  bookkeeper,  and  others,  have   just  reason  to  complain,  I  hope,  and 


h 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI.  4-* 

rn'rJiritr  ti^t:  :s  IT '"°  "°-*'""°-  --  -  ^™"  - 

Mighlfne.M.  ,l,„„ld  he  ,bu.ed  he„  1  'I"  «P'«»"'.l.«e  .ov.r.igni,  „f  ,hei,   High 

people  woold  be  .  h.med  1.  ob.».   '.       'T?,'''  ""  •"""''  '"™'"'"'  "'  ""•  ■"I'"""". 

p;o.ed^..».e,b/„o..o,„c;:rb;:,^^ 

case  continued  on  y  5  dnys;  that  execnfinn  »ill  u^  ;  j  ,  ^  '  ' '"®  *""  '"  ^^"8 
certificate  that  he  k'nows  an  an  ^a/nlTng  "  the  Zt  1  .^"-"^—^  -'"  -g"  a 
is  honest  and  honorable.  ^  "'"'°'"  ""''  •"«  government,  but  what 


I 


laint  of  the 


Extract  fron.  a  letter  of  Augustin  Hermans,  dated  20".  September.  1651. 
I  wish  I  felt  authorized  to  advise  you  of  better  npwa      tk^  n  a 
contrary  to  our  expectation,  we  are  not  only  threatened   n^/ued   oh'?  TTJ  '*'"  '^'""•'• 
shall  be  also  totally  ruined.     Govert  LanoUrl  .' !T     '  °*'«*'""'='«'^  ""^  affronted,  but 

that  he  knows  and'can  slj  JZ^lfZZ^^^^^^^^^^^^  Tt  'T"  ''  "'"  ""'  «'«" 

I  fear  we.  too.  shall  experience  a  le    hte     whT  '  u     "'^'''  '"  ^'"""  ^""^  "onorable. 

Mightinesses  o'r  not.  UisTaTke  1  D  e'ctt  teTri uT:  „:f  fo^^  '"^  '''''  "'^^ 
their  High  Mightinesses-  safeguards  or  letters,  but  to  tT  irs  and  ^"^  ""^  ""'"''""  *° 
prejudicial  that  is  to  us.  We  are  turned  out  Ind  da^e  c  iy^p  alTwoT;  eTc"  7  T 
matters  are  so  situated,  that  God's  help  only  will  avail  •  fh„,  !  .  ^"  ''"*• 

That  infernal  swaggerer  f,asr,.esO  Tienhl:  7  'turnTd  V:  :::Z1/''''  '"  """"• 
blaze.     Things  prosper,  they  report,  according  to  their  w  shes    to  "  hi^     I  ^  '"I  " 

to  answer,  etc.  *  wisnes.  to  which  I  know  not  what 

The  baskelmaker's  daughter  of  Amsterdam,  whom  he  seduced  in  Holland   on  a  Dromi.«    f 
marriage,  commg  here  and  findini?  hn  w».  nir^n^,,  •  j  ,     ■         """""«>  °n  »  promise  of 

the  public  court.  &c.  Your  private  esTateis  -I  H '.  '  ''"^'\^''P°''«''  »"«  <=-^-t  even  in 
fix  all  this  and  to  attain  thrc^^eet     T  I  7^^^  ^"^  ^- '° 

injustice  for  justice.  At  present,  t  at  is  o  r  w  g  s  and  thanks  T'  T"''  ""  *""''  '"""" 
interests.     Yet  we  still  trust  in  God.  etc.  '  ""^  ''''°"''"  '°  ''"^  P"^"«' 


'I 


irt 


% 


454  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  i>\rck  van  Sch;  lluyne,  dated  ll*"  October,  1651,  sent  by 
way  of  the  Caribbean  Islands. 

I  have  written  you  per  Joost  Michielsen's  ship  and  communicated  to  you  my  experience 
here,  which  is  that  I  am  forced,  contrary  to  my  oath,  to  divulge  what  I  have  written,  or  what 
has  been  executed  in  my  presence,  against  public  or  private  persons  generally  and  individually  ; 
also,  in  what  a  painful  position  I  find  myself,  on  account  of  another's  act,  &a.  Relying  on 
you,  I  shall  expect,  on  the  first  opportunity,  your  favorable  diligence  to  avert  my  ruin.  If  the 
Redress  be  not  confirmed,  and  if  it  do  not  arrive  by  the  first  vessels,  I  shall  be  obliged  to  sell 
my  little  property  and  go  back  with  my  wife  and  children.  Otherwise  I  must  waste  it 
altogether  in  poverty,  inasmuch  as  every  effort  is  made  use  of  here  to  ruin  me  and  to  take 
the  bread  out  of  my  mouth. 

I  should  have  sent  the  papers  in  the  case  of  Melyn  altogether,  but  as  nobody  would  consent 
to  collate  them  with  me,  not  even  Allard  Anthony,  notwithstanding  I  had  requested  him  to 
do  so,  and  I  dare  not  trust  the  documents  in  my  house  through  fear  that  Stuyvesant  would 
remove  all  my  papers  as  he  proposed  and  threatened,  it  was  therefore  out  of  my  power  to  send 
them  over.  Had  he  been  willing  to  permit  me  to  go,  I  should  have  carried  them  with  me.  I 
doubt  not  but  such  unheard  of  mode  of  proceeding  will  be  taken  into  consideration,  and  we 
released  at  once  from  this  dreadful  yoke.  I  have  had  every  intention  to  build  on  a  lot  that 
I  had  purchased  from  Mr.  Dincklage;  also,  to  undertake  a  bouwerie,  but  dare  not  commence 
so  long  as  things  continue  thus,  dreading  and  anticipating  the  moment  I  had  any  real  estate 
here,  that  a  false  suit  would  be  thrown  around  my  neck  and  my  property  be  swallowed  up ; 
according  to  all  the  examples  I  have  seen  of  those  who  do  not  submit  to  haughty  humor,  and 
cannot  say  —  Yes,  My  lord. 

Had  I  been  able  to  go  over,  I  should  indeed  say,  what  now  I  dare  not  write. 

A  Protest  of  the  Fiscal  Hendrick  van  Dyck,  states  in  substance. 

That  the  Director  molests  and  injures  him,  the  Fiscal ;  making  seizures  by  his  own  authority; 
cites  him  before  the  Lords  Majors  in  Fatherland ;  protests  against  it  before  God  and  the 
entire  world. 

An  Interrogatory  for  Secretary  Tienhoven,  who  departed  hence  from  the  Hague 
contrary  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  order,  sets  forth  :  — 

That  he  debauched  Lisbeth  van  Hoogvelt,  under  a  promise  of  marriage,  kept  house  with 
her  some  months,  and  that  they  conversed  together  as  man  and  wife;  the  said  Tienhoven 
having  been  previously  married  in  i\ew  Netherland,  where  his  wife  is  still  living. 

Divers  Extracts  from  the  papers  of  the  year  1661,  received  from  New  Netherland. 

Extract    from    the  counter  protest    of    Lubbert    van    Dincklage,  dated    28'* 
February,  1661. 

Their  High  Mightinesses'  letters  hava  bean  scandalously  slighted  by  you,  especially  by  the 
Director,  instead  of  communicating  them  to  me,  and  obeying  their  High  Mightinesses'  orders, 


( 


^  'Ml 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI. 


455 


mf  I  I    Jr'r.     '"  *^°"'-    '^''"'  "^'^  •«  incontrovertibly  true  and  truthful,  is  more  than 
to  n    !;  ;  t""  "'"'"  '"'  ''°"°"'  '''  '""^'^'^  "^y  ^^-^  -'^  '«"er.  dated  12-  Apr  iZesard 

to  permit  the  continuance  of  the  Board  of  Nine  Men  until  their  High  Mightils  Is'  Jurthe; 

In't'Id  T  I  "'  -'y'^'-''«y«d  -d  B'ighted.  but  the  instruction  and  ^p  ifi  a^^  ^ 

granted  them  by  our  court,  is  by  you  set  at  nought.  ampiincai.on, 

The  hundred  muskets  which  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven  brought  with  him.  two  or  thr^ 
unstamped  ones  of  which  the  Director  seized  and  apparently  sold  Vhe  Jole  toThe  Zil 
:nTthl'serf  ^''"'^'  ^""""^  '''  people,  with  t'h'e  know.ed  e  of  t"  D    ect     fjr^^^^^^^^ 
and  the  Select  men,  pursuant  to  their  High  Mightinesses' orders  and  letters,  dated  i«ADr 

Mightinesses  had  directed,  so  that  the  contempt  shown  thereto,  is  incontrovertible.  esTecut 
as,  happened  that  the  officers  of  the  Burgher  companies,  through  good  dispo  t  oTfo  t^e 
public  service,  requesting  the  Director  to  allow  them  to  bring  the  cofps  once  u„tr  arm  in 
order  that  they  might  send  a  list  thereof  to  their  Hi,h  Mightinesses,  recdved  f^an  we^ from 
His  Honor:-..  When  I  want  you  for  that  purpose  I  shall  send  for  you."  So  thatTnow  th^ 
hird  half  year  since  the  Burgher  compan,  s  have  been  nustered  underarms,  and  'tis  certlinlv 
to  be  feared  that  they  w  1  be  unable  properly  to  defend  themselves  in  time  of  nece  ^ity  "  ' 
Whilst  your  Honors'  disrespect  caused  both  the  stamped  and  other  guns  to  be  sold  to  the 
Indians,  who  were  seen  running  all  over  the  Manhattans  with  some  of  them. 

ern^^llUh  Jr'!,'  ^°"  ^-'^  '""  ^"'"'  '  P'"'  ™«"""dinous  false  accusations,  and  divers  highly 
embellished  fruitless  writings,  after  the  ancient  custom  of  the  Director  awa;  elsewhere  oZl 
me,  as  I  were,  to  demonstrate  to  you  the  monopoly  and  imposition  whiciI^he  Direct'or  a„'d 
.0^  of  the  Board  in  Amsterdam,  and  nol  the  Board  in  general  as  you  by  perver  on  fllse  v 
accused  me  of  saying,  have  so  long  carried  on.  to  the  prejudice  of  the  Hon- Compar's  c  W 
and  contrary  to  your  oath  and  bounden  duty.  Some  instances  thereof  I  shall  lay  be  o  e  v  „ 
as  It  appears  I  muot  refresh  your  Honors'  memory  with  the  truth  ^     ' 

Is  It  not  monopoly  in  the  Director  when,  having  sailed  in  the  year  1646  from  Fatherland  for 
New  Netherland  with  the  ship,  the  Prince,,  and  Grooie  Gerru,oo  arriving  i^  the  latitude  „f 
he  Canary  Islands,  he  altered  the  course  to   New  Netherland,  the  des  i'n  d  p  ac       nd  set 
towards  and  ran  to  Curasao,  bj  which  means  the  traders  having  freight  on  board  knl 
no  better  than  that  they  should  proceed  direct  to  New  Netherlan'd.  s  ff  ed^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
damage,  as  everybody  in  Amsterdam  was  advised  by  public  printed  notirp/  „      T 
.hereof  has  been  made:  and  many  people,  who  were  en^g^ged   n     e  Hon-  Com Lnv  str^"' 
,n  New  Netherland  and  nowha.e  else,  and  would  not  consent  to  go  fo  any  otrpC  ™ 
wuh  other  free  men,  deceived  in  their  good  designs  and  intentions,  and  re'du       to' suc^rief 
and  discouragement  that  many  of  them  died  of  broken  hearts  on  the  voyag.  and  at  Curlr? 

from '  HolLr"'"'?  '"  ^  ^'T\  "'  ^"^"^"°'  ^^^^^  ^^'P^^  "^^  ^^^  -^^  ""e  vTag 
Zn^t  l"\      '^"  "°"      Con^P<^ors  commission,  to  dismiss  Fiscal   Hendrick 

frl  Vu  TTa^  '"  "''  ^!'""'°''  °"  '^'PP"  ^''"'^«"  Blommert's  arrival  at  New  Netherland 

LTo"  int'tig^uar'"^  '"'  ''-'  '''"  ''  ''-'-'  -'  '-'-  ^«  *"^«  '«  ^--  *^-  wth 

Is  it  not  monopoly  in  the  Director  to  send  horses  by  Arent  van  Curler  from  New  Netherland 

to  Barbadoes  la  the  ship  Jen  Jongen  Frius  .an  Denn.nar,uen,  to  be  sold  there,  which  were  Jequ  "ed 


456 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


in  New  Netherland  for  the  cultivation  of  the  soil  and  for  the  benefit  and  advantage  of  the 
Hon''''  Company's  domain  in  these  parts? 

Is  it  not  monopoly  and  are  they  not  fraudulent  papers,  when  the  Director  grants  lands 
(mostly  to  the  English,)  and  issues  patents  thereof  in  the  name  of  the  Director  and  Council, 
as  if  the  Fiscal  and  I  had  voted  for  them,  when  we,  nevertheless,  had  no  knowledge  of  them  ? 

Is  it  not  monopoly  and  are  they  not  private  conventicles,  when  postils,  judgments  and 
sentences  are  pronounced  in  the  name  of  the  Director  and  Council,  unk  own  to  me 
and  the  Fiscal? 

Is  it  not  monopoly  in  the  Director  to  distribute  an.l  absolutely  grant  away  in  fee  to 
individuals,  lands  and  lots  acquired  at  great  cost  by  the  Hon""  Company,  and  among  the  rest 
wild  woodland  ? 

Is  it  not  monopoly  for  the  Director  to  visit  the  English  at  the  North,  and  there,  without  the 
Fiscal's  or  my  order  and  consent,  to  confer  and  make  treaties,  and  not  render  any  report 
thereof  to  the  Council,  notwithstanding  he  was  thereur.to  frequently  invited? 

Is  it  not  monopoly  in  th .  Director  to  alienate  and  sell  the  Company's  shot  and  munitions  of 
war,  without  the  Fiscal's  and  my  consent  ? 

Is  it  not  monopoly  in  the  Director  to  dispose  of  ship's  stores  without  the  Fiscal's  and  my 
knowledge? 

Is  it  not  monopoly  for  the  Director  not  to  pay  either  the  Fiscal  or  me  our  share  of  the  vhipg 
legally  confiscated,  but  to  retain  the  whole  to  himself? 

Is  it  not  monopbly  to  keep  to  himself,  and  not  to  produce  their  High  Mightinesses'  letter, 
dated  IQ**  May,  164S,  written  to  the  Director  and  Council,  wherefore  the  publication  of  the 
peace  was  not  made  before  the  receipt  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  second  letter,  bearing  date 
1"  April,  1650  aforesaid,  and  prizes  are  still  so  long  detained  here? 

Is  it  not  monopoly  for  the  Managers  ( bnointhebbercn )  to  write  to  the  Director,  as  the  latter 
asserted  injjlcno  co/lcgio  on  the  4"'  July,  not  to  communicate  to  the  Fiscal  or  me,  any  letters 
either  from  their  High  Mightinesses  or  from  his  Highness,  or  from  the  Hon''"  Company;  and 
that  he  hath  concealed  and  detained,  and  still  detains  said  letters,  notwithstanding  copies 
thereof  have  been  requested  by  me  in  the  Council  ? 

Here,  in  the  first  piece,  are  thirteen  instance')  to  the  dozen.  If  more  be  required,  more  can 
be  prcduced,  and  if  demanded,  can  be  proved  on  request  being  made. 

From  all  the  aforesaid,  your  Honors  can  best  infer,  and  in  your  consciences  and  hearts 
bethink  yourselves  wh.it  grave  faulls  and  mistakes  have  been  committed  and  perpetrated 
against  your  Hon"  oath  and  bounden  duty,  by  illegal  proceedings,  slighting  their  High 
Mightinesses'  orders,  and  the  abuse  of  the  Hon"''  Company's  charter,  &c. 


Extract  fi^m  the  attestation  of  Brant  van  Slichtenhorst,  Director  of  the  Colonie 
Uensrilaerswyck,  dated  in  New  Amsterdam,  Manhattans,  New  Netherland, 
2-"  May,  1651. 

And  Dincklagen  not  being  wiliing  to  depart  (that  is,  from  the  Council)  before  and  until  he, 
the  Director,  exhibited  authority  therefor,  Director  Stuyvesant  called  the  serjeant  and  two 
loldiers  (who  placed  their  guns  beside  the  door),  also.  Lieutenant  Neuton  and  Ensign  Baxter, 
who  came  to  his  assistance  and  seized  Dincklagen  by  the  body,  Dushing  him  thus,  together, 
by  force,  out  of  the  house,  notwithstanding  Mr.  Dincklage  warned  them  to  take  good  heed 


rantage  of  the 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI. 


457 


Extract  of  the  copy  of  a  letter  sent  by  Vice-Director  Lubbert  van  Dincklagen 
othe  D.rector8  at  the  Chao^bers  at  Amsterdam,  and  dated  17-  September 
1651,  speaking  of  Director  Stuyvesant. 

It  were  yet  more  commendable,  were  attention  paid  to  those  who.  on  the  means  of  th^  HonW. 

WhatstnH  boors  .e,  .r  and  grope  aHer.  the  children  ^^l^Z^^Z -1::!;!2 

I,  the  undersigned.  Notary  at  the  Hague,  certify  that  having  carefully  examined 
and  co^p    ed  all  the  aforesaid  copiea  and  extracts,  with  the  originals,  pi  ce  by  piTe 
they  are  found  str.ctiy  to  agree  with  the  same,  so  far  as  the  aforesaid  extracU  are 
concerned,  in  wovds  and  dates,  this  xxi  April.  1662.    Hague. 

(Signed)        M.  Behckman, 

Not'  Publ. 


ed.  more  can 


Memoir  on  the  Boundarm  of  New  Ketlerland.    By  Adriaen  van  der  DoncTc. 

Memoir  respecting  the  ancient  Boundaries  of  New  Netherland.  as  first  occupied 
in  the  year  1609 ;  the  usurpations,  from  time  to  time,  of  the  English,  and, 
finally,  what  has  been  ceded  by  Director  Stuyvesant  to  the  English,  subject 
to  their  High  Mightinesses'  ratification,  as  indicated  in  letters  and  memoirs 
from  New  Netherland.  drawn  up  pursuant  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  last 

,       resolution,  dated  IG'"  February,  1662.  5         s  es  lasi 

AiLcIt  the  ancient  original  Boundaries  are  very  fully  treated  of  at  page  11  to  pa^e  22  >  of  the 
Great  Remonstrance  made  by  the  people  of  New  Netherland  and  presented  in  o!to  er.  1649 
by  their  Delegates  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  and  afterwards  published  in  print  to  which 


Vol.  L 


'Pp.  288,  aw,  «u;)ra.  — Kb. 

58 


458 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


! 


their  Noble  Mightinesses  nre  respectfully  referred ;  it  will  be  highly  necessary  briefly  to 
review  and  explain  what  has  occurred  since  the  Remonstrance  has  been  prepared. 

That  paper  relates  that  New  Netherland  was  casually  discovered  in  the  year  1609 ;  that  the 
Netherlanders  were  the  first  finders  and  occupiers  thereof;  that  the  English  came  to  those 
parts,  for  the  first  time,  some  years  after  due  possession  had  been  taken  thereof  by  the  Dutch ; 
that  the  former  had  been  protested  against,  from  time  to  time,  and  that  they  had  continued  to 
advance  by  force,  and  not  of  right,  &c. 

But  in  order  to  be  more  precise,  we  shall  say  a  word  generally  of  the  progress  of  the  affair. 
'Tis,  then,  thus:  —  The  Knglish  remarking  from  time  to  time  more  closely  and  particularly 
that  the  lands  within  the  territory  of  New  Netherland  were  much  better  an<f  more  fertile  than 
those  in  New  England ;  and  perceiving,  at  the  same  lime,  that  they  lay  mostly  vacant  and  were 
taken  possession  of  merely  l)y  setting  up  arms  and  a  fort  here  and  there,  took  occasion  in 
consequence  to  creep  gradually  nearer  to  us,  and  first  to  come  around  Staten  hook  or  Cape 
Cod,  through  Rhode  Island,  afterwards  to  occupy  the  Fresh  river,  and  finally  the  Red  Mountain' 
or  New  Haven,  with  the  adjacent  places  and  villages;  but  they  were  never  peaceable 
possessors,  and  it  was  always  admitted  that  the  boundary  must  be  determined,  and  that  this 
must  be  by  superior  authority ;  as  is  to  be  seen  in  the  last  instruction  given  conjointly  to  the 
Director  f  iid  Council. 

Now,  the  case  is,  that  the  Director  went  to  the  General  Court  of  New  England  on  the  17"" 
September,  in  the  year  1650,  and  treated  there  with  deputies  from  the  Provinces  respecting 
the  boundary,  and  finally  the  arbitrators  mutually  made  and  came  to  a  decision  and  award, 
subject  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  ratification;  but  we  have  no  precise  copy  of  it,  as  it  still 
remains  with  the  Board  of  Directors. 

All  the  arbitrators  were  English  and  friends  of  the  English;  and  in  this  affair  they  pulled 
the  wool  over  the  Director's  eyes;  for,  according  to  our  information  from  New  Netherland, 
he  hath  ceded  to  the  English  as  Air  as  Greenwich,  inclusive,  on  the  Main,  together  with  a 
portion  of  Long  Island.  Now,  New  Holland,  or  Staten  hook,  called  by  the  English  Cape  Cod, 
and  Greenwich  are  sixty  leagues  apart,  and  include  many  fine  bays,  kills,  rivers  and  islands, 
namely,  Stamfort,  Straeffbrd,  the  Red  Mountain,  Totolet,  Gilfort,  Kieft'a  hoeck  and  the  beautiful 
Fresh  river,  where  full  fifty  Colonies  or  more  might  be  planted;  also  tiie  river  Pequatoos  and 
divers  fine  islands,  bays,  kills  and  places;  if  the  tenor  of  the  Exemption  be  adhered  to,  which 
prescribes  four  leagues  along  a  navigable  creek,  bay  or  river,  and  so  far  landward  in  as 
circumstances  admit,  it  can  be  seen  by  the  map  that  the  ceded  territory  will  admit,  not  of 
fifty,  but  of  a  much  greater  number  of  Colonies.  Long  Island,  which  is  included,  hath  full  two 
hundred  leagues  of  navigable  coast,  not  in  one  continuous  stretch,  but  calculating  the  bays, 
rivers  and  shores,  as  can  easily  be  demonstrated  to  your  Mightinesses  on  the  map.  'Tis, 
indeed,  true  that  this  country  was  occupied  by  the  English  in  part,  but  not  the  whole  of  it; 
the  whole  of  it,  then,  ought  not  to  be  theirs;  not  that  we  would  deprive  people  of  what 
belongs  to  them,  but  the  sovereignty  ought  to  remain  with  this  State;  at  least  of  the  whole 
of  Long  Island,  and  so  northerly  along  Sequins  river.  We  should  thus,  retain  something,  and 
also  leave  something  to  the  English  ;   for  'tis  full  thirty  leagues  from  the  latter  river  unto 

'  North  of  New  Ilnvcn  arc  two  Mouiitiiiiis,  now  oiilleil  Kust  iiikI  West  Uouks,  coiiBisting  of  trap,  hornblende  and  foMgpaf 
Iron  enters  considiriibly  into  lh.;ir  coiniiofiilion  ;  conBequenlly,  iliiriii};  their  di  composition,  iron  met  gradually  covers  the 
exterior  of  the  atone,  Ihiix  giving  it  ii  ifUi'li  brown  «|ipe8rttiKe.  liartitr'e  Ili^turicisl  VolUctiune  of  Cunnettieut,  IVX  llciice 
"liel  Mountniu,"  the  siguilioaiit  aud  appropriate  name  which  the  l>ulch  gave  New  Haven.  — Ed. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI,  ^^y 

Staetea  hook.  Were  it  ao  arrnnged,  New  Netherland  could  be  tl,UB  bounded  and  the  trade 
ja.n  as  .t  ,s ,  otherwise  the  trade  will  suffer  great  da.nage,  because  the  Eng.  ^  Ji  rett 
all    he  Wampum  manufacturers  to  themselves  and  we  shall   be  obliged  to  eat  oT  ou    o 

thet!;,"'  ^'^  '^"""'^^  ^"•' '''-''-'  "'-"y« "« «p--  -p-«^  -'^  eoir  :J 

This  is  briefly  what  is  to  be  observed  hereupon.  I  shall  now  annex  hereunto  the  extracts 
and  news  .a  order  that  your  High  Mightinesses  may  see  how  the  work  has  been  managed 

Extract  from  the  copy  of  the  Journal  of  the  Select  men  in  New  Netherland,  sent 
to  Van  der  Donck. 

1650.  17.-  September.  The  Director  has  gone  to  the  North  to  negotiate  with  the  English, 
according  to  h.s  written  communication  to  the  Council,  which  was  not  followed  by 
any  resolution.  "muwcu    uy 

hoLt  lasftight.  '^^^  ^'''''""■'  ^^"  ^""  '"'^^''''"'^'^  ^"•'  g--^^'  P°"'P  '"  New  England,  returned 

r^K  fT'A  J^\^'""'^'''   ^"'J    Council    met.  and    the   Vice-Director   requested   a  report 
of  what  had  been  done  and  transacted  by  the  Director  General  in  New  England.     His  Honor 
postponed  Uunt.l  the  arrival  of  Carel  Verbruggen.  when  he  should  have  it  all  translated 
from  the  English.     He  also  said  that  nothing  special  had  passed  or  occurred 
^'.^..1;.^       November  S-.     Oleff  Stevens  conversing  with  George  Baxter  respecting  the 

I  Director  iT'  ''^'"f"!^^  »'-'='«;  ""^  ^^e  English,  understood  from  him.  Baxter?  that 
the  Director  hath  surrendered  Greenwich  to  the  English,  and  the  differences  between  the 
Director  and  the  English  were  arranged  by  him  and  three  other  selected  arbitrators. 

December  U^.     Schelluyne  conversing  with  Westerhuy sen's  wife  regarding  the  confiscation 

will  be.     My   husband    has  a  writing  from  the  English  Commissioners   whereby  Director 

TCul"' 'PH  "n  '';  "'"'  i  ."'''■■  '"'•  ""'■  '"^  ''  P'-^"'-  ""y  P^«''^"«'°"«  t«  New  Haven. 
14    ditto.     Pho  Director  and  Council  being  assembled,  the  Vice-Director  again  demanded 

to  be  informed  respecting  the  negotiations  of  the  Director  with  the  English ;  who  gave  for 

answer  that  nothi^ng  special  was  transacted  and  that  Mr.  Schaep  of  Amsterdam  who  was  goinir 

Ambassador  to  England,  would  treat  there,  by  order,  of  the  Lords  Majors,  touching  the 

boundary  between  New  England  and  New  Netherland.  ^ 


1 

Extract  of  the  letter  written  by  the  Select  men  to  Van  der  Donck.  dated  26'* 
November,  1650. 

His  Honor  has  been  to  the  North  with  the  English  and  there  entered  into  a  Treaty  respectinir 
he  Boundary,  &c  but  keep,  everything  concealed  from  us  and  from  hi.Council.  We  fear  Z 
news  from  New  England,  (a  translation  whereof  is  annexed.)  which  was  secretly  bro Lht  and 
hrown  into  a  certain  house  here,  is  too  true,  inasmuch  as  'tis  confirmed  by  daily'ruZV  We 
at  least  hope  and  request  that  you  will  be  particular  in  calling  the  attention  o  1  Hilh 
M.g  t.nesses  our  Sovereigns  thereto,  whenever  the  Treaty  between  the  Director  nnd  fie 
English  comes  up  for  ratification.  ^'"cior  and  the 


460  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Translation  of  News  from  New  England,  1660. 

The  Governor  of  New  Netherland  has  been  received  and  treated  like  a  Prince  wherever  he 
passed ;  for  which  he  expressed  himself  very  grateful.     On  arriving  at  the  Court  of  the  New 
England  Commissioners,  he  meant  that  the  matters  in  dispute  should  be  discussed  and  debated 
there ;  wherefore  his  Honor  submitted  divers  charges  aud  grievances.     He  particularly  asserted 
the  Boundary  to  extend  from  Cape  Cod  to  the  Fresh  River  and  so  forth,  and  dwelt  on  the 
usurpation  of  territory,  lands  &c.;  but  they  answered  him  that  they  had  not  come  to  question 
or  to  be  questioned;  excusing  themselves  and  declining  his  premises  as  they  could  not  admit  of 
such  pretensions  which,  as  far  as  they  were  concerned,  were  mere  idle  talk  without  proof.    They 
finally  drew  and  got  him  so  far  along  by  a  sweet  and  right  subtile  line,  in  order,  howbeit,  to  reach 
the  matter  itself,  that  they  have  mutually  referred  their  differences  about  boundaries.  Sec,  to  four 
Arbitrators.     The  English  chose  their  own  people,  and  instead  of  Dutchmen  the  Governor  of 
New  Netherland  named  Mr.  Willet  and  George  Baxter,  two  Englishmen.    The  matter  remaining 
under  their  consideration,  and  the  English  meanwhile,  continuing  to  entertain  and  treat  him 
like  a  Prince,  knowing  that  he  was  pleased  therewith,  the  decision  of  the  Arbitrators  finally 
followed,  to  wit:   not  only  were  the  aforesaid  Governor's  pretensions  declared  null  and  of 
no   avail,   but   the  English  limits  are  four  leagues  West  of  Greenwich,  and  are  to  include 
Greenwich  ;  the  remainder  is  to  constitute  New  Netherland.     Thus  East  of  the  Manhattans, 
the   limits  of  New   Netherland  will   be  about  four   leagues,  and  in  addition  to  that,  from' 
Oysterbay  east  on  Long  Island,  is  to  be  New  England,  and  west.  New  Netherland.     The 
English  lay  claim  to  the  South  river  against  which  the  Dutch  Governor  warmly  protested,  but 
the  English  have  answered  that  they  should  persist  in,  and  retain  possession  of  what  they 
claim.     In  (ine,  it  looks  as  if  everything  would  shortly  be  English,  for  experience  shows  that 
the  boundary  line  four  leagues  west  of  Greenwich  encroaches  as  it  goes  into  the  interior  of  the 
country  and  that  the  English  will  in  a  short  time  be  in  the  neighborhood  of  Fort  Orange  and 
the  trade.     The  Dutch  Governor  is  absolutely  stripped  of  the  Freiih  river  and  New  Haven, 
especially  and  particularly  of  New  Haven,  on  which  he  declares  he  has  not,  nor  ever  had,  any 
pretensions.     And  then  his  former  various  protests  and  menaces  were  read  to  him,  and  among 
the  rest,  his  letter  that  the  blood  should  be  on  their  own  heads,  which  he  denied,  saying:  that 
such  was  an  error  of  his  Secretary,     i':.?  English  will  not  trouble  him,  at  present,  respecting 
the  capture  of  Westenhuysen's  ship  which  lay  at  New  Haven  and  was  confiscated  by  the  Dutch 
Governor,  as  he  has  requested,  and  obtained  from  the  I'nglish  Comoiissiouers,  permission  to 
pass  and  repass.     But  time  will  tell  what  circumstances  will  bring  about  on  the  next  opportunity, 
for  the  Commissioners  nave  given  Westenhuysen  a  writing  under  their  hand  that  the  Dutch 
Governor  has  not,  and  never  had  any  claim  to  New  Haven.     Moreover,  at  the  meeting    »'  the 
Colonies  a  firm  alliance  was  entered  into  between  both  Nations,  the  English  and  the  Dutch,  to 
the  effect  that  they  shall  help  to  defend  each  other,  as  good  neighbors,  against  all  enemies,  ilnd 
mutually  entertain  good  correspondence  and  trade,  the  Indian  trade  excepted,  which  remains 
unchanged;  also,  the  Dutch  governor  shall   be  at  liberty  to  assist  at  the  meetings  of  the 
Commissioners.     Thp  English  declare  that  they  have  nothing  to  do  with  Rhode  Island,  therefore 
the  Governor  may  seek  satisfaction  as  hest  he  can  for  the  prize  permitted  there.     When  the 
four  Arbitrators  abovementioned  had  made  their  report,  and  it  was  brought  to  the  ears  of 
the  Governor,  he  made  a  great  complaint  against  his  two  chosen  agents,  crying  out:  I've  been 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI.  ^- 

he  never  i,nagi„ed  that  such  hard  pms  wou  d  h«  ^'  ^  ""-  '"  ^'"^'  ^'  '''"" 
thoroughly  united  with  the  Duth  Gov  nortotrJr^'^  '^  ''^""-  ''^"  ^"8'""'^  •" 
speaks  of  him  in  terms  of  great  praTeespdH^^  ""'^"^  ^'"'  '^''"  ' 

himself  to  be  entrapped  By  L  lZ7;:dT^'  ord::G\:erert.:;t^^^^^^ 

and  verification  of  the  whole  hnvp  h«B„  »,»^        j  .u    ^     ^"^eenwicn.     Valid,  perfect  copies, 

hath  subscribed  the  eL7e  ^t  at  on  But t?  J  ^k""""  "'^^  '"'  *"°  Commissioners 
othe-  limits  concluded  upon  he  hath  v!t  /  ?°  '.  '  ""''''"''"  "^  ^'•^«""''=''  «"^  '^e 
the  approbation  of  hilcr.cilunjl?  ""'^  "«"''^  '"  ^°"''^"°''  «"''J««t.  however,  to 

Finally,  'tis  reso     a  ^  :  ^  hea^erd  Zrf  ^  ^^  "^"^'^  ««  P^'^'- 

and  Parliament,  in  order  that  ^Z  ^^^":::L:':;::^!'''''  ^°"'''-^'  '^«  «- 

Extract  of  the  Resolutions  of  New  England,  translated  from  the  English. 
Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  the  shin  <}/»••  ,   ,  . 

Westerhuysen  came  to  trade,  and  was  about  th.«  ^-'•'««.  commanded  by  Mr.  Wilhelm 

Haven,  which  Is  a  part  of  New  EnZd   ."nt    .  h    ^7"  T  ""''"  °"'  °^  ''''  ''"^°'-  "^  ^'«- 
hy  the  English  anS  actuall^etr;  ^Cld^r^:^^^^^^^^^^  ^r' 

whom  the  matter  may  comein  su  t    thlp  ^on^'derat.on  of  each  anJ  every,  before 

-«ch  was  not  done  unTe  T^  t  L "  'h  'v b^™"  °    ^7  ^f '^-'-'^  acknowledging  that 
as-  of  September.  1650. Tug    tafst^^  '''""     ^"'^'^  "^  Hartford,  the 

Brawter.'  Will  Halkorne «  Phro    P '  'ol »    T  f   .  T   "°'"'"'''   P"'''*^''"''   S'"""' 

Stepsen  Goodjeare.'  ^^ '     """'*    •'°'"  *  ™""^'    ««•  ""y'^''  Theoph :  Etson.' 

(Lower  down  was): — 

Agrees  with  the  Original. 

DouaiiTY. 
Some  agreement  was  also  to  be  entered  into  with  the  Swedes  nn  .h«  «     .k    • 
the  particular,  thereof  have  not  transpired.     Th  y  rlarnl'  th«  W    ^r  .  "'"'  ^'''  "" 

Quod  aflirmo. 
(Signed)         M.  Bbkckman,  Not.  Pub.  lOflS. 


>Br.w.Ur.  '^wthor.*  'Tbom- Mb.*  •  Brpwu.. 


'  Katon.  •  St«|)li.n  Goodyear.  -  £» 


462  NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

States  General  to  the  West  India  Gompany. 

[  From  Uis  Urgitter  of  UUg«gan*  Srlaem  of  the  StatM  General,  In  lh«  Kojr il  Archlret  tt  the  Bigas.  ] 

To  the  respective  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company. 

The  States,  etc. 

Follow.  Honorable,  etc.     Herewith  goes  copy  of  the  Provisional  Order  of  government 

NMhJrt™"""^''  in  New  Netheriand,  which  we  have  resolved  to  transmit  to  you  and  the  other 

Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company,  requesting  and  commanding  that  you 

and  they  shall  transmit  immediately  your  opinions  thereon  without  fail,  it  being  considered 

that  the  matter  demands  dispatch.     Done  16""  February,  1652. 


Amsterdam.  CJuimher  of  the   West  India  Company  to  the  States  General. 

[  From  the  Rcflelar  of  Ingtkomn  arinm  of  th«  BtelM  Oamral,  In  lfe«  Boytl  Arcblrn  >l  lbs  Higg*.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

We  have  duly  received  your  High  Mightinesses'  despatch  of  the  IG'*  instant,  with  the 
annexed  draft  of  the  Provisional  Order,  respecting  the  government  of  New  Netheriand,  and  in 
compliance  with  your  High  Mightinesses'  command  sent  us  therewith,  we  cannot  omit 
observing,  that  we  have  alrendy  communicated  our  opinion  in  writing  on  the  aforesaid  draft, 
on  the  25""  May,  1G50,  and  hnve  conferred,  at  divers  times  since,  with  the  Lords,  your  High 
Mightinesses'  deputies,  so  that  we  concluded  that  your  High  Mightinesses  had  designed  laying 
aside  the  unfounded  complaints  of  the  Delegates  and  ill-affected  Committee  of  some 
malcontents  in  New  Netheriand,  and  we  are  at  present  surprised  at  a  draft  being  now  brought 
up,  which  for  so  long  a  time  has  been  considered  as  disposed  of.  Your  High  Mightinesses  will 
please  not  to  take  any  action  in  the  premises  until  fully  informed  of  the  circumstances  of  the 
case,  which  information  cannot  be  furnished  by  any  of  the  other  Chambers,  aqtlie  management 
of  that  district  is  referred  and  given  up  specially  to  us.  Herewith  ending,  we  pray  God 
Almighty  to  he  pleased  to  preserve  your  High  Mightinesses  in  a  prosperous  government, 
and  remain, 

High  and  Mighty  Lords, 
Your  High  Mightinesses'  humble  servants. 
The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at  Amsterdam. 

Amsterdam,  the  23''  February,  1G52.  ( Signed)         Johan  lb  Thob, 

Received  24'"  February,  1G62.  David  van  Babhli. 


Folk)  «. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VL 
Resolviion  of  the  Stales  Qeim^al  on  the  preceding  Letter. 

I  Prom  .h.  EogU..,  „r  W«.  lodl.  AM™,  mi-im.  m  ,h.  Boy.,  Arch.r-  .,  U,.  H.gu..  ] 

Friday  24'"  February,  1662. 

ch.™b„..  ,^^zt  ijz:::  :ie"'r'z;s  s/°-".r'-^'  ^•"- 


i>or^...7.<  C7.a„^r  ./  th.   West  India  Company  to  the  States  General 
High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

according  to  your  High  M.«hti„l«1.7  !      .*  '^^^herland  thereunto  annexed,  whereupon, 

in  manner,  as  y^urTh  S^^^^^^^^  ""'  "'"'"''"''  "«  ^«^«  ''--"  "P  «-  "P">ion 

requesting  your  HghM^Se^t^^^^^  "!"'''  '"  *'"  •""«'"'  "''P^'^'^""^^  ""'J  '-^l^'y 

for  the  Stafe.  and  eaZ     v  to  '«    Vk  ?"!   '°  """''''■•' '"  ""'"•'"  «°  «°°''  "'"^  wholesome 

receive  desp.ehhySr:r:t:::: :::-:::::  ^::^^X"^^"  -' 

We  remain,  High  and  Mighty  Lords, 

Your  High  Mightinesses  humble  servants,  . 

Dordrecht.  2  March.  IGfio  '^'*"  ^''■'"°"  "'' ""  '^'^"  ^"'^'"  ^°'"P"»y  "»  Dordrecht. 

Ueceived  6  March,  1668.  (Signed)         D.  Hokufft, 

Gerhabdt  ISof.Y 


Oi^vcuion,  of  «.  cUa.^  a,  Dor4„e,.i  „n  «,  l-ro.i,,onal  Or,kr  „,^„„„  ^r^ 

Aetherkind. 

the  Partner,  of  he  We^t  hd    c^^^^^^^^^       ''""Tl  "''"  '''"""''-^  "'  ^"""-'''""-  ''"t  to  all 
west  rndia  Company  dispersed  throughout  th«  Provinces,  and  that  it  cannot 


1      i      11 


464 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


any  longer  be  tolerated  that  such  fertile  countries  should  lie  neglected  in  consequence  of  bad 
administration,  which  up  to  this  time,  has  been  exercised  through  Commissioners  of  New 
Netherland  under  the  direction  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber,  the  Directors  of  the  Maase 
Chamber  at  Dordrecht  therefore  respectfully  request  their  High  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased, 
respecting  this  and  other  important  matters  concerning  the  Company,  to  call  together  at 
the  Hague  a  half-Nineteen  for  the  purpose  of  there  adopting,  under  their  High  Mightinesses' 
eyes  and  observation,  some  good  and  beneficial  resolutions,  and  particularly,  that  it  may 
be  expressly  enacted  that  all  the  Chambers  shall  from  now  henceforward  be  at  liberty 
to  trade  to  New  Netherland,  and  to  grant  commissions  to  individuals  to  that  eflect,  under  such 
orders  and  regulations  as  shall  be  issued  by  their  High  Mightinesses. 

3. 
On  the  third  point,  where  mention  is  made  of  the  sale  of  contraband  goods ;  inasmuch  as  it 
cannot  be  put  an  end  to  suddenly  and  at  once,  they  submit  to  their  High  Mightinesses  whether 
instead  of  such  articles  being  sold  with  the  knowledge  of  the  Council  there,  it  were  not  best  that 
the  sale  be  made  by  the  Council  itself  according  to  the  circumstances  of  affairs  and  times, 
inasmuch  as  'twill  be  clearly  impossible  to  maintain  individuals  in  such  order  as  tjiat  they 
would  not,  without  the  knowledge  of  the  Council,  run  the  aforesaid  merchandise,  which  is  so 
much  sought  for. 

S. 
They  submit  to  their  High  Mightinesses  whether  it  were  not  better  that  the  duty  herein 
laid  down  be  imposed  in  this  country,  and  that  a  fixed  regulation  be  made,  not  only  for  the 
goods  sent  hence  thither  and  from  that  country  here,  but  also  for  whatever  may  be  conveyed 
thence  to  Bra.-il  and  other  places. 

9. 

They  request  their  High  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  undertake  it  forthwith,  so  that  those 
who  are  inclined  to  go  thither  may  thereby  be  more  encouraged. 

10. 
They  submit  to  their  High  Mightinesses  whether  the  Vice  Director  should  not  be  appointed 
by   their    High    Mightinesses   ami  the  Company,  inasmuch  as   in  case  of  the  demise  of  the 
Director,  the  administration  of  all  affairs  would  devolve  provisionally  on  the  Vice  Director. 

13. 
They  request  their  High  Mightinesses  in  case  of  Director  Stuyvesant's  recall,  that  the 
lulministration  should  be  meanwhile  committed  to  a  competent  person,  conversant  with  civil 
and  military  affairs. 

14. 

Although  the  Boundaries  of  New  Netherland  may,  in  virtue  of  first  possession,  be  extended 
somewhat  further,  it  will  be  highly  necessary  thnt  they  be  at  once  settled  ns  well  as  can 
be  agreed  upon  with  England,  requesting  that  their  High  Mightinesses  shall  give  such  in 
commmul  to  their  AmbasgHUor,  and  in  all  cases  to  include  therein  Long  Island  which  lies 
right  opposite  the  Main. 


f 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI. 


465 


r«iioT. 


lie^olution  of  th.  SlaUe  General  on  the  preceding  Fopere. 
Tuesday,  S""  March,  IG62. 

p«.rw„„,i    „M„  on  the  Trovisionnl  Order  rcspectinK  New  NnfliPrl-mH      w.  •  .   i         "'"ervaiiong 
oiiNBwN«iherii.nd.  ;,  •  ,      ,        ,  pci-unf;  i^ew  i^etlierljind.     Wliicli  l)eiii(j  cons  dered 

.Wr.  of  New  N..h„,.„d,  ,„  l..k  o...  ...nHne':^  ";«;?"*      ''""'  °"'"""  '"  "'" 


^  n  »  :~^~ 


Chamber  at  Middelbuvg  to  the  States  General 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

reatrlf '""  '°  ^"'  "'^''  Mightinesses'  order  nnd  despatch  of  the  IG-  February  last 
requestmg  our  suggestions  on  the  part  of  the  Zealand  Chamber  on  the  report  ^r Mess" 
N  t  erZ"  :"'  "''"/''•"^  "'«^  Mightinesses'  Depu.ies  on  the  I'rovisi:,;  e  'in  N ew 
Netherland,   we  cannot  express   ourselves   otherwise   thereupon    than    to   thank   your  Hil 

of   that  district   in  New   Neiherh.nd.  lying   within   our  common  paten,  j    we  gladly  beheld 
such  good  order  and  resolution  introduced  and  applied  thereto  Ss  you    High^M  gLne     ' 

ea  y  and  effectively  consider  serviceable.  Heretofore  our  CommissLers  have  ,u  m  teJ 
the  rar,cular  suggestion,  on  this  matter  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  to  the  effect  for  the  most 
par  substHntially.  that  population  and  agriculture  there  may  be  encouraged  by  the  grnn  ing  ^f 

uch  t  reedom,  and  Exemptions  whereby  every  one,  may  be  encouraged  by  tife  opportu  i  y  ,o 
transport  themselves  thither  with  their  means,  and  in  order  that  such'perso'n s  mayld  oc    Ln 
the    to  ,n  al   the  Provinces  let  those  concessions  be  drawn  up  on  an  i.npartial  basl  and  gran  e. 
by  a  1  the  Chambers  to  such  as  may  happ.n  to  present  themselveH.  which  we  readily  conclude 

Uerested,  are  o»  op.nmn  under  correction  that  such  district  of  country  Iving  within  the  limi.a 

1  Ch  T  r.7  '  '"'/"  '"  '^'  "''■""'^'■'^  '«  .he  Chamber  of  Amsterdam.  'T.," 
with  Hlnr  •^"'";"^'f-  -P:""""y  «•«■--'  t"  "«<""«  ...  and  other  Chambers,  hut  ,w„y 
with  the  Clause  and  Con.l.tion.  that  they  should  be  reimburs...  the  expenses  incurred  Zl 

accep  that ,  and  therefore  have  they.  to  this  date,  monopolized  that  government  to  t  e  «  eat 
preju,.ce  of  the.-  High  Mightinesses'  design,  the  sole  object  whereof  i,  ,he  promo  io„  of  he 
Z"  ;  ;:"•  "■  r  .:  ';""""  '"""  ""  ""•  P---'-*'"-     •"  order  then  not  Ta  t   r.r    y 


466 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


common,  we  are  prepared,  as  we  have  always  been,  and  even  as  it  was  determined  in  the  last 
Assembly  of  the  Nineteen  held  at  Amnterdam,  that  men  should  liquidate  and  equalize  among 
each  other,  wherein  we  shall  gladly  admit  whatever  claims  of  the  Chamber  of  Amsterdam 
will  be  found  just,  expecting  for  this  and  other  reasons  that  we  shall  be  admitted  by  your 
High  Mightinesses  to  the  right  which  according  to  the  Charter  appertains  to  us.  In  regard  to 
the  other  additional  particulars  regarding  the  reform  of  the  government,  etc.,  we  shall  willingly 
agree  to  whatever  will  be  found  most  reasonable  and  most  expedient,  wherewith  ending,  we 
■hall  pray  God  to  be  pleased  to  bless  your  High  Mightinesses'  Government  and 

We  are 

Your  High  Mightinesses' 

Humble  and  faithful  servants. 
The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  in  Zealand. 
Middelburg,  first  of  March,  1652.  (Signed)        D.  Bantb. 

Received  S""  March,  1652.  Joh.  Pblletibr. 


III 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceding  Letter. 

[From  the  It«gM«r  orWeit  India  Affliln,  16B9— IMS,  In  Uia  R07U  AnhlTM  at  the  Hague.] 

Friday,  8'*  March,  1662. 
FoBo*.  Received  a  letter  fiom  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  of 
Zealand,  written  at  Middelburgh  1"  inst.,  containing  the  answer  to  their  High  Mightinesses' 
ProTt.i<)ii.i  Order  despatch  of  the  le""  February  last,  relative  to  the  Provisional  Order  of  government 
UIl?^nt'''ili'"'{r.w  in  New  Netherland.  Which  being  considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  that 
the  aforesaid  despatch  shall  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  Mess"  Capelle  tho  Ryssel 
and  other  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies,  to  look  over,  examine,  and  to  determine  what  has 
already  been  done  and  to  report  thereon. 


I 


Chamber  at  Ddft  to  the  States  General. 

[  rrom  Ui«  Orlflnal  In  the  Roral  ArehlTM  at  llM  HacM  ;  loMlm  nt  tha  BUtM  OaMral)  DlrMon,  W-t  IndUdu  Oonpagnu,  No.  M.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

We  duly  received  your  High  Mightinesses'  despatch  with  a  Provisional  Order  respecting  the 
government,  preservation  and  population  of  New  Netherland,  requiring  our  opinion  and 
suggestions  thereupon.  We  have  been  unwilling  to  neglect  this,  but  on  consultation  together, 
find  that  this  Provisional  Order  is  the  same  that  in  the  months  of  March  and  April  of  the  year 
1660  was  drawn  up  by  Commiasioner!!  from  all  the  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company  in 
the  presence  of  some  Lords,  your  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  in  the  Hague  when  we 


f 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS  :    VI.  ^j 

toli*!if^?"'""'^xi°  u"'  "P'"'"""  ""^  '■"'■*''*'•  ''"•""'unicated  our  thoughts  and  consideration, 
and  28     May  of  the  sa.d  year  1660.  by  Deputies  of  the  ChP^^bere  of  Zealand.  Maase  ar  1 

hereto;  and  shculd  your  High  Mightinesses  conclude  to  resume  ani  further  mqu  re  into 
these  matters,  when  the  deputies  from  all  the  Chambers  appear  again  at  the  HaJe  Iwh 
will  apparently  be  soon,  we  shall  direct  and  instruct  those  o'f  our  Cl^ambe  of  S/M^l't 
arrange  a  I  th.ngs  for  the  public  advantage  on  the  resolution  of  Your  High  Might.n^  se,    n 

RtaLtrheTS:^""""""^^"^"^^      «^'°-"  '^  '^'  ^overnmen^tandU^m';:. 
High  and  Mighty  Lords, 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  n.^st  humble  Servants, 
The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Co.-rpany,  Maase  Chamber  at  Delft. 
Delft.  S-  March.  1652.  ^^'^^^  ^        i'""  ''*''  Lodensteyn.  1652. 

Received  13  March.  ^'  "''  "°'^*' 


i| 


* '»  »«i  m 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceulng  Letter. 

t  From  Ih.  Ei„w«  of  W«.  Indl.  Affair.,  .«9  -  IMS.  In  Ih.  Boy.I  ArcWT«  .,  ft,  H.g„..  ] 

Wednesday,  13  March,  1652, 

Fo,,,,..  R      i,,d  a  letter  from  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company.  Chamber  of 

'r^^^^XV.  f'  M«^^««;'  Delft,  dated  the  6-  inst.,  in  answer  to  their  High  M-ghtinesses' 

T^L."!  «-  f^^'P^'^f-  °f  'he  February  laat  relative  to  the  iVovisional  Srder  respecting 

the  Government,  preservation  and  populafion  of  New  Vetherland.     Which  bein» 

ons.dered   ,t  .s  resolved  and  concluded  that  the  aforesaid  letter  shull  be  placed  hi  t  e  h     ds 

Ind^^Com     'T',"f  "''"  ''"'  '''«'  Mightinesses-  Deputies  for  the 'affairs  of  the  Ws 
India  Com4)any  to  look  over,  examine  and  to  reporf  thereon. 


.Resolution  of  the  States   General 

[  From  th.  K.gl««  o,  ,h,  E«»l„Up„.  of  Ih.  B>.1«  0,n«l.  In  th.  Roy    4„hire.  tt  th.  H^u^  ] 

Friday.  IS'"  March,  1662. 

«  Jt  *"  K  "^^^  ^"""T  °^  ^"*'"-''  ^°"""'  '*'''*'^  "'■'*'« '»'«  "»"»  Woutersse,  draper  and 
XTCTu  'T'"  "'  ^'"«'"'''»'"  beins-.ead.it  is.  upon  ueliberation  resolved  andconTuded 
hereby  to  allow  and  to  grant  the  Petitioner  letter,  recommendatory  to  the  Director  aV^Coundl 

against  Eva  Lucas,  shopkeeper  at  Bruckel.  a  >•  '"" 


f 


I  i- 


468  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

2he  States  General  to  the  Director^  t&c,  of  New  Netheiiand. 

[  from  the  R«gUI«r  of  VUgegant  BHnm  of  thn  SUtn  fieunl,  In  the  Royal  AnhlTn  it  Uu  Hague.  ] 

To  the  Director  and  Regents  of  New  Netherland. 

The  States,  etc. 
Folio  10.  Honorable,  etc.     The  representation  and  request  to  us  of  Engeltje  Wouters, 

Engdu.  wo»u«.  ^i^o^  of  the  late  Hans  Wouters,  draper  and  burgeress  at  Amsterdam,  your 
Honors  will  understand  from  the  annexed  petition,  which  we  have  resolved  to  transmit  to  you, 
and  to  chiirge  and  command  you  to  let  the  petitioner  receive  good,  quick,  prompt  and  full 
justice  and  dispatch  in  the  matter  which  she  hath  outstanding  on  and  against  Eva  Lucas,  late 
shopkeeper  at  Bruckel,  and  actually  resident  in  New  Netherland,  which  shall  confer  on  her 
particular  expedition,  and  on  ns  pleasure,  and  therein  fail  not.     Done  16'*  March,  1662. 


*  ii  >  11  > 


Chamber  at  Oroningen  to  the  States  General. 

irrom  U>.  Origln.1  t>  U>.  Eoy.1  Anshi™  .t  th.  H.ga.;  Lolclla,  of  th.  8l.t«.  O.ner.1;  DlyWon.  WMIndUch,  QmpaQnU.  No.  M.J 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

Your  High  Mightinesses  were  pleased  to  send  us,  with  a  despatch  of  the  16  February  last, 
copy  of  the  Provisional  Order  of  government  in  New  Netherland,  with  a  view  to  receive  ouj 
opinions  thereupon. 

We  have  been  unwilling  to  be  wanting  therein,  and  answer:— Whereas  the  management  of 
said  Nfw  Netherland,  with  the  places  dependent  thereon,  has  hitherto  devolved  on  the 
Amsterdam  Chamber,  which  consequently  possesses  the  most  reliable  information  thereof,  we 
shall  rely  on,  and  defer  to  whatever  representation  said  Amsterdam  Chamber  makes  on' the 
subject,  without,  however,  in  any  way  prejudicing  our  right,  in  order  both  to  participate  in 
the  profits  on  liquidation,  and  even  hereafter  to  fit  out  for,  and  trade  io  New  Netherland  And 
without  dwelling  any  longer  hereupon,  we  commend  your  High  Mightinesses  to  God's 
protection. 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  Humble  servants. 
The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company.  Chamber  Stadt  en  Lande. 

Dated  Groningen,  V^^  1652.  ^^'^"''^^        ^'  ""  ^'°"^««'  ^'' 

Receivett  13""  April,  1662. 


469 


rotiou. 


H0L7.AND  DOCUMENTS:    VI. 
Resolution  of  the  State,  General  on  the  preceding  Letter. 

[  F«m  .h,  B«l«.,  of  W«.  Iniu  A*.  ^  ,«,_  ,^  to  U..  Eoyl  A,dU,«  .,  .h.  Hh«.  ] 

Saturday,  13  April,  1662. 
Received  a  letter  from  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  of 
SHjr  -  -  ^^11^^.  ^f"^-'  7"tten  at  Groningen.  6'*  March  last,  being  fn  an  we   to  the^ 
High  Mightinesses'  despatch  of  the  IC"  Februnrv  !««»   ro„.^,i      .u  , 


^V"**.  No.  M.] 


Resolution  of  the  State,  General  on  a  Petition  of  Messrs.  Ga&ry. 


Folio  U. 

John  and  Ghulu 
Oabrjr. 


[F,o»  ih.  R.,....,  Of  W.^  ladL,  AlWr..  1«5«_,M8,  In  .h.  E„,.,  A,cbl,«„  u..  H.„^, 

Read  the  petitions  presented  to  their  High  Mightinesses  in  the  name  and  on  the 
behalf  of  John  and  Char  es  Gabrv.  merrhnnt.  a*  &^  t    a  ■       . 

Mightinesses,  favorable  letters  and  recommenda'uon   fru^st^^^^^^^^^^^^  '''''  T 

New  Netherland,  to  lend  a  helping  hand  to  the  Pe.itioners  or  t  ei  ato^fj  1,  uL^'m^ 
receive  from  Augustin  Herman,  the-r  factor  in  those  narf,  H„„  „„  """''"eys.  'hat  they  may 
of  the  goods  Which  he  hath  had  to  dispo^"  IrTir 2  tli^nr  .7:  el"  :;rtn^ 
Which  being  considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded,  that  the  aforesaid  petitions  E  be 
transmit  ed  to  the  Director  General  abovenamed,  with  request  and  requisition  be  a  '  „ 
the  Petitioners,  and  to  assist  them  in  such  manner  and  way  as  shall  be  prone  so  that  th.v 
may  receive  due  satisfaction  in  all  equity  and  good  justice.  ^  ^ 


States  General  to  Director  Stuyvesant. 

t  From  U..  TU^,  o.  P«^«  Bri^  „,„,.  g^.^  o„„.,,  „  „,,  ^^  ^^,^^  ^,  ^  ^^^  ^ 

To  Peter  Stuvesant,  Director  General,  in  New  Netherland. 

The  States,  etc. 

w-.«.  Honorable.  &c.    You  will  be  able  to  understand  what  John  and  Charles  Gabrv 

JO.  -a  c^-  merchants  at  Amsterdam,  have  represented  and  requested,  from  theT lnex7d' 

petitions  this  day  presented  in  our  Assembly,  which  we  have  hereby  re-nlved  to 


.Mmt 


470 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


^n 


send  you,  requesting  and  requiring  you  to  aid  and  assist  the  Petitioners  in  such  crise  as  may 
be  right,  so  that  they  may  receive  due  i  ontcut*^  lent  and  satisfaction  in  all  equity  and  good 
justice  against  Augustin  Herman.    Done  22  April,  1662. 


^  ii  »  ■■  » 


Hesoluiion  of  the  /States  General  to  grant  Adriaen  van  der  Donck  Venia  testandi. 

[  riom  th«  K«(l«l«r  of  WeM  lad^a  AAiira,  ISSi  — 1<«8,  In  Um  Bojal  Anhlre*  tl  Ihe  H*(a«.  ] 

Friday,  26*  April,  1S52. 
Folio  t».  Read  in  the  Assembly  the  petition  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck  of  Breda,  Patroon 

dSJ*?  **°  *"  "^  ^^^  Colonic  of  Neperhaem,  called  by  him  Cokendonck,  situate  in  New 
Netherland,  requesting  that  he  may  be  granted  Venia  teitandi  et  disponendi,  as 
heretofore  grante..  unto  Kiliaen  van  Renselaer  in  quality  aforesaid.  Which  being  considered, 
it  is  resolved  and  considered  hereby  to  consent  to  the  aforesaid  petition,  and  such  grant  shall 
accordingly  be  issued  for  the  behoof  of  the  Petitioner. 


Patent  empotoering  Adriaen  van  der  Donck  to  dispose  of  Ids  Colonie  hy  Will. 

[  From  tho  Aett-SoA  of  Uio  BMt»  OenertI,  In  tho  Bojal  Arohlrei  at  Ihe  Hagoe.  ] 

Patent  granted  to  Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  Patroon  of  the  Colonie  Colendonck, 
situate  in  New  Netherland,  empowering  him  to  dispose  by  will  of  said  Fief 
of  Colendonck. 

Polio 401.  The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands.     To  all  who  shall  see  these 

presents  or  hear  them  read,  Greeting :  Be  it  known  :  That  We,  on  the  humble  supplication  of 
Adriaen  van  der  Donck  of  Breda,  Patroon  of  the  Colonio  Nepperhaem,  by  him  called 
Colendonck,  situate  in  New  Netherland,  within  the  limits  of  the  General  Incorporated  West 
India  Company  of  this  country,  and  having  carefully  looked  into  the  fifth  article  of  the 
Freedoms  granted  by  the  Assembly  of  the  Nineteen  of  said  Company,  to  all  those  who  shall 
plant  Colonies  in  New  Netherland  aforesaid,  have  by  these  our  letters  unto  him,  the  Petitioner, 
sovereignly  given,  granted,  allowed  and  conferred,  do  give,  grant,  consent  and  confer,  power 
to  order,  testate  and  dispose  of  his  aforesaid  Fief,  called  Colendonck,  either  by  form  of 
testament  and  last  will,  codicil  before  a  notary  and  witnesses,  superintendents  and  vassals 
whe'-e  said  property  lies,  or  otherwise  at  his  pleasure,  for  the  profit  of  his  children,  if  any  he 
have,  friends  and  kindred  or  others,  strangers,  according  as  it  shall  please  and  seem  good  to 
him,  the  aforesaid,  his  manorial  estate  to  his  children  or  other  persons  to  give,  transport  or 
leave  in  whole  or  in  part,  thereupon  to  assign  rents  hereditary,  or  for  life,  or  even  to  give  any 
one  the  usufruct  thereof,  at  his  discretion  and  good  pleasure.    We  have,  moreover,  given,  and 


HOLLAND  DOCUM^^NTS:    VI. 


in 


do  hereby  give,  the  Petitioner  permission,  power  -nd  itrve,  his  aforesaid  testament  and  last 
will,  that  he  shall  thus  make  or  hath  previously  maue,  to  alter,  enlarge,  diminish  and  revoke 
by  codicil  or  other  arrangement  of  last  will,  whenever  and  at  all  times  that  he  shall  olease- 
which  testament,  gift  and  order  thus  made  or  to  be  made  by  the  Petitioner,  we  now.  for  then' 
have   confirmed   and   ratified,   confirm   and   ratify   by  this   our   letter,   and    will  that  it  be 
maintained  and  perfected,  and  be  valid  and  of  good  effect  forever;  and  that  whomsoever  the 
aforesaid  Petitioner  hath  given  the  snid  manor  or  portion  thereof,  or  assigned  any  rents  or 
usufruct  thereon  to.  shall  use  the  same  according  to  the  laws,  statutes  and  custom,  of  the 
place  in  which  they  are  situate,  in  the  same  manner  and  in  all  forms  and  ways,  as  if  the  said 
gifts  or  grants  were  made  and  executed  before  the  General  Company  or  other  their  agents, 
whom  It  may  concern.    Provided,  that  whomsoever  the  abovenamed  Petitioner  shall  eive. 
order  or  make  over  the  aforesaid  Fief  to.  whether  man  or  woman,  shall  be  bound,  within  a 
year  and  six  weeks  after  the  death  of  the  aforesaid  Petitioner,  or  his  or  her  entrance  into 
possession  of  the  above  described  Fief,  to  do  homage  unto  us  and  no  one  else,  and  pay  the 
rights  thereunto  appertaining  and  belonging,  all  without  fraud,  guile  or  craft.     Wherefore  We 
do  request  and  order  those  of  the  aforementioned  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company 
to  instruct  and  command  the  Governors  or  Commanders  and  Council,  who  now  are.  or  shall 
hereafter  be  in  New  Netherland,  and  moreover  all  others  whom  it  in  anywise  may  concern, 
conjointly  and  each  in  particular,  as  it  shall  behoove  him,  that  they  maintain  and  perfect  the 
testament,  order  and  last  will  of  the  abovenamed  Petitioner,  as  he  shall  have  made,  or  yet 
shall  make  it.  and  as  it  now  by  Us  is  ratified  and  confirmed  as  aforesaid;  and  whomsoever 
he,  by  his  testament  and  last  will  hath  given  and  granted  the  aforesaid  Fief,  or  shall  have 
made  and  assigned,  or  yet  may  make,  give  or  assign  any  rents,  or  usufructs  to,  the  same  to 
cause  and  permit  the  quiet  and  peaceable  use  and  enjoyment  thereof,  without  causing  or 
allowing  him  at  any  time  to  experience  any  let.  hindrance  or  molestation  therein  to  the 
contrary.     Uiven  under  Our  seal,  paraph,  and  the  signature  of  our  Greffier  in  the  Hague, 
the  SIX  and  twentieth  day  of  April,  XVP  and  fifty  and  two. 


^ ■■  »  11  » 


Besdutim  of  the  States  General,  recalling  Director  Stuyveaant. 

I  riom  iha  Begbter  of  W«tt  luait  AOtin,  1«S  —IMS,  Id  the  Boytl  AreUrH  M  Uu  Higu*.  ] 

Saturday.  27»''  April,  1662. 
Dir«'f8w",»«L      '^P°°  consideration,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  to  write  to  Petrus  Stuyvesanf, 
B«.ii.  Director  General  in  New  Netherland,  to  repair  hither  on  receipt  of  the  despatch, 

in  order  to  give  their  High  Mightinesses  circumstantial  and  pertinent  information  of  the  true 
and  actual  condition  of  the  Country ;  also,  of  the  boundary  line  between  the  English  and 
Dutch  there;  extract  of  this,  their  High  Mightinesses'  resolution,  shall  be  sent  to  the  presiding 
Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  at  Amsterdam,  for  its  information. 


479 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


States  General  to  Director  Stuyvesant. 

I  Prom  Iha  Itegltlar  of  UUgegatw  BrUtm  of  tho  BUlM  OenonI,  In  Ih*  Enytl  ANtalTM  at  Iho  Ua(n«.  ] 

To  Patrus  Stuyvesant,  Director  General  in  New  Netlierland, 

Thb  States,  etc. 
Folio  m  Honorable,  etc     We  have,  in  view  of  the  public  service,  considered  it  necessary 

B«»ii.  to   require   you,   on   sight    hereof,    to   repair   hither,   in   order    to   furnish   us 

circumstantial  and  pertinent  information,  as  to  the  true  and  actual  condition  of  the  country 
and  affairs;  also,  of  the  boundary  line  between  the  English  and  Dutch  there.  Done  27 
April,  1652. 


States  Oenerdl  to  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company. 

(  From  the  B««t«w  of  VUgtgmt  BrUtm  of  th«  SUlM  Qenond,  la  the  Bor*l  ArohlTM  tl  the  Higno-  ] 

To  the  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  at  Amsterdam. 

The  States,  etc. 
Honorable,  etc.    You  will  be  able  to  see  what  we  have  resolved  respecting 
the  return   of  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  Director  General  of  New  Netherland,  in  the 
accompanying  extract  of  our  resolutions,  which  we  have  thought  proper  to  send 
you  herewith,  for  your  information.     Done  27  April,  1652. 


Folio  101. 

DIrmlor     Poinu 
81u;reMaL 


FoUo  SM. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  Jan  van  Buren's  petition. 

[  From  Iho  Bogliter  of  BeMdationi  of  tho  StttM  General,  In  the  Sofal  ArchlTea  at  the  Hagoe.  ] 

Saturday,  27'*  April,  1652. 
Read  in  the  Assembly  the  petition  of  Jan  van  Buren,  chief  of  the  fire 
department  (branlmee»ter),Q{  the  Noble  Mighty  Lords,  the  States  of  Holland  and  Westfriesland, 
and  Dirck  van  Schoonderwoort.  Notary  here  in  the  Hague,  respectively  father-in-law  and  uncle 
Sl«  ""ou,?t  °^  ^'"^"^  ^^"  Scheliuyne,  Notary  residing  in  New  Netherland,  complaining  of  the 
M„ii.u,«iaod.  Director  and  Council,  who  are  obstructing  the  abovenamed  Scheliuyne  in 
the  exercise  of  his  Notarial  office,  &c.  Which  being  considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded 
to  write  to  the  aforesaid  Director  and  Council,  fo  maintain  the  abovenamed  Scheliuyne  in  hii 
aforesaid  office  and  right. 


f 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI. 


States   General  to  Director   Stuyveaant. 


478 


lF«,n.  Ih.  K.,i.U,r  of  TO,v««  BH^„  of  th.  8U.«  Oe««.J.  In  ».  B„y.l  Archl,«  „  ,h.  H.g«..  ] 

To  Petru^Stuyvesant  Director  General,  and  to   he  Council  of  New  Netherland. 

The  States,  etc. 
Fojiom  Honorable,  etc.     Whereas  we  have  heretofore  qualified  Dirck  van  Schelluvne 

to  res.de  there  as  Notary,  and  are  informed,  that  he  experiences  divers  obstacles  and  difficuUi"; 
Dj„k  ,„  soh^  m  the  exercise  of  his  said  Notarial  office.     We  have,  therefore,  resolved  to  hereb^ 
nffi.««  A    ■  .,    "'■^"^  command  that  you  maintain  the  abovenamed  Schelluyne  in  his  said 
office  and  nght,  its  consequences  and  appurtenances.    Done  27  April,  1G52. 


Besduiion  of  the  States  General. 


[  From  th.  lJ,gtoU»  of  W«l  Indl»  Aflklr..  165J  -  lOM,  In  U..  Roj.1  Arohlr»  tt  th.  H.ga..) 

Saturday,  27"'  April,  1652. 
Fouo,,.  Read  in  the  Assembly  the  petition,  presented  to  their  High  Mightinesses  of 

Slf::  T"  "  ^"""^^  °''^°"'^''^  ^«'y"'  ^»'--  -  Staten  Island  in  New  Nethe'Ld 
D,«?.o,  8..Tv«-  «=°"t«'"'"«  a  cont.nuat.oa  of  the  complaints  against  Director  Petrus  Stuyvesanf 
rpf.rr.^.       which  bemg  considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  said  petition  shall  be' 

If  he  W    .   'rr      "'"«"  ""^  *''  "*'"  ''^''  «'«^  Mightinesses'  deputies  for  the  affair 
of  the  West  India  Company,  to  examine  and  inspect  the  same  and  to  report  thereon. 


Memorial  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck. 

irrom  th.  0H,..^,„th.Bo,«4«h,v«.,U..n.^.;  Zo*..*u.  of  th.  8ut«  0.n.r., ,  DWU.on.  HW /n<,i«^  a«.pa<mi.,  Na  S6.] 

Memorial  for  the  Lord  van  Seraertsbergen  and  other  their  High  Mightinesses' 
Deputies  for  the  affairs  of  New  Netherland. 

^.TJ^^A^'^"  "'  'T^\  '•"  '"''  '"  '^''''  """^  '^'  P«"^*°"«^  ^^^^  «'"l'«rked  all  his  goods 
1 1  o  Jry  people  therein,  h.  most  humbly  requests  an  open  dismissal  with  the  clause 

ITv  f  '  "l  '^'  ^'"''''  '"'^  *''°'°«^«^  '*  '"'g^'  f"^^her  concern,  mav  allow 

the  Petitioner  again  to  ho  d  peaceably  the  office  of  President  of  the  Commonalty  in  New 
Amsterdam  which  the  Petitioner  was  filling  at  the  date  of  his  departure,  as  he  is  not  ableT 
l^erwise,  to  leave  without  direct  contravention  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  resolution  of  the 
U  of  March  of  this  year,  and  he  offers,  should  your  High  Mightinesses  think  proper,  to  appear 
agam  in  person  at  the  Hague  next  winter.  >'«  appear 

Vol.  I.  tiO 


Pl 


474 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


The  Petitioner  to  this  end,  also,  most  humbly  prays  your  High  Mightinesses  to  write  to  the 

Commonalty   of  New   Netherland,  that   the   settlement   of  the   boundary,    population   and 

reduction   of  duties   shall   be   taken    into   early   consideration   by  your  High    Mightinesses, 

wherefore  they  have  resolved  to  recommend  my  return  hither ;  also  that  the  Director,  Council 

and   Select  men   shall  not  practice  evasion  or   delay  respecting  the  incurred  expenses  and 

vacation  during  this  delegation,  which  the  Petitioner  is  obliged  to  demand  as  he  has  certain 

information  that  the  Direc'or  intends  anew,  through  him,  by  lack  of  pecuniary  support,  to 

crush  the  good  and  needful  work  for  the  Commonalty  in  New  Netherland. 

*  Which  doinjE:. 

•(  Endorsed )  ^ 

Memorial  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  delegate  from  the 
Commonalty  in  New  Netherland  13  May,  1052. 


'*   ■  ■    «    I  r    fc 


liesohition  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceding  Memorial. 

[  From  the  B«glil«t  of  Wm(  India  AOTiira,  165J-16M,  In  th«  Royal  Arthlre.  «l  tbe  lUjne.] 

Monday,  13  May,  1652. 
F..HO  «o.  Read  in  the  Assembly  the  petition  of  Adr :  van  der  Donck,  Delegate  from  the 

A,i,:,.„d„n,™ck.  Commonalty  of  New  Netherland  addressed  to  Mr.  van  Aersbergen  and  other  their 
High  Mightinesses'  Deputies,  praying,  substantially,  that  aa  the  ships  lie  ready  to  sail  in  Texel 
and  he,  the  Petitioner  hath  embarked  therein  all  his  goods  and  also  divers  people,  he  may  be 
granted  an  open  dismissal  with  the  clause  dc  non  offcmUndo,  and  that  the  Director  and  those 
whom  it  may  further  concern,  be  ordered  to  allow  the  Petitioner  peaceably  to  hold  the  office 
of  President  of  the  Commonalty  of  New  Amsterdam,  which  the  Petitioner  wab  filling  when  he 
took    his   departure;    the  Petitioner   not   being   able,  otherwise,  to    leave   without  directly 
contravening  their  High  Mighiinesses'  resolution  of  the  14'"  of  March  ;  further  offering,  should 
their  High  Mightinesses  think  proper,  to  appear  again  in  person  here  at  the  Hague  next  winter. 
Secondly,  the  Petitioner  moat  humbly  prays  also,  to  this  end,  that  their  High  Mightinesses  may 
write  to  the  Commonalty  in  New  Netherland  that  the  settlement  of  the  boundary,  the  popuh.tion 
and  reduction  of  duties  shall  be  taken  into  early  consideration  by  their  High  Mightinesses, 
wherefore  they  have  resolved  to  recommend  his,  the  Petitioner's  return  here  ;  that,  also,  the 
Director,  Council  and  Select  men  shall  not  practice  evasion  or  delay  respecting  the  incurred 
expenses    and  fees    during   this   delegation,  which   the    Petitioner  is  obliged  to  demand,  as 
he  has  certain  information  that  the  Director  intends  anew,  through  him,  by  lack  of  pecuniary 
support,  to  crush  the  good  and  needful  work  for  the  Commonalty  in  New  Netherland.     Which 
being  considered,  the  Lords  of  Holland  hav.-  taken  the  matter  aforesaid  into  their  hands  to  be 
more  fully  communicated  to  their  constituents. 


( 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI, 


475 


Secret  Heeolutiom  of  the  Stat.,  General  on  the  Negotiatim,  with  England. 

[  F«,«  *.  E.,..,„  of  8^,  Ee«„u«,n.  of  ,h.  9UU.  0.«.,.,,  ,„  «..  j^,^  i„,„„  .,  „,,  g,^.  ^ 

Monday,  13  May,  1652. 

U..8.  .,u.,^        y^je  on  the  Tin rty-s.x  Articles  ,n  question,  which  were  to  serve  as  a  hasis  of  a 

State,  being   a«    „    brlir"  ..    T'"  '"'  ''''P"''"*=  ''  '^"^'""'^  "'"-^^-'l  «"''  '^is 

conclde     hereby  o    raw  no  their   "^^,^«««•",^•y '   ''   '«•    "'^^  deliberation,    resolved    and 
inserted,  ;ord  for  word        ^  '^  considerations  in  manner  and  forn.  as  is  hereinafter 

Mess"  the  Ambassadors  shall  be  careful,  &c. 

of  .1..  Boun/air'^:;: :;"  •  T:zi':^jT """ '-' ""  ■""™"" 

favorable  opportunity.  "    '''""    ^"^    Pos'poned    until   a   more 

TucKday,  14  May,  1652. 

J».--™     ,.  High  MmZZI'TT    Z  "■'  '^"""f  -'  «»'«  i"  K„»l«,„l  ,„  M„,»  ,|,eir 
^■"  n  8'  •■■ghl.ne,..,  Amba.„d„„  Kx.r.ordinnry  at  pre.e.u  Cher.,  „a  ,i,«  Tl,i„v-,ix 

b«..c„  ,„e  TXTZZJT  T  'Vr  "■  '■  ""'•  °'""  '■'-"•y  '"  "• '«      - 


►»»♦<■»  - 


Thuredny,  16  May.  1662. 

ro..o,,.  tipon    leliberntion.  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  the  Letter  of  Rpmil 

umm In ih. Kiw^  wnl'en  on  ihw ''7it>  A.,rii  i»  .   .     !•,■  ,  ^.filler  of    iCecall 

already  issued,  shall    be  revoked  and    retained    nmil    (l.»  «,  .,       . 


476 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


Petition  of  Adriam  van  der  Donch  to  the  States  Genercd. 

t  From  the  MS.  In  the  Ko/d  Archlrw  tt  th«  H>gne ;  iolatto.  of  lh«  StaCn  Oenenl ;  DlTtaion,  WtH  IndUaht  (hmpatn**.  No.  M.  ] 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  my  Lords  the  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 
High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  Delegate  of  the  Commonalty  in  New  Netherland,  respectfully 
represents,  that  he,  the  Petitioner,  has  been  for  over  twro  years  and  a  half  continuously  in  this 
country  in  quality  of  Delegate  from  the  Commonalty  in  New  Netherland,  of  the  Manhattans 
or  New  Amsterdam,  Amersfort,  Breukelen  and  Pavonia,  the  Delegates  being  first  three  in 
number,  whereof  two,  namely  Jacob  van  Couwenhoven  and  Jan  Everls  Bout,  were  discharged 
by  your  High  Mightinesses  on  the  first  of  April,  1650,  so  that  the  Petitioner  alone  hath 
remained  here  in  commission. 

And  first,  namely,  on  the  S?"-  of  January,  ICOO,  and  10'"  and  18",  and  principally  on  the 
20'"  February  of  said  year,  they,  the  Delegates,  at  the  Hon""  Directors  at  the  Chamber  at 
Amsterdam,  in  presence  and  before  your  High  Mightinesses'  Commissioners,  being  severely 
reproached  by  the  Hon""  Directors  who  were  unwilling  to  acknowledge  their  commission  or 
constituents  (commiiientcn),  delivered  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  Commissioners  for  the  affairs 
of  New  Netherland,  copy  of  their  commission  and  of  the  commission  of  their  constituents 
(commitlenten),  which,  notwithstanding  said  opposition  of  the  Directors  was,  afterwards,  on  the 
11'"  April,  confirmed  by  order  of  your  High  Mightinesses,  as  is  to  be  seen  by  the  annexed 
paper  No.  1.  The  Select  men,  their  constituents,  were,  however,  afte.  wards  on  a  sudden,  very 
unhandsomely  dissolved  by  the  Director,  contrary  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  order  of  the  11'" 
of  April  and  contrary  to  their  own  right  and  privilege  of  nomination,  after  they  had,  on 
foreseeing  the  occurrence  from  afar,  by  complaint  and  letter  made  known  and  forewarned  your 
High  Mightinesses  of  what  was  to  happen,  according  to  the  Director's  expressed  words 
and  threats. 

And  as  the  Petitioner's  own  affairs  in  New  Netherland  are  going  fast  to  ruin,  and  the 
common  Redress  is  here  by  divers  means  kept  back,  the  Petitioner  repeatedly  besought  your 
High  Mightinesses,  most  humbly,  to  dismiss  him.  principally  in  his  petition  of  the  tenth  of 
March,  and  now  lately,  he  proposing  from  day  to  day  to  depart,  by  your  High  Mightinesses' 
consent,  with  his  wife,  mother,  sister,  brother,  servants,  maids,  and  in  that  design  had  packed 
and  shipped  all  his  implements  and  goods.  Whereupon  the  Petitioner  proceeded  to  An)sterdam 
to  arrange  his  other  affairs  at  that  place  ;  but  he  understood  here,  before  he  left,  that  the 
Hon""  Directors  of  Amsterdam  had  forhid<len  all  the  skippers  to  receive  him,  the  Petitioner, 
or  his,  even  though  exhibiting  your  High  Mightinesses'  express  orders  and  consent.  All  which 
came,  at  the  last  moment,  most  strangely  and  unexpectedly  on  the  Petitioner,  as  he  was  not 
aware  that  he  had  given  any  cause  therefor. 

He  consequently  resolved  to  speak  to  the  Directors  privately  and  also  at  the  Assembly,  under 
the  impression  that  this  arose  from  some  misunderstanding  or  other,  and  that  the  affair  would 
go  well  notwithstanding;  making  use.  with  this  view,  of  intluential  friends  at  Amsterdam  to 
facilitate  matters  as  much  as  possible,  which  at  first  had  the  appearance  of  a  hnppy  resu!t,  as 
»he  Petitioner  took  ^reut  trouble  and  pains  ;  yea.  to  such  a  degree,  that  the  Directors  themselves 
acknowledged  nothing  more  could  he  expocttd  of  nn  honorable  man. 


f 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VL 


477 


thfy1el'l'd'ttuh7^T■"'^'°";'  '''  "^P"''"""-  °'  ^^«  ^''-'°"  -«<=»'  -^ranged,  when 

First.  The  Petitioner's  commission  and    his  constituents'   leeitimacv    which  th^v  „t 
wholly  rejected  ;  saying  they  were  a  lawless  and  mutinons  rabbf    wh  ^7^6  the  PeuL      ' 

thatThr       n  ,  u  ^^     M.ght.nesses  had  not  the  least  authority  over  New  Netherland 

nntlh  ;    T    '   '""''";   """"•    '""'«^'    ''"^-"^''    «"'!    «'her    members    of      i.     'am  Iv 

loT  T  "77  *^'''"'  """  ""'-•  ""'^  "^«  ^'^''''--  '^'-^•y  -d  plainly    how!d  tha  U 

absolutely  involved  h,s  ruin,  „„d  proposed  and  offered  everything  that  could  in  nVJ. 

required  for  the  Directors'  satisfaction,  in  order  that  he  mighf  d  part  whh  h     d     r  -iL     ^    .' 

J!r  "  '     h       """•  ''''"-''^•'^••'  '"  "-  P'-""-  ""'J  i"  H'i.  case  we  are  our  own  Zte 
here  n  we  have  no  superior  according  to  ,he  Charter  granted  to  us.  ' 

Wherefore    the    Petitioner   wholly    disheartened    and    cast   down,   as    Delegate    of    th„ 

the  I  eiitioner's  commission  and  the  leijalitv  of  his  r,.n«tit.,  .,..         i       .  *•        u  "PP"^"*" 

M;,.i,.i  II         ,   .  'rf^nn\J  ui  1)18  t onsiuumts,  no  hefetotore   bv  voiir   Hioh 


-I 


* 


t 


'I 


478 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Secondly.  That  your  High  ^fightine88e8  would  be  pleased  to  declare  at  the  same  time  whether 
the  Petitioners,  aa  Delegates  and  inhabitants  of  New  Netherland,  which  is  a  conquest  of  the 
Company  in  general,  as  your  Petitioners  are  informed,  have  improperly  applied  to  your  High 
Mightinesses,  after,  however,  the  same  Commonalty  had,  some  years  ago,  presented  to  the 
Directors  their  complaints  respecting  the  bloody  War  authorized  by  Director  Kieft,  and  other 
excesses  in  the  government  there,  without  experiencing  any  benefit  thereby,  except  that  on  the 
coming  to  that  country  of  the  present  Director,  the  Eight  men,  who  had  made  the  complaints, 
authoritate  publicd,  were  separately  put  in  prison,  locked  up,  banished  or  hunted  and  utterly 
terrified,  which  all  at  present  in  New  Netherland  have  seen  with  their  eyes  and  can  exhibit 
affidavits  thereof. 

lu  order,  should  they  have  improperly  or  illegally  applied  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  and 
their  Commiesion  and  the  legality  of  the  constituency  have  been  found  to  be,  or  yet  is,  null, 
that  they,  the  Petitioners  may  change  their  course  and  address  in  time  and,  if  possible,  arrest 
and  prevent  their  utter  ruin. 

Which  doing, 

(Signed)        Adriabn  van  dbr  Donck. 


Sesolution  of  iU  States  General  on  the  Petition  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck 

I  From  Uie  Bfglttor  of  WmI  Isjl.  ABUri,  IMJ  -  IMa,  la  lb*  Royil  Archlnt  *l  Uw  HigiM.  ] 

Friday,  24""  May,  1652. 

AdrtaJTrS-  d«  ^^'"^  "*  *^«  Assembly  the  Petition  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  Delegate  of  the 
»««»•  Commonalty    in    New    Netherland,   containing    divers    points.     Which    being 

considered,  the  Provinces  have  requested  copy  of  said  Petition,  which  is  hereby  granted,  and 
■avmg  this,  It  IS  resolved  and  concluded  that  copy  of  the  aforesaid  petition  shall  be  sent  to 
the  respective  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company  for  their  information. 


Slates  General  tc  the   West  India  Company. 

( From  lb*  R«fM«  of  tru^tfim,  Brimmot  Ih.  SUI«  Otntrtl,  In  Ui,  Ronii  Anhl,M  .t  ihj  ni«M.  J 

To  all  the  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company  of  these  countries. 

Tub  States,  etc. 
Honorable,  etc.     By  the  accompanying  copy  of  the  petition  of  Adriaen  van 
^    der  Donck,  Delegate  of  the  Commonalty  in  New  Netherland.  presented  to  us  this 
day,  you  will  perceive  what  he  has  represented  to,  and  requested  of -is,  earnestly 
requesting  and  no  less  requiring  you  with  ail  speed  to  inform  us  thereupon. 
Done  24'"  May,  1662. 


Folio  HI. 
AilHtffi    Tin    der 
Dnnck. 
«•»     NMhtrltnd 


i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI. 
Chamber  at  Amsterdam  to  the  States  General 


^m 


4-  m 


High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

concluded  that  the  letter  of  recall  written  Jl  o,l  !  *.  T  ''^  '*  '^^  ""^^^'^^'^  ""d 
and  already  i.ued.  shall  he  revX;!  ar^'rai^rd  n^iU  re  ti^.  T'''T'''-'' 
by  the  Deputies  abovementioned.  shall  then  be  disoospd  oTh  I  '^'■°"«'''y  "^^mined 

report  thereupon  shall  have  been  rece iv  d     inasr    /h!  UTl  ^'«''  *^'S'''i"««''e«.  a^er 

resolution  prevented  the  disorders  annfir  which  \ZT  ''fTr  '^'^  ''^  "'^^ 
encouraged  to  break  out  and  -•  e  in  New  nX!,     a         ^  "''^"  "'^  '''^  ^''•«'='°«-  ^ere 

your  High  Mightinesses  therefor  d  J thoctiiltrrT  "''"'  T^'^""''"^  *°  '^"""^ 
honor  to  be  heard   betimes,  before  sulh  Depute     a/^^^^^^^^^ 

trusting  that  we  shall  give  them  such  satisfa^HnT  «''^"  ^^^-^'ne  the  matters  aforesaid; 

all  other  points  that  wfll  be  P  op  sed  to  fa  'tTob'^^^^^^^  ^'  '""""  °'  '""^  ^°"'"'-y  -'^ 
aforesaid.     Whereupon  awaitinry ou    hII  M^  h.  .""''"''^  '^  '■^'=«"'"«  ^^e  Director 

pray  God  Almighty' for  lasin^'p'r  Id  v  of  vour"T  h  \tl'  "'  ^'""  '^^^^  '^^""-^«'  -^^ 
remaining  ^  prosperity  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  happy  government; 

High  and  Mighty  Lords, 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  humble  servants, 

Amsterdam,  the  27  May.  leSS."^''  ""''""'""  "'  !''  "^T.  '"""  ''"'"P""^  »*  Amsterdam. 
Received  28  May.  (o'gned)        Isaack  van  Beeck. 

Ferdinand  Schulknborch. 


Jiesolution  ./  the  States  General  on  the  preceding  Utter. 
tr»o. «..  lu^  or  W-.  ,„a,.  a*.„,  ,«,_.«,, ,.  ^.  ^^^  ^^,,^  ^,  _^^  ^^^^^ 

Tuesday,  SS"-  May,  1662. 

A.:;L.daj|:t:::-X'^^ 

it  i.  resolved  and  concluded,  that  tafre/aid^etL.  Ill  rW ■  "'""  '""«  •=°""'«^''-'^' 
Lords,  their  High    Mightinesses    n  orlr  t  .  P""'"^  '°  '''"  ''"°'^»  "f  '^e  said 

and  investigation  of  the  matter    afo  e  aM       7.  «^-  ""-tion   thereto  in  the   examination 
investigation  .hull  take  Ice    to  3  t  "  ^"^^  ^^         '"''    Director,  of  the  time  the 

..  po..Tble.  ^       '  '°  ••"'  "'•'"^  "°  ^•'«  '''>«'«  «'«d  -port  thereupon  a.  .oon 


¥'" 


<;  H 


480  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 

Besolvtion  of  the  States  Oeneral  on  the  death  of  Samuel  Blommaert. 

[  From  th«  BegitUr  t  Weat  India  Affitln,  16fi8  — 1663,  In  ths  Royal  AretaIrM  >t  tha  Hague,  ] 

Thursday,  80  June,  1652. 
Folio  24.  Received  a  letter,  written  at  Amsterdam  the  18""  instant  by  Abraham  de  Deckere. 

doowued.  junior,  hlling  the  office  at  present  of  Accountant  General  of  the   West  India 

Company  in  the  place  of  Samuel  Blommaert  recently  deceased,  and  two  accounts  therewith  e»;c. 


Besolution  of  the  States  General  on  a  Letter  from  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam. 

[From  the  Begtiter  of  Weal  lodia  ABUn,  IGfiC  — 1668,  In  the  Bojral  ArehlTea  at  Ibe  Hague.] 


Folio  St. 


Saturday,  22  June,  1652. 
Received  a  letter  from  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at 
Weil  India  Cham-  Amsterdam,  written  there  on  the  21"  instant,  with  some  documents  annexed,  in 
r  at  AmaierduB.  gjjg^^gj,  j^  j|jgj^  jjjg,^  Mightinesses'  letter  of  the  24**  May  last,'  and  consequently 
information  on  the  petition  the  same  day  presented  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  in  the  name 
Adriaen  Tan  der  a"^  «"  t^^  behalf  of  Adriacu  van  der  Donck,  styling  himself  Delegate  of  the 
*^"'*'  Commonalty  in  New  Netherland.     Which,  being  considered,  it  is  resolved  and 

concluded,  that  the  aforesaid  letter  and  documents  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  Mess"  Huygens 
and  the  other,  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies,  for  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company, 
to  examine,  look  over,  and  to  report  thereon.  Such  is  the  aforesaid  conclusion  formed  by  Mr. 
van  der  Hoolk,  in  bis  capacity  of  president  last  week. 


■  n   »  ■■  > 


Chamber  at  Dort  to  the  States  OeneraX. 

[  From  the  OrlgUial  In  the  Bo;al  Archirn  at  the  Rigna ;  LokMuu  of  th*  BUiea  General ;  UirltloB,  W4H  IndUdU  ObmpoffnU,  Ho.  M,  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords, 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  letter  dated  24""  May,  duly  reached  us  with  the  petition  of  Adriaen 
van  der  Donck  inclosed,  whereon  your  High  Mightinesses  require  our  advice  upon  that  petition. 
We  respectfully  answer  thereunto  —  inasmuch  as  the  acquired  country  of  New  Netherland  has 
been  heretofore  administered  by  the  Chamber  of  Amsterdam,  we  have  very  little  knowledgo 
of  it  and  of  the  situation  of  the  people  there ;  therefore,  cannot  form  any  correct  opinion  of 
the  legality  or  illegality  of  the  commission  or  person  of  the  aforesaid  Adriaen  van  der  Donck, 
which  we  judge  can  be  most  properly  done  by  your  High  Mightinesses'  Commissioners 
appointfid  for  th«  aflfairi  of  New  Netherland,  who  from  time  to  time  have  taken  thorough 

'aupra,  p.  «78,— Eo, 


f 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI. 
information  on  the  matter  aforeaairl      w«»  ^^ 

Van  der  Donek  should  be  forbXtavfrrN/;  HZZ  'T:^  ""'^'''^'^  '"«  "^"^^^ 
family  nor  why  his  apphcation  to  your  High  Mi jl  „"  L  "  ^"  "'''''  ""^'^^^  """^  «»''" 
H.gh  Mightinesses,  in  ratifying  the  Chart^    h    ®  . '^"^  -mproper.  inasmuch  as  your 

to  yourselves.     Wherewith  ending  we  remain     "  "'""'  ""'  ''''''^'  '"^^  ^'^-^  authority 
Your  High  Mightinesses' 

Humble  servants, 
The  Directors  of  the  West  rn#i;o  r>^^ 

west  Ind  a  Company.  Maase  Chamb,,r  at  Dort. 
(Signed)         Gerhahdt  No»y. 
Received  24  June,  1662.  ^'  ^^-^wrN. 

^^■^aoms    RBPB1.ABB  HUYGENS 


Resolution  of  tU  State.  Genial  on  th.  preceding  Letter. 

roHo!^  Monday,  24'"  June,  1G62. 

w«i  lodi.  ch.m.      Received  a  letter  from  the  Directors  of  the  VU^t  ^r,A^    r^ 
•«  -D«,d«.*t     the  Maase  at  Dordrecht  bein.,  in  „n       °V  t  '^  Company,  Chamber  on 

the   24."  May   last,   and  opinion   o„  th7pe,o„nl     '7  "'l'  ^ 

the  same  day.  in  the  name  and  on  the  bbl    "f  aT  '\''''"   "'«^   Mightinesses  on 

Commonalty  in  New  NetherlandT   Whicl  tin.  c„"";  'T  'r  ''°"'=''  "^^'^^^'^  f^«-  ^^e 
requested  copy  of  the  aforesaid  letter.  llTcLtri.::;'^^^^^^       '"^'^'  °^  "°"-''  ^-e 


Secret  Mesc^ution  of  tU  States  General  on  t,e  com.n^^,  ,f  ^,,  ,,,  ^^^^^^^ 

.    Wednesday.  17  July,  1652. 


■^  -fc^^jB^ 


Vol.  I. 


•1 


If. 


f 


488 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Secret  Resolutions  of  the  States  General  on  the  opening  of  the   War  with  England. 

[  From  Ui«  Ktglita  of  Um  Secret  Rgwlutlaiu  of  lbs  S'^tM  Oanaril,  In  Iha  Bo^il  ArohiTM  at  Om  Hagoe.  ] 

Wednesday,  l?""  July,  1652. 
Polio «s.  Upon  consideration  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  Commander  Cats  Bhall 

SmIim ow  *'"'°"  Le  written  to,  informing  him  that  reliable  advice  has  been  received  here  that 
itah'8Jijrm''*(iMiI*'  some  richly  laden  English  ships  from  Smyrna  are  proceeding  to  Leghorn,  where 
they  await  other  similar  vessels,  a'so,  as  is  reported,  some  convoy,  and  that,  therefore,  he 
the  Commander  shall  keep  a  watchful  eye  on  them,  and  consequently  repair  to  and  remain 
at  such  place  as  he  shall  consider  best  adapted  for  the  capture  of  the  aforesaid  English  ships ; 
and  on  meeting,  act  towards  them  according  to  the  directions  in  the  Instruction  sent  him 
heretofore  and  again  in  duplicate  and  triplicate,  to  be  annexed  to  the  despatches  to  be  then 
written,  and  according  as  soldiership  and  seamanship  shall  demand  ;  with  this  understanding 
that  the  despatch  arising  herefrom  shall  be  sent  off  both  by  express  and  by  the  ordinary  post. 


Monday,  22  July,  1652. 
FoiioM.  After  deliberation  it  is  resolved   and  concluded  hereby  to   request  Mess" 

o'triT'of "  Br.l?i*  Huygens  and  other  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  for  the  affairs  of  the  West 

Otiinra.    New   He*    ,     •*.      rf-,  .  .  •  i>  •   ■        .        »-k.  «.     , 

iberikBd.  India  Company,  to  consider  at  the  earliest  moment  with  the  Directors  of  that 

Company   who  may  be  here  and  convenient,  how  the  Coasts  of  Brazil,  Guinea  and  New 
Netherland  shall  be  best  preserved,  and  the  English  about  those  parts  annoyed. 


Sesret  Resolution  of  Oie  States  General  that  none  hut  trustworthy  Persons  he  employed 

in  New  Netherland. 

[  From  the  BefletM  of  the  Stent  Beeotuliou  oT  the  Slatai  Oenenl,  In  the  Boytl  Areklret  tl  Uw  nagiM.  ] 

Monday,  22  July,  1652. 

r«ii«  M.  After  deliberation,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  Peter  Stuyvesant,  Director 

Peter  Btnrretut.  of  New  Netherland  be  instructed  to  take  good  care,  and  keep  a  watchiiil  eye  in 
the  present  rupture  between  this  State  and  England,  that  no  person  be  employed  either  in  the 
"^'.V^Ne*  Neuu-'r'  po'i'io'  govemmcnt  or  Militia  in  that  country,  except  those  whose  fidelity  and 
'"^'  affection  to  this  State  can  be  fully  relied  on.     And  the  despatch  to  be  written 

shall,  without  reconsideration,  be  sent  to  the  Board  of  Admiralty  in  Zealand,  to  be  transmitted 
by  the  frigate  destined  for  the  Caribbean  Islands  and  New  iNetherland  aforesaid. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VL  aom 

4S9- 

Slates  General  to  Director  Stuyvemnt. 

[Fro™  .be  Beg....,  or  UUoe,an,  B,^  „rm.  8,....  Q.„.„,,  ,„  .,„  »„,.,  ^„,„„  „  ^,  „^^  ^ 

To  P.  Stuyvesant,  Director  General  in  New  Netheriand. 

.   The  States,  etc. 

°Z".rr,ro'.r'  •^°"  "'■°"  «^"^'^  -  --r  .;rr  -\™r,:;  :,.ti': 


*»■«  J/.™».V  „/  a.  W«,  lau.  a^pany  r^^Un,  Brazil  ani  New  NeO^Uni 

"'°  o:nrrwe,s;i.'s.'^-  "''""• "  •*- ""'  -^ «'«-'  ■■"'- «-» 

Honorable  and  Mighty  Lords  • 

l..n,ed  with  ,„„,  joy  fro™  "u  .."or    hL7h.a     h   '""""'»»»"•«■'■  I""™  i"  -l-elr  afflicioo 
...«n>.  it  a.  .  ..k.„  or  li,  Zh  trr'^     .'       !'.  "^'""  ■"■  """  ^°"'P»"''  """  ••  '>"7 

u n,.y b. „ f„ c.:«nuid  toirf; ;rrx:: r  'V';^ ^'' ■"" "'"' "'' 

ob„™.K,  order  preacHlXLIdilllt      ""'""°"'  ""  "°"^''  ■""""■  "•'" 

Brazil  hath  no  communication  with  those  of  England  excent  that  fh.  P    ♦ 
occasion  presents,  are  accustomed  to  charter  some  of    heir  sh  ns      Th  .  r    ^"''T'"''  ^f'^" 
done  there  by  the  English,  and  conseouentlv  'tZ.M  K  ^       Therefore  no  mjury  can  be 

the  abovementioned  dltria  in  connect  on  wit  thm  unZ'Jh^n'  'T °'^  ""^  "'•''=''°"  °" 
difficulty,  which  on  this  occasion  cannot  be  omit  ed  I  s  ts  fnT^thTrr  ""''" 
very  apprehensive  of  the  important  deliberation,  in  JL  h  1  Company  is 

engaged,  and  is  therefore  of  opinion  that  it  wZ   J  -/P-fve  Provinces  are  now 

who  have  their  hands  full  of  work  at  home  To  tak.  T"""'       '^'''  "'»*'  Mightinesses. 

Brfl.il.     Nevertheless     whilst    on   IT.k       1    ?"^  *"''^"  principally  on  the  restoration  of 

..  ...„d.d.  ...r.  J.;:  rz  o- ::rr:: -r^^^^^^^^^^^^ 


4ft4 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


g 


« 


being  under  the  necessity  of  asking,  only  that  it  may  be  considered  and  determined  eith.  one 
way  or  the  other.  And,  accordingly,  in  case  the  settlement  of  the  chief  point  is  not  probable, 
then  that  order  at  least  he  taken,  whilst  wailing  for  more  favorable  opportunity,  pr  visionally 
to  preserve  and  secure  the  coast,  so  that  the  stores  which  must  be  sent  successively  hence, 
may  arrive  in  safety  there.  The  Portuguese  ships  which  come  from  Cape  St.  Augustine  or 
other  adjacent  places  to  the  Reciffe  and,  whilst  it  is  unprotected  by  any  of  our  marine,  capture 
the  aforesaid  vessels  arriving  with  provisions  and  other  supplies,  effectually  blockade,  both  by 
water  and  by  land,  that  port,  which  necessarily  must  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  to  his 
exceeding  great  joy  and  to  the  irreparable  damage  and  dishonor  of  this  country.  To  prevent 
this,  a  trifling  aid  of  eight  or  ten  ships  of  war,  with  some  small  craft,  is  required.  Otherwise, 
the  coast,  which  is  at  present  destitute  of  all  naval  force,  is  wholly  and  utterly  abandoned 
to  the  mercy  and  pleasure  of  the  Portuguese. 

In  like  manner,  that  their  High  Mightinesses  would  please  to  provide  money  for  the 
payment  of  the  2800  soldiers  in  service  there,  so  that  they  may  not  become  dissatisfied  on 
account  of  the  want  of  their  pay,  and  desert  as  many  have  already  done,  and  the  RecifT  and 
other  places  belonging  to  the  country  experience  great  annoyance,  damage  and  ruin  by  means 
of  the  deserters. 

In  regard  to  the  Coast  of  Africa,  wherein  Guinea  comes  specially  under  consideration ;  the 
Castle  of  Elmina  and  the  other  fortresses  of  the  Company  are  thought  to  be  sufficient  for 
their  own  defence ;  and  the  English  thereabout  can  be  somewhat  annoyed  by  the  privateers 
of  this  country,  to  whom  commissions  will  be  granted  for  that  purpose,  pursuant  to  their 
High  Mightinesses'  resolution  of  the  IS'"  instant,  according  to  a  regulation  prepared  by  the 
respective  Chambers. 

New  Netherland  is  the  only  place  from  whence  the  English  in  various  parts,  and  especially 
in  the  Caribbean  Islands,  can  be  attacked.  For  this  purpose,  should  the  Government  be 
agreeable  S  or  6  ordinary,  but  well  manned,  frigates  could  be  employed,  the  expenses 
whereof  could  doubtless  be  easily  defrayed  out  of  the  property  taken  as  prizes.  But  in  case 
the  Commonwealth  be  no  wise  disposed  thereunto,  the  matter  must  be  kept  a  profound 
secret;  otherwise,  the  English  in  those  parts,  being  very  strong,  must  not  be  troubled,  but 
those  of  the  Company  remain  altogether  on  their  guard. 

Thi'o  handed  in  and  delivered  on  the  SO"-  July,  1G52,  pursuant  to  the  Command  of  the 
Honorable  Mighty  Lords  Deputies. 

(Signed)        Johan  lb  Thok. 

In  ftOK  VAN  Bbeck. 
N    Ten  Hovb. 


Secret  Eesolution  of  tJie  States  General  <  i  iJie  preceding  Memoir. 

t  From  tht  Begtiter  of  Uie  Beont  BMolnUoni  of  Ibe  StitM  Owml,  Id  Ih*  Eoyal  Archi™  >l  ih«  Hagne.] 

Wednesday,  31  July,  1652. 
follow.  Heard  the  report  of  Mess"  Huygens  and  the  other  their  High  Mightinesses' 

Deputies  for  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  the  22* 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI. 


486 


S.'"'"  *"  '"';;"'•  "'«  »"-"«li"«  DirectorB  of  the  West  India  Company  being,  niso.  conferring 
"»•:;%%,.„„.     -  "^;  Pre«ervation  of  the  coasts  of  Brasil,  Guinea,  and  New^    h  Zd  ""d 

to  that  efcJ:::::::z^:y'v"T'r-'  --^  ^  ^"'"'"  •'p'--  of thetrec.: 
Provinces  ha.  ^e;:x^w:rd:r:^^^^^       ^^-  — •  - 


Petiiion  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donch  to  the  States,   Genei-al. 
To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 

tharhr:heTetu:.!^:.ts''to;s:r:Lt'°"'"^°r^^  °^"^^  ^"^"•-'^'  ^-^^-^  »^--h. 

New  Netherland.  on    heTe^     ayZs  de  „1  ed  11  thT'  "''"  ?  '"^  P"'"'  °'  '^^P'^^''"^  '« 
as  he.  the  Petitioner,  on  the  2^"  Marfol'lfw    /^^^^^^^  ^"'«'«^''«'"  C^-»>". 

with  the  knowledge  of  the  Yi\rllVTlll!r^        ^  ^^  ^"^^^^  ^^ 

Provinces,  and  cop%f  it  «ent    0     ee'spJv^  T   '=°'"™""'-'«'^    'o   all  the 

to  the  Chamber  of  Amsterdam  whiclseer^'^r^'^^^^  ^r  -nformation  thereon,  as  well  as 
exclusive  right,  and  sen   it    answer  to  v^r^^^  affairs  of  New  Netherland  as  its 

was  referred,  without  ay  fXposi  ^t„  h'"  ""^  ""' ^  '""'''  "''^^«""'°  "^^ 
Wherefore,  he.  as  Delegate'  re  ect  uS;  pplTe  To  vou^HL^M^'hr  ''"'"'"""  ^°  '''''''' 
that,  pursuant  to  your  High  MightinesLtllL^e^tl'' t^ASo^rh' '^veTlh^^ 
Commissioners  over   the   affairs   of  New    Netherland    »hn™  »,    .  ^  °''  '^^ 

been  pleased  to  appoint  thereunto,  may  pro  to  busTnes^    m  ala  '       ^'TT   "^^^ 

(Endorsed)  (Signed)        Adriaen  van  dbr  Donck. 

Petition  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck.  Delegate  from 
New  Netheriand.     Exhibited  6  August,  1662. 


Resolution  of  ths  States  General  on  the  preceding  Petition. 
Monday,  6  August.  1G52. 


^1 


n  i 


\i  '^ 


486 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


that  the  aforesaid  petition  shall  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  Mess"  van  der  Capelle  the  Ryssel, 
and  the  other  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  for  the  aflfairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  to 
investigate,  examine  and  report  thereon.         ^ 


Answer  of  England  to  the  Proposal  of  the  Dutch  for  Free  Track  and  Settlement 

of  tfie  New  Netherland  Boundary. 

[From  lh«  Original  VtrbatI  van  <U  Ambaua<l4  na^  JCnfftlandt,  1659,  iolbe  Bojal  ArehlTW  it  th*  ntgn*.] 

Extract  from  the  XXXVI  articles,  submitted  to  the  Council  of  State  of  the 
Republir  of  England.    21  February,  1652. 

11. 
The  inhabitants  and  subjects  of  the  aforesaid  Republic  of  England,  and  of  the  States 
General  of  the  United  Netherlands,  shall  sail  and  trade  to  the  Caribbee  Islands  and  to  Virginia, 
free  and  unmolested,  in  the  same  manner  as  they  have  hitherto  resorted  to  and  traded  with 
these  places,  without  any  distinction  as  to  whether  those  islands  and  places  were  first  or  last 
occupied  or  possessed  by  the  inhabitants  and  subjects  of  the  aforesaid  Republic,  or  of  the 
United  Netherlands,  any  prohibition  published  or  promulgated  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

18. 

And  with  a  view,  in  tike  manner,  to  maintain  friendship,  peace  and  good  neighborhood 
between  both  the  Nations  aroresaid  on  the  continent  of  North  America,  a  just,  certain  and 
immovable  Boundary  line  there  shall  be  settled  and  determined  as  soon  as  possible.' 


Extract. 

The  Councell  hath  considered  the  Thirty  six  Articles  exhibited  by  your 
Lordships  to  their  Commission"  the  i|  February,  and  have  returned  answer 
thereunto  iu  the  following  particulars— 

11.  For  answere  to  the  Eleventh  wee  say.  That  the  people  of  the  Commonwealth  of  England 
having  beene  alwayes  strictly  forbidden  Trade  in  all  Plantations  &  places  belonging  to  the 
people  of  the  United  Provinces  that  are  not  within  the  Netherlands;  Wee  shall  acquiesce 
therein  and  shall  therefore  forbeare  to  sayle  or  trade  with  any  of  their  plantations  abroad  ;  and 
shall  not  interrupt  or  dislurbe  them  in  their  saylingto  them. — And  as  for  their  tradeing  to  any 
of  the  English  plantations  it  is  forbidden  by  the  late  Act  for  Encrease  of  the  Navigation  of  this 
Nation,  from  which  wee  thinke  not  fit  to  recede. 

12.  To  the  Twelfth  wee  say  that  the  English  were  the  First  Planters  of  the  Northerne  firme 
land  of  America,  and  have  plantations  there  from  the  Southermost  part  of  Virginia  in  thirtie 
seven  degrees  of  North  latitude,  to  Newfoundland  in  Fiftie  two  degrees;  and  not  knowing  of 

'  Th«N  two  arliolet  are  tr&u*lat«d  from  the  Latin.  —  Ed. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI. 


3tate  of  the 


m 


any  plantation  of  the  Netherlander,  there,  save  a  -mall  number  up  in  Hudson's  River,  Wee  thinke 
U  not  necessary  at  present  to  settle  the  limUs.  which  may  be  done  hereafter  in  convLni't  tyme! 

These  thing,  wee  have  thought  fit  to  Exhibite  to  yo'  Excellencies,  upon  those 

Signed  in  the  name  and  by  order  of  the  Councell  of  State  appointed  by  Authority 
ot  rarlament.  ' 


Whitehall. 

16  March  166}. 


(sd)        P.  Lisle  president ' 


Resolution  of  the  States  General 

[  From  ih,  B,^.ter  of  W«t  Indl.  Aawn,  IBJ  _  IM8, 1»  U..  Eojd  ArohlrM  at  th.  H.gu..  ] 

Tuesday,  ]3'»  August.  1662. 

w«'itirc«.      ^':  7°  f^-^  Capelle  tho  Ryssel  hath   again  brought  before  the  Assembly 

T'   •      H     A  u'u  '  ?■■*''"  '^""'"  °P'°'°"  "'■  '^«  ^'^^'^t""  "f  'he  West  India  Company 

here  m  attendance  exh.b.ted  on  the  31  July  last,  concerning  the  preservation  of  the  Coasts  of 

A     w?T'k  '.     ^""^  ^«'''''^'«"^'  ^°d  how  the  English  thereabouts  can  be 

annoyed.  Wh.ch  bemg  considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded,  that  the  said  written  opinion 
be  agam  P'-ced  .n  the  hands  of  the  abovementioned  Mr.  van  der  Capelle  tho  Ryssel  and  the 
other  the,r  H.gh  M.ght.nesses'  preceding  deputies,  in  order  to  investigate,  examine,  to  submit 
theu  views  as  to  the  finding  of  means  and  ways  whereby  the  affairs  of  said  West  India 
Company  in  the  Countries  aforesaid  may  be  restored  and  preserved  in  good  condition,  and  to 
report  on  the  whole  to  their  High  Mightinesses.  »'"«uiiion,  ana  to 


'■■  I 


■^  ■  «  11  ^ 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  projected  Invasion  of  New  Ketherland. 

t  from  th.  B.gi.tM  of  W«.  lodU  AllU  t,,  ma  -  IdM,  In  ih.  Boyid  Arehlm  u  th.  H.r>«0 

Tuesday,  3*  September,  1662. 

».w  ^?!'^;iSi««i   .    ^*"'''""'  ^^^"  H'8h  Mightinesses  are  certainly  informed  that  New  Netberland 
18  in  great  danger  and  imminently  exposed  to  invasion,  aurprisal  and  to  the 

of  th.  Co».,.L    H.  d.«l  .a  18»8,  «d  wm  .uocd.-i  by  hi.  wn,  with  who«  th.  tiU.  b.«u.w  «tin,t  in  1748.  i»«rL  -to 


rfcidi 


488 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


besieging  of  the  cities  and  fortresses  there,  by  the  English,  it  is,  therefore,  upon  consideration 
resolved  and  concluded,  that  a  letter  be  written  to  the  presiding  Chamber  of  the  West  India 
BMi<ritr>g>iaMUi«  Company  of  this  country,  to  notify  the  Director,  his  council  and  those  of  the 
EDgiand.  government  of  the  Commonalty  in  New  Ne(herland  aforesaid  thereof,  and  earnestly 

recommend  them  to  garrison,  provision  and  complete  the  fortresses  in  New  Amsterdam  and 
elsewhere  in  the  speediest  and  strongest  manner,  also  to  m  later  their  militia  and  other  forces 
in  as  large  a  number  as  is  in  anywise  possible,  cad  to  be  generally  on  the  alert,  for  the  obviating 
of  all  dreaded  misfortunes. 


States  General  to  the   We^Ht  India  (Company. 

[  From  Ui«  Berbtor  of  Utlfftgatu  SritMnotOit  SUIet  Oeneral,  Id  (he  Royal  i    <hlTM  *l  th*  Uagua.  ] 

To  the  presiding  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  of  this  country. 

The  States,  etc. 
Follow*.  Honorable,   etc.     We   have   this   day    taken   into   consideration  the  present 

N«w  Nathtruud.  condition  of  affiiirs  in  New  Netherland,  and  thereupon  adopted  the  resolution, 
extract  whereof  is  annexed  hereunto,  earnestly  requesting  and  requiring  you  to  regulate 
yourselves  according  to  the  tenor  thereof,  and  moreover  to  order  the  arrangement  of  everything 
relating  tliereunto.     Done,  3^  September,  1G52. 


DEFENCE 


or 


II  E  N  D  R  I  K     van     D  Y  0  K  , 


FISCAL 


M 


NEW   NETIIERLAND. 


t  rnm,  Ihr  ,„H..  „ll....„l ,  op,  |„  ,|„,  R,,„  <^hl,«  .1  th,  riHO*  i  Flic. 


TMt/mllAltl 


m 


f 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VL 


491 


Ilendric-k  \an  DrjcTc,  Fiscal  of  New  NetMand,  to  the  State. 

t  Frop.  the  Origl«l  ,„  ,h,  Eor.l  A,chl,«  .,  ,h.  H.gu. ,  FUe.  ir«.  l^i». , 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lord-  ^.ates  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 


General. 


My  Lords. 

assent  ofhis  appointed  Superior  rouLnlmr  ^'^^^  ,°"  '"'  °^"  ""thority.  without  the 
Lamontanie.  a'prenchrna  a  /  the  Se^er.en'thr "'  '^""'"''"' '"'  "•'^"'""  """^  -« 
exhibited  towards  me  during  six  vear^  d  1      T  T    ^"'7"'  ^^^'"''''^^  """^  P'^'-'^y  ^P*"* 

«S.^  or  March  of  this  year,  l^"^  '^^::^mJ:i:T  ""  "^  ^''^  "'^  °"  ^''^ 
the  space  of  about  13  years  both    .V\lZ\Zxv     ■     f    '^''g^'""''«se8  and  the  Company  for 

or  the  preceding  DirL^dr.  ■^j^^::  t.n"z:':z:;T;s:r^^'"^  1^'  ^'"^-^ 

unsigned  and  undated  pasquinade  wlHch  the  entire  cou„7rv  hi  "  f"lBe.  concocted, 

of  the  perjured,  godless  Cornelia  van  Tie.  ho  „  T„  e  '  I^*'"'  ""  7"""  ^^  «  '^'"'^ 
deposed  Mr.  Dincklage  from  his  office  alsTor  .'  f  .'"""""■'  "'^  ^''"•^'^'"^  '^"^h 

Poor  box  in  the  Chufch.  I  se  d  •  e  wi.l  -o"  r  h'  TTT^"  "''"'  ""^  ^'^'^'^  >"  '^e 
office,  likewise  the  behavior  of  th  Di"  to  Is^  or  o'fs  "«^'"'^T  '"  ^''^''^'''^^  "''  '"'"« 
van  Tienhoven  who  brags  here  th-.t  vo  r  HiJh         ,7  u  ?  ^"'^'^'"'  '■"^«^°^"  ^ornelis 

even  has  go^  so  .r  as  I  c^l!;;  ^r  h!^' S^"~  ^S^^^^  Hj^  to  leave,  and 
over  in  person,  but  am  burdened  with  a  w^fe  an!  foSr  cMI  Z  """  r^'  '^Z  /  «'^°"''J  ''«ve  gone 
not  to  depart;  I  have  resolved  to  r.^^ ^^:Z:^tr;::' :^:^ ^^^  T:^''' 

Di.ctor  remain,  and  th;p.,ured";t:::;;i:r::c:^       :-^-:'^  !•!« 

Your  High  Mightinesses' 

Most  Obedient  Servant, 

I  pray   God  Almighty  to  be  pleased  to  continue  you^^  MighlZa^'in' , '''"'•'•  . 
blessed  government.  *     •  I'tnimesses  in  a  long  and 

Manathans,  IS""  7"*'  A"  1C53. 

'  Antoin.  rM.r»OT.  OarJin.l  ,U  OrinMlo,  wn.  Mini.lrr  to  Cli.rU.  V    .,  I    a 

••" *' -  "'  M..««.e..  .,f  V ^  K.,,..t  .,f  „.,       w    •  1?  '1^1:  ;;•';"'-">'•  •->  ""'iP  n..  K.,  or  Sp-.n  ;  .,«, 

ooul.l  do  „.„|.i„,  w.,.,.,u. 1,„..„  „„,„o.,  aoc.,..  ll       "       '.,M    "         "T    '."  '"'""""'  """  ''••'  'l"'  "'«'  "'«  ^-^ 

*-' '"-  "-^'-i  -  »'-iH... .,  s.,,te„„,..,  >«s« .  L  •;:^''^::^';"'v,r'''"'' "'  "'^  ''-"•"•  "• "- 1-- 

cmMM..li„„  with  .1,,  l,i,i.,rv  of  Uie   luil.J  \\.th„l,. .  1  in  "''  ''^"■'"'■"<'">«  //■•'<«•.,«.,  V..  1.17      Hi, 


i 


492 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Commissions,  Instructions  and  Ordeiis  of  the  High  and  Mfglity  Lords  States 
General  and  Hon"'«  QenernI  Incorporated  West  Indh  Company  of  the 
United  Netherlands,  to  which  Petrns  Stuyvesant  as  Director,  Lubbertus 
van  Dinckliige,  Deputy,  and  Hendricus  van  Dyck  as  Fiscal,  of  New 
Nelheriand  and  places  lying  IhereaboPt,  are  respectively  bound  by  oath, 
together  with  the  (Jravamina  on  the  several  Instructions  and  Orders  drawn 
up  by  the  said  Fiscal  for  his  Defence  before  the  August,  Noble,  High  and 
Mighty  Lords  and  Masters. 


Commv'ion  of  Petrus  Sfuyvetont  at  Director  of  New  Nctherland. 

[Omitted;  being  already  priuted,  fu^rn,  p.  178.] 

Oath  of  Pelrus  Stuyvetant  at  Director. 

This  day,  the  28"  July,  1040,  hath  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  as  Director,  named  in  the  blank 
hereof,  taken  the  proper  Oath,  at  the  hands  of  the  Lord  President  of  their  High  Mightinesaes' 
Assembly,  punctually  to  conform  himself  to  his  Instruct!  in.  both  in  regard  to  New  Netherland 
and  other  Islands  mentioned  in  his  Instruction.     Was  signed  in  my  presence. 

COBfi'  MuscH. 


Committion  for  Curasao. 

The  Directors  of  the  Cieneral  Incorporated  West  India  Company  in  the  United  Netherlands. 
To  all  those  who  shall  see  these  presents  or  hear  them  read.  Health  :  Whereas,  for  tlio 
government  and  promotion  of  our  afliiirs  at  Cur!i(,ao  and  the  Islands  dependent  thereon,  and 
of  the  ships  and  yachts  heretofore  sent  and  to  be  hereafter  sent  thither  by  us.  We  hau  need 
of  a  capable  qua'if.ed  person.  Be  it  known:  That  We,  confiding  in  the  probity,  expe  'ncp 
and  prudence  of  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  heretofore  in  charge  of  the  Covernment  aforesaid,  etc. 
Done  in  our  Assembly,  at  Amsterdam,  this  10""  July,  1040.  Underneath  was  (Signed) 
BcNAVKNTURE  Broen.     And  lower  down,  (Signed  By  Order  of  the  same)  Gvsbert  IIudoli'hi. 


Jfitt  li,Jiii  ComiHiny's  Commiition  lo  Director  Sfutjveiant, 

The  Commissioners  on  behalf  of  the  (General  Incorporated  West  India  Company  in  the 
United  Netlierlaiiils.  To  all  those  who  shall  see  these  presents  or  hear  them  read.  Health  : 
Uk  it  known:  Wh.'..ug,  We  have  deemed  it  advisable  ,'or  tlie  promotion  of  the  affairs  of  the 
General  Incorporalei*  West  India  Company,  n(;t  only  -o  mail  "in  the  trade  and  population  of 
the  Coasts  of  New  Netherland  and  the  placu  situr.le  therealouts,  together  with  the  Islands 
of  Curnqoa,  Buenaire,  Aruba  and  their  dependencies,  hitliert  -  rcouraj^ed  thither  from  this 
country,  hut  also  to  endeavnr  lo  make  new  treaties  and  alii  ,  i  >  uh  foreign  princes,  and  to 
indict  as  much  injury  as  posgille  on  the  enemy,  in  lui  (oris    n"  .    onjjholds,  as  well  by  iva  m 


f 


HOLLAND  DOCITMENTS  :    VI 
,      ,  *  498 

wit!,    our   alTairs   at,   and    the  Kovpmmpn.  nP    .h       r  f  f 'y^^"""''  formerly  intrusted 

appointed,  and  by  these  nrespnfe    ,J«  n„     •   »        .        '^*^"-''*  '"^'^«'   "^^e  commissioned  and 

Director  over  tli/a^Ciirn^ie^fTC^NltZTdThr 

to  administer,  with  the  Council  as  well  now  as  herJfter  tn  P'^^^^'/hereunto  adjoining. 

ofiice  of  Director,  both  by  water  and  lanl'and  in  .i ,  rl  "'''^°"''*"^  ""'  '"'"'  ^'"  '^'^^ 
advancement,  promotion  and  preser '.tion  of  frie  1  h  ''■,''  '"  ""'"'  ^''"''""^  '°  ^^'^ 
direct  ail  matters  appertainin/tTtr„A    7nd  f  ^'        ""'''•  '""^'  '"'^  commerce;  to 

the.  tor  the  servi^of  t^irrih::::^;:^^;:  or r  ^ri^t  -''''^^ 

office  and  duties  in  ceo  dance  wtl' .i'  """TT'  '"  '''''''"'  '"'^  '''''  -"-"-  ^is 
herewith    issued,   and    to    b     he"!     J  Z  To' T  '"""';"'  P-ticular  Instructions 

bound  and  obhged  to  do  by  hi-  ^th  ti  r  ,  ?h  r*  r  f  ^''"''  '"^  '''*'^"^"'  D'-'^"'^  •« 
which   done.  We   order   and   ;„r      f  n       .  '"^'  °'  ''''  President  of  our  Assembly : 

the  inhahitalurLd  n  ives  reXr.^  t  e°l  :;  ""."?  "'"'"°"  ^"•'"^'«'  ^"^^^''^  ^'^ 
might  concern,  to  acknow»d«er  si.  an  !ih"  ^T  ''  ''''''''''  '»"'^  '''"  -''"'"  <' 
•.  t..e  countries  and   P.ac;s^:rZrti:r':Td  Id '^  rj  !^^  ^°- ^'-- 

Uv...  .    Beneath  was.  By  Order  ofl  "lei  (^;::^)^r ::  I;!^.:^^^^^^^'  ^'" 


Co«.i„,-„n  „/  LMertus  .an  D.^clagc  as  D.pu,y  Go^nor  of  Neu>  mUerland 

Nj^!::i^drwC::^':^::;::,::r^p-"'«"  ^^^^ '-''-  '-^^--y '-  ^'-^  ^^-^ 

have  considered  it  pro.r  n      ssary        ;e'lTtrT"' "^  ''''^^  '''•^•"''^'''-'• 

Vice-Direc,  .  and  I  plscal,  an."  ZZ  ^T  .^  ^r^  Ir'X^^t'f  ^  '"'Tf'  ^ 
with  a  fit  and  capable  person  to  furnish  :_Tl.ereforWerenoi.rT;  V"'  '^  ^  '"'' 

m.de  to  us  of  Dr.  Lubbertus   van   DindJrnf  h'     ^.^ '•^P"""*  '=°"'"*''»'--'"" 'he  gcd  report 

acknowledged,  appointed  ddepUedntrv  \'T',  '"''^"""'=''  ""'  "'P'^'^''^'  ''"- 
Lubl,ertus  van  I  incl.ge    s  S  c^ud  to   -u,    fi  Tp^  "'knowledge,  appoint,  and  depute  the  said 

in  .uch  ,uali,y  to  proved  t;  and  esideT  Fort  a'T  "  '  i'"  ''''"'''  '"  •''""  ^^^^^'^^1..^, 
chief,  wilh  him  over  «  loc^i  r  nJ  7  :tion^„f  w"  "l  "'  "'f  ""'  ''"'''''  '^  ^'^^l'-''  ^  "- 
his  place  in  the  absence  of  t  saiTl,  rX  Z'.u  t.'l  '"'''  '"  ''^"'""••''  ""*  '°  ''" 
contracts,  all  alliance,    frien Ihin  1  "'tend  to  the  preservation  and  increase  of 

justice  as  well     r  la'l       d  ■  |   'a  T'""T'  '"  ""?  '"  ^''"  "''•""''«'^"''""  of  law  and 

J  «tn  iriminaias  cml,  all  disorders,  abuses,  and  irregularities  which  h..v«  ni,  .,j 


■«■         ■.* 


494 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


therefore  respect  and  uphold  the  aforesaid  Lubberlus  Dinclnge,  and  in  the  fulfillment  of  these 
to  afford  him  all  help,  support  and  assistance,  each  so  far  as  to  iiim  appertains;  on  pam  of  the 
contraveners  or  disobedient  incurring  our  indignation,  as  we  have  found  such  to  be  fitting  to 
the  service  of  the  Company. 

Given  in  our  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  in  Amsterdam,  this  S""  May,  IG45. 
Was  paraphed. 

Henricus  van  der  Capelle  tho  RyssEL,  "'. 
Beneath  was,  By  order  of  the  same. 

(Signed)         Gvsbeut  Ruuolphi. 


Commmion  of  Henricus  van  Dijck  as  Fiscal 

The  Directors  of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company  at  the  Chamber  of  Amsterdam.     To 
all  those  who  shall  see  or  hear  these  presents  read,  Health.     Be  it  known  :  Whereas  We,  for 
the  maintenance  of  all  good  order,  regularity  and  discipline  among  the  people  in  New  Netherland, 
and  the  places  situate  thereabout,  under  the  command  of  our  beloved,  faithful  Director  there 
residing,  have  found  it  necessary  at  the  said  place  to  appoint  a  good  Fiscal,  to  make  complaints 
against  all  delinquents  and  transgressors  of  the  military  laws  and  all  other  our  Instructions  and 
commands,  the  same  to  arraign  and  cause  to  be  punished;  and  for  such  office  has  been  proposed 
to  us  the  person  of  Hendrick  van  Dyck,  Therefore,  We  confiding  fully  in  his  fitness  and  diligence 
for  the  performance  thereof,  have  deputed,  authorized,  and   appointed,  and   hereby  depute 
authorize,  and  appoint  the  said  Hendrick  van  Dyck  as  Fiscal  over  the  aforesaid  countries  of 
iNew.Netherland.  and  the  places  situate  thereabout;  giving  him  full  power,  charge  and  authority 
the  said  ofhce  to  fill  and  attend  both  by  land  and  water;  to  take  congnizance  and  information 
on  ail  forfeits,  excesses  and  crimes;  all  delinquents,  contraveners,  and  transgressors  of  the  law 
martial  and  all  other  Instructions  and  orders,  as  well  of  the  aforesai.l  Assembly  of  the  XIX  as 
of  t.ie  aforesaid  Director,  to  summon  and,  according  to  demand  an<l  circumstances,  to  prosecute  • 
to  proceed  to  detinitive  judgment ;  to  execute  the  same,  and  delinquents  to  cause  to  be  punishe.l' 
pursuant  to  the  contents  thereof,  and  moreover  to  do  and  observe    all  that  it  behooves  a  good 
tisca    to  perform,  following  and  observing,  in   his  proceedings   and  complaints,  all   proper 
formalities  in  conformity  to  the  placards  and  or.linanc.-s  which  have  been  promulgated  here 
and  moreover  conformably  to  written  laws.     We,  therefore,  order  and  commapd  all  officers  as 
well  political,  military  as  naval,  together  with  all  common  mariners,  soldiers,  and  all  other 
inhabitants  under  our  obedience  there,  or  who  shall   hereafter  come  thither,  to  acknowlc'ce 
and  respect  the  sr^id  Hendrick  van  Dyck  as  our  Fiscal,  and  him  •.,  the  prosecution  of  hi.  oUlX 
in  no  way  to  interrupt,  but  in  support  of  justice  all  help  and  furthermore  by  deeds  to  show  and 
atlord  ;  therein  shall  our  earnest  intention  be  met. 

(iiven  at  the  Aspembly  in  Amsterdam  this  ay-  June,  104.5. 

Was  paraphed  s,„^_^  ^^^  ^^^  p^^^  „ 

Benea.h  ^y  Order  of  the  same. 

(Signed)         (iysuEur  Rudolphi. 


i 


Holland  documents:  vl 


495 


iNSTRccTiox  Of  the  Commissioners  at  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  General 
Incorporated  West  India  Company  for  the  Director  and  Counci  of  Vew 
Netheriand,  accordmg  to  which  they  shall  provisionally  and  until  futhe^ 
order  regulate  themselves.  lurther 

I,  as  Fiscal,  have  never  seen,  nor  been  furnished  with,  nor  had  directly  or  indirpntl. 

1. 

The  Supreme  Counci:  in  the  Countries  of  New  Netheriand  shall  consist  of  three  persons 
namely  :   fhe  D.rector  as  President,  his  Vice  and  the  Fiscal,  by  whom        000™^ 
affairs  relating  to   police,  justice,    militia,  the    dignity    and   iust    nJl.rnf  ^^^ 
Company  shall  he  administered  and  decided,  each  Llinilg  brnd.'e  e  t.  1  - 
to  vindicate  his  own  Commission.  neveiineless, 

violent  rage  both  against  the  Deputy   and  me.  if  we   in  our  advice  d'id  nof  all  in  tit    hi^ 
humor,  scolding  and  berating  us  in  open  Court,  in  tiie  hearing  of  all  thp  ,.1/^ 

Hon  Company  etc.,  threatening  to  beat  and  break  us.  And  this  we  could  not  prevent 
notwithstanding  the  many  protests  we  made  against  such  mode  of  proceeding,  severa  o' which 
h,    Honor  forba  e  the  Secretary  at  the  meeting  to  enter  in  the  Register,  and    f  some  that  w  re 

r;;ht;rH::;;:::'^  °'"" '-''-'  -  -'^-' "'« »--  --^^  -^  ^«  --"^  vi.:die::: 

2. 

With  this  understanding,  however,  that  in  all  cases  in  which  the  Advocate  Fiscal  shall 
be  obliged  to  proceed  as  conservator  of  the  rights  of  the  Supreme  Authority,  or  of 
the  Company,  be  the  same  Civil  or  Oiminal.  the  Military  Commandant  shall  sit 
u.  his  stead,  an,!  if  the  charge  be  criminal,  two  capable  persons  shall  moreover  be 
adjoined  rom  the  Commoualty  of  that  district  where  the  crime  or  act  was 
committed. 

The  Commander  of  the  Soldiers,  who  is  an  Englishman  named  Brian  Nuton  and 
understands  l.itle  or  no  Dutch,  who  can  when  necessary  sign  his  name,  receives  his  wages 
and  support  at  the  Director's  hands  having  no  other  tneana  of  livelihood,  hath  continual  seat  and 


496 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


vote  in  the  Council.  Also  a  Frenchman  named  La  Montagne  who  is  burdened  with  a  large 
family  and  is  greatly  in  want  of  provisions;  who  is  indebted  several  thousand  guilders  to  the 
Company  and  derives  his  support  from  the  Director.  In  place  of  two  capable  persons  to  be 
adjoined  in  criminal  cases  from  the  Commonalty  of  the  District  or  Colonic  where  the  crime 
or  act  IS  committed,  which  God  be  praised  was  of  rare  occurrence,  the  Director  kseps  these 
two  persons  at  the  expense  of  the  Company  and  with  them  and  the  Minister  Megapolensis'  and 
as  many  other  private  persons  as  he  approves  and  expect  his  favor,  deliberates,  resolves  and 
dispatches  husiness  all  in  the  name  of  the  Director  and  Council ;  they,  especially  Montagne 
and  Nuton,  must  always  conform  to  the  humor  of  the  Director,  and  say  nothing  else  but  Yes- 
otherwise  the  purse  is  closed,  ail  favor  missed  and  they  get  beaten  in  addition,  if  the  Director's' 
head  be  not  well,  or  he  be  not  sufficiently  well  pleased.  We  have  frequently  asked  and  tried 
to  see  their  qualification  as  Councillors,  but  were  told  it  was  none  of  our  concern. 

3. 

As  regards  the  promotion  of  the  settlement  of  the  Boundaries  between  the  people  of  New 
Netherland  and  the  English,  it  is  not  considered  necessary  to  proceed  therewith  at 
present;  but  the  Director  and  Council  are  instructed  to  take  care  that  the  English 
do  not  encroach  further  on  the  Company's  lands ;  in  the  meantime  they  are  to  try 
if  a  boundary  can  be  determined  on  yonder,  with  the  aforesaid  English,  and  the 
inclination  thereunto  appearing,  they  are  instructed  to  send  forthwith  advice 
thereof  hither,  with  pertinent  information  after  due  inquiry,  how  much  of  the 
Company's  lands  the  English  possess;  all  with  the  understanding,  nevertheless, 
that  the  aforesaid  English  who  are  at  present  in  the  Company's  district  and  have 
settled  there,  or  shall  come  and  settle  therein,  shall  be  suhject  to  the  Company's 
government  there,  aud  to  that  end  shall  take  the  oath  of  fidelity  to  their  High 
Mightinesses  the  Lords  States  General  and  the  West  India  Company,  after  which 
they  shall  not  be  regarded  otherwise  than  as  original  suhjects. 

In  respect  to  the  division  of  boundaries  between  the  people  of  New  Netherland  and  the 
Lng  ish,  the  r  ector  hath,  without  any  advice  and  joint  resolution,  not  only  repaired  to  New 
England,  m  !^eptember.  1G50,  hut  hath  there,  also,  on  his  own  authority,  so  far  proceeded  in 
the  matter  ot  the  boundary,  that  he  and  the  English  mutually  referred  the  diflerences  thereon 
to  lour  arbitrators,  two  of  whom  were  chosen  on  each  side.  The  Director  named  on  his  side 
instead  of  Dutchmen,  one  M'  Thomas  Willet,-'  a  merchant  residing  at  Plymouth,  in  New 

J^'n  '"""T  *■■'"*"•""''"■»•  J""-.  -"  ^'f  "-  •■""!••"  of  Coe.1,oV.  io  Il.,ll«„,l,  w„.  born  in  lb.  y,„  ,603,  ,„d  at  th. 

»„,o  .„  A,u..r„.,.  ,..    1,„  M„.,„or  of  ,r,4.,  with  MathoM  Wii;„™«.„,  hi,  wif...  ,.„,  u.U.., ,.  „i...,  .,„„  „„,,  s.,„.        ,  '^ 

c  .l.lr..n        I,  w„.    h,.  .„.t  ,n,„ist,r  i„  F»rt  Orange,  now  Alb.ny,  wh,..  hr  ...ru.ia.H  un.fl  1.  ,.,  ,vh^  be  u    ,  .a  1  ,     i,    1 

charge  of  ,be  .  ,„r,.    .„  New  An.ter.l.n,,  on  U...  ,lcpar,nr,.  of  ,  Wi„i,  „...k.ru..     ,t  i «,,  ,ha,  ,.    e  „  „  ,  ,   td 

on  .he  ...rren,l.r  of  New  Nelberia,.,!  to  the  E„«!i,h,  in   .6.U.     It..  M.  M,^a,,ol.„,J:ro,..    In   ,  .44    wh.l.  n.  "„  r  „f 

•■Kxa.„in...ion.n.|.'onf..«ionr„r.h..  I(,.n..|t    f.b  7      '  """'    »'■''«"•""    "»"    ■""'''-'. 

•  T„   .,  .  u-  ""•'""'"  "T  ....    H,  >,..hl  .>f  lb..M.  who  are  inrhn-.j  to  a|.|.ro«eh  (he  TabI,  of  the  i,„r.l  "     ■  l-o 


f 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS-    VI 

497 

Province,  the  Director  decTined    thtTe^J^.T  ^   ''"""^   ''°"'^  '"J"^'°-  '"  "'■•» 

and  transaction,  with  ti.e  Kngth  f /vrtho  \"'"^^^^^  -ake  puhiic  his  adventure, 
appointed  by  himself,  h.ve  d  nd  d  a  re^o^^^^^^^  "^'^^  '''  "^"^'^  °^ '"'"^  «•"-'-„ 
strange  reports  are  abroad  a.^Ht  peopT^  ,;;'  .r^Di:";""  J'r^"!:  '"-'""•^^  '^^  ^^^ 
English,  he  gave  us  for  answerf  M  n'ust  hV    a„     ceo  .nT T  «"'^  ^''^ -""^ry  to  the 

nothing  else."  etc.,  as  appears  by  the  ta  ement  of  the 7  1  "'>'/"'^'"'-'°"'  ""'^  ^^g-d 
I-I.  so  that  we  have  notlen  ab^e  to  otr::;:         orTule?  ss3:  e  a:^  ^t  ''''' 

^'.tsiatirr^r^r^-^:^,  -         7--  -  ri^!--;;:;; 

reports,  both  of  public  and  pHvIte'tlttlTperlrirose  p^  ^  ''''-'  ''  ^^"^ 

'"  °:H:n:j:r:;^.i;^^rrrrp:T  '"-.^^-^^o-he  country,  t^e^ 

and  the  Director  and  Co  n  re  1  ;'>.?'  Z  ^'^ -'-faction  to  thelndians; 
interests  of  the  Con,pa  y  n„  on  t  e  ot  e  r^'''  ?  ."'"^"?'  ""  '"^^  ''"«  «''^«'  ''- 
their  neighbors,  and  esped^My  tTe  Ind.lns  "     "  '°°'  — Pondence  with 

The  country  is  more  and  more  disquieted  md  distnrbp,! .  f„,  ♦•     t  j. 
that  they  receive  no  satisfaction  for  the  land  but  ,         h       '        '         ^'"^'•''"'  ""'  ""'^  '^"'"P'^'" 
settlers  who  are  dispersed  throu«  out  th.-     .  ■^'"'"''  ""'  '"  ""  °"  ""  '""^"'^^  ''« 

Peter  Corn.lissen.  on'eof  thet^^  me„  loinLZL^Ih  T'^  '"^'^  ""  "^^  '"'  ^''^^  '-'  '<> 
Indians  killed  on  his  houwerie  Ir  JCr  j/     ^  ^"''"^'^ 

Michiel  Jnnsen.Geurt  Coerten  and  mnnv  „,h  '"  .      ''"  Cuyter.  Willem  Beeckman. 

bouweries  fired  should  nosSi.e  nrJive^^t  d'  .  '"'^'^^V"^'^"^^"*'''  '°  '^^^  ^'^^^ 
What  hmds  were  bought  and  how  were  U  ey'p  Jd  fof  T  '  "  '""  ."'''""^"^  ''"i"'^'-'^ 
always  be  satisfied  with  the  word  and  sal  I  ofs  ..  '  r"  'T'  '°"'''  '"'^"-  ^''^  ">"«' 
Director.     1  cannot  omit  stating  here  tlnTfh  7     r  -^  ^""•'"*'  '""  '^'''"'"'^'■"  ""^  »''« 

Heermau  going  hence  to  Uh  de  ll  d  i  N  ^^^7"^"'  t'""':  ""'''''  ""''  ^"^-^- 
Baxter  gave  them  a  letter  for  Wm  a  Co  dill  i  r  '"  '  "'  ."'  ''  ""'''''  ^'"'"S"  ^'^"'•g^ 
Assembly  of  the  people  of  Uhor         d  intr  '^^^^^       Oovernor  there,  which  letter  the  Court  or 

the  Governor  and  their  Director  lei"!,.,  J  t"  7""  '  "'""'"^  '''  ^'^""^^  ''  '^  «''" 
treason  against  the  State  of  New  Fn.  Ind    i  7  '"'  B-ter.  of  conspiracy  and 

i>e«  England,  inasmuch  as.  among  other  things,  the  Director 

Col„,.y.     On  the  cha„ge  o.  the  Charter  o,  the  city  of  N   w  t      t  I      yVT"'"'""'"'  '""'  •^'""""■""  »«""»'  "'«  ""'^h 

if  fi«t  Muyor.  ari.1  held  that  oftice  „,-,.i„  ,„  ,««/(„  .,1  !„„ I  ''  ''.'';"«'"''  f"'"'.  ■»  1««5.  C.puia  Willett  w..  a,,p„i,„ed 
.nd,ettK.d.tKeh„l,uthorSw.n,ey,(,,„v^i,     J;  i;':;:r";f        -^'""- '"•  >—>->."«  "turned  ,„  NewTglU 

m«n,„„.„t  n..,  k.  the  .,,„t  where  h,.  ^ul,  rapo-e  ^•'•'<^"^."i  H'9"''r.  IX..  318 ;    Ka/«„.„.'.  i,„,.,„,. ,     j,  J.^^ 

Merch.-,,  at  IWon.  ..,d  removed  to  liLu  ,,U„d.  ^f  Z^Z^'^Ziir^  """•'"'"'•''',''"  «>!-""««-".  po.itio,.  „^, 
w«.  cho.e„  Governor  uf  that  Colony  in  1640  .„d  for  tl  """^  "';""°''  P'"''  '"■■  *"  ">«  principal  in.trumert.     He 

.om„i„i.,ned  .Governor  of  A.p.etnJk  Island' ,.,11"  LZ"  '"°'=''*''"'8/"-  »«  *•"'  '»  E»k1«"H  in  1631,  and  wm 
text     A.  the  p,ople  wore  oppo.ed  to  ,"  '."  oH  ,}■"'  "'  "'"  •'"'""■'•  "'""'  ""^  ''^'""''  ^^f— '  '"  '"  th. 

1678,  .«.d  77  yaar^  AtUn.  _  £„.  "  *^'"''  *»»«'"''«'>••     "«  "»«  re  elected  iu  1«75.  and  died  ^ovou,b«r  1. 

Vol.!.  ^^ 


J' 


III:: 


i 


498 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  M    VUSCRIPTS. 


in  said  letter  offered  Governor  Coddington  some  soldiers  to  be  employed  ngainst  the  Inhabitants 
of  Rhode  Island.  Wherefore  the  bearers  of  th  letter  were  obliged  to  give  bail  in  the  sum  of 
lUOlb.  sterling  uiuil  their  innocence  shou  be  proved.  Whereupon  the  aforesaid  persons 
returning  hither  with  copy  of  the  letter,  complained  to  the  Director  and  Council  of  the  aforesaid 
Baxter's  writing.  Tliey  were  illy  rece  ed.  finally  obtaining,  after  great  trouble,  a  certificate  of 
their  ignorance  from  the  abovenamed  Council  and  Select  men.  And  instead  of  the  Director, 
Tienhoven  en  I  Baxter  purging  themselves  as  I  eing  innocent  of  disturbing  the  peace  between 
our  neighbors,  o  at  least  punishing  the  writer  of  the  letter,  the  matter  was  disregarded  and 
the  Director,  Tieahoven  and  Baxter  still  lemain  great  amigos  and  coiupanions  daily  resorting 
each  other  .s  company  to  the  gr«>at  suspicion  and  probability  of  what  is  above  related.  The 
High  and  Mighty  Lords  and  masters  have  to  consider  how  the  advantage  of  the  Company,  the 
welfare  of  the  people,  and  the  maintenance  of  good  correspondence  with  neighbors  and  with 
Indians  are  promoted. 

6. 
They  shall  do  all  in  their  power  to  induce  the  Colonists  to  establish  themselves'at  some 
of  the  most  suiiahle  places,  with  a  certain  number  of  inhabitants,  in  ihe  manner  of 
towns,  village  iid  hamlets,  as  the  English  are  in  the  habit  of  doing,  whereby  they 
will  dwell  in  g  ater  security,  according  to  the  intentions  of  the  Company  in  the 
granting  of  the  a.  ready  printed  Freedoms,  and  the  amplific.      ns  thereof. 

The  Director  proceed?  so  rigorously  against  the  Commandant  of  the  Colonie  Renslaerswyck 
and  the  Patroon  of  St.  'en  Island,  that  it  is  to  be  deplored  and  is  a  scandal  for  neighboring 
Christians  and  heathens,  causing  him  to  be  dragged  forcibly  by  soldiers  out  of  the  Colonie, 
and  to  be  detained  a  prisoner  at  the  Manhatans ;  and  so  terrifying  Cornells  Melyn,  on  Staten 
Island,  that  he  dare  not  leave  the  place,  nor  entirely  expose  himself;  the  Director  managing 
all  this  with  his  needy  Council,  where,  nevertheless,  differences  are  settled  by  other  appropriate 
means,  and  such  violent  proceedings  p  evented  without  any  diminution  of  the  Hon**'* 
Company's  rigtit  and  authority.  The  Director  hath,  on  his  own  authority,  begun  to  plant  a 
hamlet  in  the  Flat  bush,  on  Long  island,  between  Amersfort  and  Breukelen  ;  he  named  it 
Middelwout,  where  Jan  Snediker,  one  of  his  Select  men  hath  settled.  The  Indians  complaining 
that  they  were  not  compensated  for  that  land,  no  attention  was  paid  to  them.  Being 
dissatisfied,  they  threatened  Jan  Snediger  to  burn  his  bouwerie,  who,  complaining  thereof  to 
the  Director,  the  latter,  with  his  good  friends,  arranged  on  the  2"''  of  June  last,  with  the 
Indians,  respecting  the  payment  for  the  land.  The  Director  was  to  pay,  but  nothing  has  been 
done  in  the  matter,  so  that  the  man  continues  in  danger,  and  the  village  does  not  prosper;  the 
Director  will  not  pay,  neither  will  he  suffer  others  to  pay  for  the  land. 


The  Director  and  Council  aforesaid,  shall  use  dispatch  in  the  repairs  of  Fort  Amsterdam, 
for  whicli  purpose  'tis  considered  best  and  least  expensive  to  the  Company,  to 
build  the  same  of  good  clay,  earth  and  firm  sods,  and  to  encourage  the  soldiers 
to  that  work  by  some  presents,  and  bind  them  to  keep  it  in  continual  repair.  And 
whereas  it  is  of  the  higltest  importance  to  the  Colonists  to  possess  a  good  and  safe 
retreat  in  case  of  necessity  (which  Cod  prevent),  they  should  be  induced  to  aid  in 
the  work  for  this  once,  w:  d  the  Director  is  commanded  to  attend  closely  for  the 
future  to  the  ordinary  repairs  thereof. 


f 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    VI.  ^qq 

™in,  .ho  for.  co„iH  b«  ...i,/fi„r. ja  wi?h  .t  1  ."7h  i;:;,:r.::r  i '°" "  "r 

:;« ;r  ^ ' :  c:::;:;t'"c :: "  b':.  r  .r '"-,■  .^-^  r  ™"""  °^  "■=  '•°"  ^-^  -^•"^ 
w,.e„upo„^„.  Di:l.o:„,^L;.r.i ":.";:;.  '::'"""•:  ■"■"'  "r-'  "■•  '="■ 

accordinplv  Hnno.    o       n     ..  °""®" '"  ^"°°t  whatever  hogs  came  there.     This  was 

>B  used  to  torment,  rather  than  to  defend  several  of  the  ifhabitantstd  itlon^stl 


Co    nt!  .?,        "°H    ''''"'!'''^*"'^'  f-  ^he  Company,  and  for  greater  security  the 

Colon,  is  and  the.r  domest.cs  shall  be  holden,  under  certain  penalties,  to  provide 

he.nse  ves  w,th  good  muskets  and  other  weapons  for  their  own  defence,  so  Z 

he  Dire  ;„  'r'T  of  necess.ty.  with  the  garrison  to  resist  a  general  attack,  without 

oav  o    th    r'  '  "  T.'.''"'''''  ''  ""''  '*''  '''^^'"^ '''  P°^-  t°  ^""^e  into  the 

pay  of  the  Company  any  soldiers,  be  they  few  or  many. 

The  Director  garrisons  the  fort  according  to  his  pleasure  without  mine  or  the  Deputy's 
knowledge;  h3  d.scharges  and  enlists  soldiers;  gets  some  out  from  Fatherland      S^ nee  he 

T:  1:  eTrir.  1 1'  ^^IT'  ""^  °' °"^  '^''"  --^  ^P^^--^^^  ..is  betlrCorneU    v 
0„A      ,  ?    °r'  ''""'^  P'''*^'^"'^'  '""^  '"'^"y  ^'''diers  he  hath  in  pay. 

over  by  Ja"    ZkL  ''",'""  '''T'''  ^"°"^'  ''^'^  Peop-e.  which  h'ad' been  brought 
over   by  Jacob  van   Kouwenhoven;  without  the   assistance  and  accommodation  in  wheat 

him  and  L«...r.  1 V         '••'Presentation  of  the  D.uctor,  who  repeatedly  borrowed  grain  of 
Srnl  es'  ord    "h^^^^^^^^^^  notwithstanding.     -Twill  hereafter  be  shown,  on  your  High 

Mightinesses  order,  how  the  people  were  bound  to  keep  their  arms  in  good  condition. 

8. 
Further,  inasmuch  as  the  respective  Colonists  have  been  allowed  by  the  Freedoms  to 
dtlegate  one  or  two  persons  to  give  information  to  the  Director  and  Council  at 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


h 


{/ 


/q 

^  .^^■i^. 


^ 


y.^ 


w 


'^ 


1.0 


I.I 


Uiyi    12.5 

^   1^    12.0 


12.2 


IL25  i  1.4 


1.8 


1.6 


HiotogTdphic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


93  WIST  MA(N  STRUT 

WIBSTIR,  N.y.  14300 

( 7 1«)  •73-4503 


k°  /^id* 


i\ 


^ 

v^ 


500 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


This  has  neve  been  done  to  my  knowledge,  and  I  refer  to  the  answer  to  the  6'*  article 
which  can  be  talien  into  consideration  here. 

9. 

The  Director  and  Council  shall,  first  of  all,  establish  the  Colonists  and  freemen  on  the 

Island  of  Manhattans,  and  grant  to  them  as  mu'  h  land  as  they  will   be  able  to 

cultivate,  either  as  tobacco  plantations,  or  with  grain  and  all  other  crops  to  which 

the  soil  is  adapted,  and  from  which  they  may  expect  to  derive  the  greatest  profit. 

I  have  no  knowledgeof  any  bouwerie  having  been  formed  on  the  Island  of  Manhatans  during 
Director  Stuyvesant's  administration.  Some  have  been  abandoned;  others  not  begun. 
Jochem  F^ieters  Cuyter  whom  the  Director  did  heretofore,  for  the  affair  of  the  Select  men, 
publicly  banish  the  country,  with  ringing  of  the  bell,  and  whom  he  now  has  re-established 
in  the  same  office  and  appointed  Elder  of  the  Church,  hath  again  commenced  his  bouwerie  in 
company  with  the  Director,  and  many  others  should  be  begun.  Many  other  persons  would 
fain  undertake  bouweries  but  the  matter  sticks  and  the  country  remains  uncultivated,  partly, 
in  addition  to  other  reasons,  through  dread  of  the  Indians  and  their  threats;  partly  also, 
through  fear  that  ilie  patents  are  invalid,  inasmuch  as  the  Director  executes  and  issues  them 
in  the  name  of  the  Director  General  and  Council,  without  my  knowledge  and  advice  or  that  of 
the  Deputy ;  as  appears  by  the  protest  which  we  liave  signed  dated  the  IQ"  December,  1650. 
The  Director  shall  vindicate  all  this. 

10. 

And  in  order  to  promote  the  cultivation  of  the  land  there,  'twould  be  well  to  permit  at 
the  request  of  the  Patroons,  Colonists  and  other  farmers,  the  introduction  of 
as  many  Negroes  as  they  are  willing  to  purchase  at  a  fair  price  ;  and  the  Director 
and  Council  shall  notify  'he  Assembly  hereof  every  year,  when  further  order  shall 
be  taken  respecting  the  transport  of  Negroes  thither. 

No  request  for  Negroes  has  been  presented  from  Patroons  or  Colonists  here  to  my 
knowledge.  But  m  the  year  1G5I,  the  Director  inducing  and  advising  the  Commonalty 
through  special  regard  to  make  renewed  efforts  to  get  people,  &c.,  from  Fatherland  hither, 
the  Lords  Majors  advised  his  Honor  and  his  Select  men  for  good  reasons,  to  the  ertect  that  it 
was  not  acceptable. 

11. 

And  although  'tis  proposed  for  the  further  encouragement  of  population,  to  reserve  the 
trade  with  the  Indians  exclusively  to  tlie  Patroons,  Colonists  and  freemen  residing 
there,  without  permitting  any  private  traders  to  carry  on  any  commerce  with  said 
Indians,  'tis  nevertheless  resolved  as  far  as  regards  these,  to  adhere  to  the  existing 
practice,  but  the  Director  and  Council  shall  take  information  thereupon  to  serve  as 
advice  to  the  Assembly. 

The  private  traders  carry  on  traffic  with  the  Indians  the  same  as  the  Freemen,  according 
to  the  old  custom,  and  nothing  in  regard  thereto  has  ever  been  mooted  or  proposed  by  the 
Director  in  the  Council. 


i 


1 


he  5'*  article 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENl'3:    VL 


501 


12. 


The   Director  allows   his  commissaries  at   Fort  Ornn<r..  »n   *,,j     r     i         j        . 

Schermerhorn  and  Jacob  ^yn,J'^r:^e!':rZJ:'rTSr\:^  'T  7 
Director  on  my  demand,  c^  ,^d„  confiscated  their  goods.  Whe  eunto  Lil  J  '  "'"  ''l' 
that  he  would  do  it,  and  will  not  allow  them  to  do  it      T.,;  n       .      k  ?"*""  ""««^«'-«'^- 

not  accord  with  the  General  instructiol'^Tl^Frt:.  ^^J^^^Tt^t:::^/'' 
any  guns  o.t  of  the  store,  where  indeed  none  are  kept  for  them.  -knowledge. 

18. 

And  whereas,  the  Company  hath  row  resolved  to  open  to  private  persons  the  trade 

wh.ch  .t  has  exclusively  carried  on  with  New  Ne.herland.  and  to  empowe    the 

respeecve  Chambers  of  the  Company  to  give  permission  to  all  privateZhab   a„ts 

of  these  Countr>es  to  sail  with  their  own  ships  to  New  Netherland,    he  Virginia 

he  owed.ah.  L.,gl.sh  and  French  Colonies.  Barmudas  or  any  other  places  situate 

hereabout,  nccording  to  the  drafted   .egula.ion,  they  shall' carefully     bsee 

se  to  be  observed,  that  the  contents  .hereof  shall  be  attended  to  as  mu        s  i 
m  the.r  power  act.ng  against  the  contraveners.  agreeably  to  the  first  art"  e    f    he 
Charter,  and  the  t.  nor  of  the  regulation  already  made  and  to  be  hereafter  ena  t  d 
and  regarding  the  receipts  of  the  duties,  tolls  and  other  rights  already  rposed 
and  to  be  hereafter  imposed,  as  well  on  the  exported  as  on  the  impor  ed  good7for 
80  much  thereof  as  shall  have  to  be  paid  in  that  and  not  in  this  counrry. 

Hon...  Company  were  closely  observed  by  me  a,  ZTl  Z  ^J^.^Z^ Z^^!:: 
The  Director  alone  has  to  answer  for  the  receipt  of  the  duties,  tolls  and  other  drr,"^  he" 
neve  acknowledged  me  .n  the  matter,  nor  ever  paid  my  salary  nor  my  pa  o  the 
CO  fi  cat.on.  and  on  t  e  contrary,  upheld  by  his  needy,  unlawful  Cc^.ncil  aforesaid  be  hi 
ha       nd  undertaken  the  management  of  all  things,  without  recogni^i„g  the  Depu  y  orn  e 

InZr :  rslTltfeTd  'Z^:'  ''  '^  "^°"' '''  '"""^  ^  ^^^^  '"  --entL Jt^  old 

to  follow,  as  much   as   possible,  regulating  themselves  further  according  to  the 
n«truct.on,,    heretofore  given    for   the   direction  of  those   countries    so    aV 
the  same  are  not  hereby  alre.uly  altered  or  may  not  be  hereafter  changed,  w  .ich 
power  the  Assembly  reserves  to  itself.  '-"nngea  ,  wincb 


T 


T 


502 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


The  High  and  Mighty  and  Hon""  Lords  and  Masters  can  judge  how  we  have  been 
domineered  over,  and  how  the  Director  has  to  answer  for  everything,  and  I  doubt  not  they  will 
hold  us  excused  in  the  premises,  respectfully  and  most  humbly  requesting  the  payment  of 
our  salaries,  and  offering  our  further  service  in  our  respective  capacities.  Under  present 
circumstances  or  with  the  present  government, 'tis  impossible  for  the  country  to  exist ;  with 
siniuter  and  seditic  js  practises,  all  means  have  been  employed  to  force  us  out  of  the  service, 
and  notwithstanding  all  frivolous  actions  have  been  sought,  the  aid  of  pasquinades  must  be 
called  in  and  had  recourse  to.  Were  an  honorable  gentleman  put  in  my  place,  the  fals, 
accusation  which  the  Director  made  and  sent  over  against  me  long  ago,  might  have  some 
semblance  of  truth ;  but  his  perjured  Secretary,  Cornells  van  Tienhoven,  who  returned  hither 
contrary  to  the  prohibition  of  their  High  Mightinesses;  who  is  known,  and  can  be  proved  to 
all  the  world,  to  be  a  public  whoremonger  and  perjurer;  who  is  a  disgrace  to,  and  the  sole  affliction 
of  Christians  and  heathens  in  this  country  and  whom  the  Director  hath  always  managed  to 
shield ;  this  is  the  person  whom  the  Director  hath,  of  his  own  authority,  appointed  Fiscal.  A 
fuller  account  shall  be  hereafter  given  hereof.  And  we  have  patiently  borne  and  endured 
everything  up  to  this  time.  Had  we  in  the  slightest  degree  opposed  the  Director's  usurped 
Sovereignty,  the  country  would  have  easily  been  deluged  with  blood,  which  (God  mend  it!)  is 
even  yet  to  be  apprehended. 

Thus  done  and  resolved  in  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the  General  Incorporated  West- 
India  Company,  in  Amsterdam,  in  the  year  1645,  the  T'"  of  July;  was  paraphed 
Henr.  van  der  Capelle  tho  Ryssel  (and  was  signed)  By  order  of  the  same. 

Gysbkrt  Rudolphi. 

My  gravamina  for  vindication  in  the  premises  to  the  High  and  Mighty  and  Hon""  Lords  and 
Masters,  thus  done  and  represented  in  New  Amsterdam,  New  Netherland,  the  IG"*  September 
A"  1662.  ^  ' 

(Signed)         H.  van  Dvck. 
I  concur  in  the  preceding  gravamina  for  my  defence,  in  my  quality  as  Deputy.     Done  as  above. 

(Signed)        L.  van  Dincklaqk. 


(Duplicate.) 


States  General  to  the  Director  and  Council  of  New  Netherland. 


Honorable.  We  continue  daily  to  turn  our  attention  to  the  prosperity  of  New  Netherland 
interests,  and  are  therefore  occupied  in  deliberations  with  the  Directors  of  the 
West  India  Company  on  the  peopling  of  said  New  Netherland  and  its  dependencies. 
Meanwhile  we  have  permitted  some  persons  delegated  hither  from  the  Commonalty 
of  that  place,  to  return  there,  requiring  you,  therefore,  neither  to  trouble  nor  molest 
those  who  came  from  New  Netherland  and  are  about  to  return  thither,  on  account 
of  any  representations  that  may  have  been  made  here ;  and  whereas  we  deem  it 
expedient  that  the  population,  which  is  now  needed,  should  be  favored  and 
encouraged  in  every  way,  we  direct  and  order  you  to  take  care  that  the  Country 
be  not  divested  of  horses  and  cows,  also  that  supplies  of  provisions  be  reserved  for 
the  arriving  Colonists;  that  the  inhabitants  be  furnished  with  arms  necessary  for 


f 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    VL 

guns  to  be  distributed  acco  diL  to  ord^^  h  ""'^-  """''^  '^'''^^  *""  »'""^'«d 
inhabitants  shall  be  forbidden  eL  forth  to  «!. ""  """'  ^"'  ''"*'  *'"^'°"'  ^" 
caus.  to  be  exported  any  horses  or  cows  wirhr^'  ''""?"'  ^""'  """^  '°  ^^^P"^'"' 
shall,  moreover,  distribute  relLZ  '''"""'"  "''  *''"  ^°""'=''-     Y°" 

ofNew  Amsterdam  nd  to  althrrh  ^"''  ""ur^  '''  •"'^''■*^""'  "'^ '"e  City 
families  scatterd  th  oulut  le  ColT  '"?''''"'  °'  ''"""«  "'"«'  '»"'^  '°  "^her 
obliged  to  keep  ther.ts  i„  Ihoh'"'' ""'i  ""'''"'  """'"''"'  ''"'  ^'^^^  «'^"»  ''^ 
powder,  keeping  correct  elterofl"  "!• ''''''"'^ '''''""^'^^^  "'^^  -q^'o'te 
-y  be  inspe'ctfd  anTexaS  «  I  ^'rlTmo^^  "h^'m"^'''  '^  ''''  '''' 
over,  they  shall  be  stored  in  th^wLhr  n  '  t  ''^°"'''  ""^  «""«  ^«'"«'« 
paraphed  Johan  van  Zde  «  [1!  ^  °"'  ''''  ^'''  ^P"'  ^«««-  Was 
Lords  States  General.  '  ""'''  ^"^'  ^^  '''''  "^  '"e  High  Mighty 

(Addressed.)  ^"^"'^        Cohn.  M.sch. 

Venerable,  Honorable,  Valiant  our  right  faithful,  the  Director 
and  Council  in  New  Netherlnnd.  ^>recior 

Was  sealed  with  their  High  Mightinesses'  Seal  in  Red  wax  covered  with  paper. 

Select  men.    To  what  tl    D  rec    rtth  t^^^^^  '^«  '^^P-'-te  of  the 

this  and  from  his  defence.  The  complaints  of  ol  ?  '"'  "^'^  "''"'  *'"  ''^^^  «PP«"  ^o™ 
whatever  appertains  thereun.o.Te'Xo  d  How"r  T'"  '""'I'  '""  P°P"'«''-  ""'^ 
and  others  returned  hither  have  bee'  t^a ted  at.  t  ^^^"'''  ^"""^  '^'^   Commonalty 

practices,  on  account  of  matters  repr  s  nted  to  1  Hi:h'Mrhr'  "'  ^'''^  P^"-"'^'^  'y  -'«te' 
every  one  of  them  knows.  The  Director  hat,  sfn^  A  ^J  Mightinesses,  themselves  can  tell,  for 
India  Islands,  which  he  hath  .old    7a„  igu        vLT   7"  ?"'"  '  "'*''  '°"''  '°  '"«  ^est 

grain  in  store,  in  place  of  keeping  t  s  pp  ,  h  miff'      7       '?"''  '°  "'"'"  '''  ''^«--''' 

.ervaats  both  here  and  at  Curacao U'to  borrow      H  T\  7  "'^"  '°  '''^  '^«  Company's 

who  for  peace  sake,  dare  not  oM  r  b  t  11  "1      J    ""'  '""  Kouwenhoven's'corn. 

Kouwenhoven  brought  over  a  hundred  musk"  s'for^'t  e  C        '  "T  ''''  """  ""^^    •^"-''  -° 

distributed   among  them,  but  we.     soT'to     he  l'^^^^^^^^^ 

and  with  the  consent  of  the  Director  twnln        a  """'*   ""  '^""^  ""'  stamped; 

to  the  Indians  in  payment  of     e.ad       Z'l  '""7"^  «'""  '^  ^'^^  ^"«'"">  «^  ^-esend 

n^onths;  indeed,  n'o^nspecnlnh  re'takeMr'lh'eT  T  '"'  '"""'^'^  ^^"^'^ '"- 
when  he  himself  was  the  cause  and  made  a  1  ill  tr^l^^^^^  !  f  "■'?"'  '''''"''^  ""«  "^  connivance, 
once  brought  an  Indian  to  n.e  wi.l.  a  stamp^uT  but  it  "'.    1""'  '""  Kouwenhoven 

I  -Hould  perform  my  duty,  in  order  to  ^:^:^Z^:;;:Z::j^-^Z^.^-  '''' 

'  Sit.  V«n  Ourler.  _  Eo. 


I  ill 


4 


504 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Instruction  for  Hendrick  vnn  Dyck,  Fiscal  of  the  General  Incorporated  We«t 
India  Company  in  New  Nelherland  and  adjoining  places. 

Gravamina  for  the  vindication  of  this  Instruction,  by  me  as  Fiscal  of  New  Nelherland  and 
adjoining  places,  to  the  High  and  Mighty  and  Noble  Lords  and  Masters. 

1. 
In  the  first  place,  he  shall  be  holden  with  zeal,  diligence  and  activity  to  protect,  preserve, 
and  defend  the  public  and  Company's  rights,  domains,  jurisdiction,  dignity  and 
authority,  as  well  in  as  out  of.Court,  witliout  dissimulatio'i  or  regard  to  any  private 
favor  or  hate. 

On  the  voyage  hither,  or  first  to  Cura§ao,  with  the  Director,  his  Honor  confiscated  in  the 
roadstead  of  (St.)  Christopher  the  yacht  called  the  Liefde  wMch  sailed  from  Schiedam;  this 
was  done  without  desiring  to  have  any  demand  from  me  officially  to  that  effect;  refusing  me 
free  access  and  seat,  contrary  to  the  Instruction,  saying:  (Jet  out,  whenever  I  need  you,  I'll 
call  you  ;  addressing  to  me  this  rude  language  —  Who  allowed  you  to  come  into  the  Court  V  In 
regard  to  the  protecting,  preserving  and  defending  the  Company's  lands,  rights,  domains, 
jurisdiction  and  authority,  the  Director  hath  continually  treated  me  in  like  manner,  recognizing 
me  no  further  than  he  thought  proper  now  and  then,  and  as  his  liking  or  disliking  dictated, 
as  he  strutted  along  in  his  sovereign  mood. 

.1 
2. 

He  shall  consequently  be  and  form  a  party  when  necessary,  in  all  questions  of 
police,  justice  and  finance,  before  our  Director  and  Council  resident  in  New 
Nelherland,  and  before  the  Military  and  Naval  Courts  there,  or  which  shall  resort 
under  the  ai.ihority  of  the  aforesaid  Di-^ctor  and  Council,  to  any  forts,  roads  or 
havens  in  and  on  the  Coast  of  New  Nelherland,  and  the  places  thereon  adjoining, 
at  all  which  he  shall  have  free  access  and  seat,  but  no  vote. 

When  I  arrived  in  the  harbor  of  Curasao,  I  offered  my  s^'vice  according  to  the  Instruction 
to  attend  to  t'"e  Company's  rights  in  discharging  the  ships,  the  Groole  Gcrrit  and  the  Princet 
which  his  Honor  did  not  permit,  though  there  was  no  other  Fiscal  there,  saying:  You  are  no 
Fiscal  of  Curasao ;  refusing  me  there  free  access  and  seat,  as  long  as  we  remained,  and 
keeping  me  in  the  ship  some  three  weeks,  ere  I  ■*  permitted  to  go  ashore,  notwithstanding 
all  the  other  otficers,  nay,  even  the  soldiers  hau  ave  immediately  on  their  arrival.  In  New 
Nelherland  lie  admitted  me  and  gave  me  a  seat  according  to  his  pleasure,  not  hesitating  to 
exclude  me  from  Court  for  the  space  of  29  months,  afterwards  detaining  me  a  prisoner  in  my 
house  4  days,  with  a  sentinel  before  the  door  who  had  express  orders  not  to  permit  any  person 
to  speak  to  me,  and  then  releasing  me  when  his  hastiness  was  over  and  his  passion  had  abated. 
Thus  hath  his  Honor  endeavored,  from  the  beginning,  to  drive  me  from  the  service. 

3. 

To  his  care  are  committed  the  direction  and  management  of  all  actions,  as  well  civil  at 
criminal,  thereabout ;  to  institute,  defend,  arrange  and  draw  up  the  same,  and 
prosecute  them  to  a  tertnination  in  such  manner  as  be  shall,  ou  hia  sworn  oath 
find  proper,  or  consider  best. 


i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI. 


505 


4. 


It  being  well  understood,  that  he  shall  not  undertake  any  actions  having  reference 
to  our  rights,  domain  or  finance,  except  by  order  of  our  Council  aforesaid. 

The  direction  and  management  of  all  business,  both  Civil  and  Criminal  h«„«  i, 
undertaken  by  the  Director  himself,  who  employed  me  very  aeirld  nosuh  M«  h 
:Xi::T"'T''''  --^  to  keep  Ue  from  the^orl^hrh^T  ^cL M     1' 

mSJ^-       ,?"""'"•     ,"  • '""''""  ""^  '^•""""^  '  """"^  "*  "^y  «"'■'  ""'J  Pleo"  drawn  up  by  the 
with  instituting  suits  or  was  willing  to  hear  a  word  from  me  in  the  case. 

ff. 

And  he  shall  not  criminally  arraign  any  man  before  the  respective  courts  of  justice 
nor  cause  h.m  to  be  arrested,  but  upon  previous  information,  which  howier  he 
Bhall  not  take  himself,  except  by  order  as  aforesaid,  or  in  such  cases  as  he  might 
have  personally  been  witness  to.  when  they  took  place,  and  wherein  the  delinquent 
might  be  prosecuted  on  the  instant  occurrence  of  the  dee.). 

God  be  praised,  no  criminal  cases  occurred  in  my  time  deserving  of  corporeal  punishment 
the  DireTor.'"""  '"''  ^"''  ""'  '°'*'"""  ""^-b--^'    -'-was  pLoned   by 

6. 
In  the  taking  of  informations,  he  shall  exert  himself  honestly  and  legally  to  scrutinize 
matters  to  the  utmost,  with  all  their  circumstances,  to  establish  in  writing  the 
truth  thereof  in  the  strictest  and  purest  manner,  noting  therein,  as  well  the  points 
o(  de  ence  of  the  prisoners  and  accused  persons,  as  the  accusations  against  them  • 
provided  always  that  what  most  concerns  the  interest  of  the  Company  therein' 
must  first  of  all  be  inquired  into.  ^ 

So  far  as  I  have  taken  information.  I  have,  without  boasting,  acted  honestly  and  Wallv 
herein ;  the  informations,  among  others,  taken  by  me  against  Cornells  van  Tienhoven   who 
hath  brought  from  Holland  to  this  country  a  young  woman  named  Lysbeth  Hoochvelt.  und^r 
promise  o(  marriage,  and  had  carnal  conversation  with   her.  both  in  Holland  and  on  board  of 
ship,  notwithstanding  he  has  here  a  married  wife;  and  against  the  skipper  of  the  fVaUr/,oud  in 
which  Tienhoven  and  the  above  named  Lysbeth  came  over  togetheJ.'for  having  Cetdl 
sugar  prize  rather  freely.     This,  the  Director,  the  Minister  Megapolensi,  and  tl!e  Director', 
needy  Councillors  have  endeavored  and  sought  to  oppose  in  every  way  and  by  all  sinister 
practices,  and  so  well  were  their  mouths  sweetened  out  of  the  said  sugar  prize,  that  Tienhoven 
a  become  so  sweet  to  them  that  they  cannot  taste  any  bitterness  in  hfm.  for  to  uphold     •; 
character  they  have  made  him  Fiscal,    but  the  poison  now  making  itself  manifest  in  t 
sweetness,  it  appears  that  they  will  experience  a  heavy  and  severe  purgation.     I  hope  God 
W.I  yet  punish    he  presumption  of  the  notoriously  wicked,  and  the  oppression  of  the  innocent 
and  guileless.     In  other  cases  where  the  interests  of  the  Hon-  Company  were  concern  d 
.uch  as.  among  the  rest,  that  of  Cornells  Melyn  and  the  ship  the  FoL/n.  1  must  take  thj 
Vol.  I.  „4 


9S 


506 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


ui 


a 


informations  of  the  ship's  crew  in  confinement  in  the  Tavern,  according  to  the  draft  and  order 
of  the  Director,  in  the  presence  of  his  aforesaid  illegal  Councillors,  and  whether  I  have  done 
well  or  ill,  his  order  must  be  followed  and  not  be  exceeded,  so  as  to  avoid  trouble  and  blows. 
Thus,  his  Honor  has  to  answer  for  everything.  'Tis  not  strange  that  his  Honor  hath  accused 
me  of  negligence  to  the  Hon*"'  Directors  of  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  as  I  have  understood 
from  their  despatches;  for  his  Honor  is  accustomed  to  threw  his  misdeeds  on  other  men's 
heads  and  to  asperse  them  therewith.  Whoso  obeys  orders,  doth  well;  though  he  doth  ill, 
'twill  be  defended  in  the  despatch. 

7. 
He  shall  strictly  cause  to  be  observed  the  placards,  ordinances,  resolutions,  military 
regulations   and  commands  of  the  High   and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  and 
the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  and  see  that  nothing  be  done 
contrary  thereto. 

Their  High  Hightinesses'  and  the  Honorable  Company's  placards,  ordinances,  resolutions, 
instructions  and  commands  were  never  shown  to  me  by  the  Director,  much  less  was  copy 
communicated  thereof,  but  when  requested  hath  always  been  refused;  and  it  was  stated  in  full 
Assembly  on  the  4  July,  1660,  and  afterwards,  that  the  Lords  Directors  wrote  to  him  not  to 
communicate  anything  either  to  me  or  to  the  Deputy,  and  to  keep  all  letters  secret  from  us; 
which  he  hath  done.  'Tis  a  strange  and  lamentable  thing  still  to  continue  the  Fiscal  in  this 
manner  as  Councillor. 


To  this  end  he  shall  take  good  care,  and  use  all  diligence  in  finding  out  and  obtaining 
information  of  the  ill  conduct  and  delinquencies  of  officers  and  of  all  persons  who 
are  in  the  general  or  special  pay,  by  water  or  on  land,  of  the  General  Incorporated 
West  India  Company;  for  which  purpose  he  shall  pay  strict  regard  when  the 
Commissaries  come  to  the  Manhattans  from  their  trading  posts;  Item,  when  ships 
arrive  from  or  leave  for  Patria,  and  to  the  loading  and  discharging  of  the  same, 
without  neglecting  anything  in  the  prosecution  of  the  confiscations,  and  other 
penalties  and  fines,  whether  on  the  goods  or  persons  of  those  who  shall  be  at 
any  time  found  guilty,  according  to  our  aforesaid  Resolutions,  ordinances  and 
Military  regulations,  or  in  default  thereof,  the  written  laws  directing  the 
proceedings  and  prescribing  the  style  and  manner  thereof;  to  the  proper 
phraseology  of  all  writings  and  proofs,  until  these  shall  be  brought  to  a 
determination,  after  which  he  shall  prosecute  the  same  to  a  conclusion,  all  in  the 
speediest  manner  without  delay  to  parties. 

I  refer  to  the  answer  to  the  G"*  and  12""  articles  of  the  general  Instruction,  as  far  as  I  was 
employed,  whether  in  visiting  the  ships  arriving  from  Patria  and  returning  thither,  I  have  done 
my  duty.  But  divers  ships,  such  as  the  St.  Btni'Jo,  the  hide  prize,  the  ValckenUr,  were 
unloaded  without  me,  the  Director  employing  as  Inspector,  Paulus  Leendertsen,  late  naval 
officer,  whom  he  heretofore  pronounced  to  be  an  open  robber,  and  who  is  now  one  of  his  Select 
men ;  the  Director  retained  the  invoices,  as  Paulus  Leendersen  also  did  in  the  case  of  the  prize 
at  Cm  ^,  without  my  knowledge.  The  Director  and  Paulus  Leendersen,  obtaining  goods 
from  Holland  by  the  Valcktnier  above  named ;  thes"  must  not  he  put  in  the  store,  but  be  brought 


f 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VL  5^7 

fhe'^returnT'o'?  7^'T  "'""r"?"  . '''"''"  ""  '  "''°™^'^  °^  ^"^^  '^^'P*  "^  ^he  duties  on 
Ifln  r   K  uT"'  *'••"'"  "'''  "'■^'^'"'^   I  '=°"''l  "«^"  '«y«"  eye  on;  this  was 

Hirh    M   ?r  ^  the  Director  on  Ins  own  authority.     Although  I  could  not  get  a  sight  of  their 

contanrT        "'  .'^   "°""  "^""'"'"^'^    "^'^*"^"-«-   --'"'--    instructio  s       d 
how    „        H      7'  "^^^"'^^'r  P"'"'-'"^'^  '"y  duty  as  well  as  possible  and  as  well  as  I  knew 

Javored  or  hated.     On  the  smallest  pretext,  the  latter  must  sufler,  as  the  old  Select  men  who 
were  dismissed  by  the  Director,  are  daily  obliged  to  feel. 

9. 
And  in  order  to  enjoy  more  freedom  in  all  cases,  he  shall  not  take  from  any  person 
whomsoever,  any  salary,  pensions  or  gifts,  and  shall  content  himself  with  the  civil 
fir.es  or  penalties  which  shall  be  adjudged  to  him  ;  and  as  regards  the  criminal  fines, 
confiscations  of  wages,  monthly  pay  and  such  like,  he  shall  make  no  further 
da.m  than  shall  be  permitted  to  him  at  the  discretion  of  our  beforementioned 
Director  and  Council,  who  should  endeavor  so  to  manage  thereupon,  that  the 
Fiscal  s  part,  according  to  circumstances,  shall  not  exceed  for  any  one  person,  25, 
30,  or  at  the  utmost  50  guilders. 

I  declare  never  to  have  received  anything  to  the  prejudice  of  the  High  and  Mighty  and 
Noble  Lords  and  Masters,  but  have  been  content  with  whatever  the  Director  and  Counci^have 

o    wTl"''     IT  "''  '7  'f  r  ""'^  ""'"     ^"  "^P^^'  ^°  """'-•  «"««  -'J  confiscations 
of  wages,  monthly  pay  and  such  like,  it  never  happened,  except  as  above. 

10. 
But  from  prizes  or  captured  goods  nothing  shall  be  received  or  claimed,  under  any 
pretence  by  him;  he  shall  only  pertinently  inform  himself  of  all  sorts  of  prizes 
which  may  be  captured  anywhere  within  his  jurisdiction,  by  the  ships  or  yachts  of 
the  Company  or  private  persons,  of  the  time,  place  and  persons,  nations  and  causes, 
whereby  these  should  be  holden  and  declared  to  be  good  prizes,  and  obtain  all 
accounts  regarding  the  quantity  and  quality  of  the  captured  property,  and  cause 
the  same,  after  previous  valuation,  to  be  declared  good  prizes  by  our  Director  and 
Council  there. 

I  have  neither  received  nor  claimed  anything  from  prizes  or  captured  goods,  but  the  Director 
has  to  answer  for  the  proceeds  thereof;  namely,  of  the  prizes  at  Caracos,  the  hide  prize  the 
three  prizes  brought  by  Captain  Blauvelt.  the  Portuguese  sugar  prize  captured  last  year,  1G51 
by  the  IVaierkond,  of  which  the  Director  and  Cornells  van  Tienhoven.  with  the  Lords  have' 
disposed  according  to  their  pleasure.     The  Director  only  allowed  me  a  trifle  of  sugar. 

11. 

He  shall  likewise  aid  in  observing  that  in  cases  carrying  with  them  loss  of  life  and 
property,  the  Judges  shall  be  duly  qualified,  and  be  at  least  five  in  number,  and  he 
shall  equally  assist  to  procure  the  enforcement  of  the  same  rule,  wheresoever 
criminal  judicature  shall  be  holden  thereabout. 


:m 


A 

m 

m 


^^"^^Wf 


If  . 


508 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I 


The  Director  hath,  on  his  own  authority,  qualified  and  admitted  as  many  and  such  councillors 
as  he  thought  proper;  who  were  under  obligations  to  him,  and  he  well  knew  would  not  be 
opposed  to  him  in  the  occasion  of  confiscating  ships,  and  who  had  not  capacity  to  penetrate  a 
question,  such  as  his  present  Select  men,  who  are  in  his  good  graces,  as  they  are  devoted  to 
him  ;  and  whenever  1  contradicted  him,  I  got  a  growl  just  as  if  he  would  eat  me  up. 

IS. 

In  case  extensive  Colonies  shall  come  there,  in  order  that  all  may  proceed  regularly, 
the  Commanders  of  said  Colonies  thereabouts,  shall  endeavor  that  from  time  to 
time,  the  judgments  delivered  within  their  jurisdiction,  whether  civil  or  criminal, 
with  the  informations  and  answers  taken  thereupon  shall  be  sent  to  him,  that  he 
may  examine  and  see  if  any  excesses  have  been  committed,  and  in  case  of  any 
such,  to  cause  the  same  to  be  corrected  in  future  ;  also  if  particular  malice  shall  be 
anywhere  observed,  to  proceed  as  before,  on  communication  earnestly  and 
rigorously  against  the  malfeasors. 

I  refer  to  my  answers  to  all  the  preceding ;  this  article  can  be  satisfied  thereby. 

13. 

He  shall  transmit  hither  by  ships  coming  here,  copies  both  of  the  judgments  and 
informations  sent  to  him  and  of  those  taken  and  obtained  by  himself,  and  allow 
the  institution  of  all  judicial  acts  necessary  to  defend  the  same  here. 

I  have  observed  this  as  far  as  I  was  able,  but  the  Director  must  chiefly  defend  himself. 

14. 

He  shall  take  care  that  the  criminal  matters  and  judgments  decided  by  our  said 
Director  and  Council  shall,  after  communication  with  them,  be  promptly  executed. 

The  Director  hath  caused  the  sentences  to  be  executed  according  to  his  pleasure,  but  no 
criminal  cases  occurred  except  as  related. 

15. 

He  shall  also  take  care  that  such  as  are  in  prison  with  the  knowledge  of  the  Director 
and  Council  aforesaid,  shall  not  remain  long  thereat  the  expense  of  the  Company, 
without  special  cause,  but  so  expeditiously  prosecute  them,  that  their  trials  shall  be 
dispatched,  and  therefore  advise  the  Director  and  Council  as  frequently  as  possible 
what  prisoners  are  in  keep  at  bis  suit,  or  otherwise  and  on  what  charges. 

The  humor  of  the  Director  is  followed  in  the  apprehending,  detaining  and  discharging  of 
prisoners.  Whether  properly  or  improperly  done,  the  Director  is  to  answer;  according  to  his 
orders  have  I  acted ;  otherwise  he  would  have  efiectually  imprisoned  me  or  bastinadoed  me 
with  the  rattan. 

16. 

In  fine,  he  shall  be  holden  in  all  places  and  in  all  matters  to  be  diligent  and  faithful, 
as  a  good  and  trusty  Fiscal  is  bound  and  obliged  to  be,  in  return  for  such  allowances 
and  emoluments  as  are  allowed  to  him  by  the  Honorable  Company. 


sure,  but  no 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VL  -«o 

.ad .™., ....  .H.  L.,d.  „„, ..  p,„„a  .0  p.,  "j;:,:;!  ir,"'.;eZl;  ::;•:;..  ■  "»'• 

17. 
And  for  the  better  execution  and  performance  of  his  duty  and  office,  the  Secretary  of 
the  a  oremenfoned  Director  and  Council  shall  as  we  hereby  cha  ge  him   astuhe 
Fiscal,  .„  the  taking  of  any  preparatory  information,  such  as  judic  al  ac'ts Tnd  al 
other  previous  matters  and  papers  in  Judicio  and  out  of  the  same  wh  ct'sh  U  t 
necessary  for  the  performance  of  his  duty.  " 

Secretary  Cornells  van  Tienhoven,  the  clerks  and  other  writers  in  the  serv.Vp  .r  .k    v,    b. 
Company  here,  have  not  been  willing  to  assist  m«  .S  n  i.  T        °^  '''*  "°° 

acknowledge  me  except  in  whatev^r'al  d  'd  ^h  t  e';;::^r.^^^^^^^^ 
defend  myself  against  the  Director's  false  accusation,  IhTk",         ?  "°''  "'"'  '"^  *° 
taste  of  the  Director's  disfavor  who  wer       an"  way   e    ic"  L   :  "  in?  '"', ''  °''^"  ""'  ^ 
for  such,  as  well  as  myself  and  the  Deputy  were  es  eemed  bv  th«  n      '        '?'"^°''  ^"''"S* 
government  of  New  Netherland.  though  ertielvinnol^     H  '  ''"'''  "«""'«*  '"« 

nothing  else  than  peace  and  a  united  good  goverlrnt.  ""'"""^  '"  "^  °P'"-° 

18. 
He  shall  also  enjploy  a  sworn  or  such  officer  as  the  aforesaid  council  is  accustomed  f. 
make  use  of,  to  serve  all  such  summonses,  citations,  or  any  othlr  T  ! 

mandamuses  necessary  to  the  performance  and  execution  ofYislce  andTu^  " 
The  marshal  of  the  court  was  at  my  service  according  to  the  pleasure  of  th-  n-      .       . 
when  the  latter  or  his  council  affected  displeasure,  the  Officer  dura'  not  ^o  ay  bu^r;?:;  '"^ 
or  serve  any  process,  in  order  to  retain  the  Director's  good  graces.  "^ 

19. 
All  this  provisionally,  the  Directors  of  the  West  Indin  rnmna„.. 

Gene™,  A.se™M,  „r  .He  X.X.,  ,H..e  m.™."".,^":"     ^11°^^' 
accordmg  to  circumstances,  or  Otherwise  to  order  as  to  thom  «hlii  ' 

Th„.  do.,  ^  Be,»„  „..  .,„e.  wuh  .Ke  j^z.  i-^::,  r.rjx:: 

The  alteration,  diminution  or  enlarging  of  this  Instniptmn  »,o«  „».,o.  i, 
me.  notwithstanding  I  have  repoatedfy  Lou^  ^ To":  ts     s    o  ^  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
office,  on  account  of  the  trouble  the  Director  gave  me  in  the  performance  of  my  du  ,^s     Zl 
finally  I  have  received  from  the  Hon"'.  Lords  Directors  of  thp  PhnmK.,    .  a    ^  .  "** 

..„.  by  .H,  Di,.eu,r  .o  .,  hou,e,  f,„„  .U.,ZZ':  f  unt.  l^Ir  fD' '""" 
and  others  his  sycophants,  who  were  latelv  in  Fn»h»,i„„^  •  ""''^"''*'^'  ""»*  'he  Director 

.ueifMM.  wm\.Vn,.:..„.en:;:rv;T'  ir:;Lr.:eCV'TV''\'T'^ 

nei.her  recalW  nor  di.mi.Kd  .hereby,  the  DIreolor  h.ih  J    1,  ""!'"''■     ^''""'S'l  '  m 

n,y  pue.  p„.  bu  donr,  „o.o„o„.,  .•^^x  X:^:!^:::::^^^:^^:!::!:^ 


^'Ji 


.  i>m.      I'm 


510 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i 
t 


Lampoon  against  Director  Stuyvesant. 

This  circulated   Lampoon  aiTorded  tlie  Director  a  pretence  to  deprive  me  of 
my  office. 

Myn  heere  Generael.  'Tis  impossible  for  me  to  conceal  from  your  Honor,  that  I  heard 
you  berated  and  cursed  on  the  11'*  of  March  at  Mr.  Fyn's  house,  as  a  rogue  and  a 
tyrant,  with  many  other  slanderous  defamations,  which  cut  me  to  the  heart.  Thou 
art  a  God  appointed  of  God.  I  pray  you  for  Christ  his  sal^e,  to  prevent  it  or  I 
shall  again  come  to  great  misfortune  thereby,  for  I  can  no  longer  listen  to  it,  and 
dare  not  acquaint  you  of  it  by  word  of  mouth.  Krestman  Vyn  and  two  women 
heard  it  also.  I  wish  the  Fiscal  would  bestii  himself.  No  one  is  better.  Was 
neither  signed  nor  subscribed,  nor  collated  with  the  discovered  scrap,  this  28'*  March 
1652  in  New  Amsterdam.    Signed        Cor  van  Tienh  :  Secret^ 

Respecting  the  Lampoon. 

Whoso  does  not  call  the  Director,  "General,"  is  not  his  friend.  In  all  Commissions  and 
Patents  he  styles  himself  thus: — Petrus  Stuyvesant,  on  the  behalf  of  the  High  and  Mighty 
Lords  Slates  General,  and  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company  of  the  United  Netherlands, 
Director  General  of  New  Netherland,  Curai;ao,  Bonaire,  Aruba  and  the  dependencies  thereof.  Captain 
Admiral  over  the  Ships  and  Yachts  cruizing  in  the  North  parts  of  America. 

The  word,-;  in  the  Lampoon,  "Thou  art  a  God  appointed  of  God,"  and  the  halberdiers  whom 
the  Director  keeps  as  his  body  guard,  greatly  augment  his  pride.  This  Christman,  who  came 
heretofore  into  the  country  as  Supercargo,  was  appointed  by  the  Director,  clerk  to  Tienhoven, 
and  by  his  informing  and  tattling  whilst  a  resident  here,  hath  rendered  himself  very  obnoxious 
to  everybody  and  tvas  strongly  suspected  of  having  circulated  this  Lampoon,  Francis,  his  late  Captain 
in  Brasil  who  was  here  in  the  year  1G50,  and  applied,  on  returning  to  Fatherland,  for  my  place, 
as  some  of  the  Directors  know,  is  also  a  witness  against  me,  as  well  as  a  woman,  one  widow 
Lammerije  by  fiame,  with  whom  Christman  cohabited  when  here,  and  was  to  be  stewed  into  a  Fiscal 
by  the  Director  and  Tienhoven,  if  the  pot  be  kept  closely  covered  ;  these  were  to  have  heard 
me  curse  the  Director.  'Tib  to  be  considered  '.  hether  this  be  not  a  conspiracy  of  these  persons 
to  drive  me  from  my  place.  I  have  frequently  said  and  complained  that  the  Director  never 
treated  me  otherwise  than  as  his  boy,  and  that  he  allowed  Van  Tienhoven  to  deceive  him, 
which  is  well  known  to  all  men  here,  but  nothing  else.  However,  what  he  is,  will  be  best 
known  by  his  defence  and  report. 


Extract  from  the  Resolution  of  New  Netherland,  28*  March,  1C52. 

The  Honorable,  the  Director  General,  having  submitted  at  the  meeting  to  the  Hon'''* 
the  Councillors  and  the  summoned  Select  men,  the  frequent  misbehaviors  and 
connivances  of  Hendrick  van  Dyck,  to  this  date  Fiscal  of  New  Netherland, 
wherefore  the  said  Lord  General  represents  it  to  be  for  the  advantage  of  his  Lords 
Superiors,  and  for  the  public  peace  and  good,  to  supersede  the  said  person  from  his 
office  and  quality,  and  to  audit  his  account,  which  is  this  day  done  in  presence  of 
the  Hon'"'*  Councillors,  and  undersigned  invited   Select  men.     Wherefore,  the 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VI 

511 

aforesaid  Hendrick  van  Dyck  is  dismissed  from  his  office  and  trust,  and  notified  bv 
the  Hon-  D.rector  General  in  the  Assembly,  not  to  trouble  himsef  henceforward 

ila         1652      I'nT  '     A    T  J""'  ""t  '^""'"'  ^-"'^-«-  ^an  den  Grift,  this  28'^ 
Tu     l?u    I  Amsterdam.  ...  New  Netherland.     Was  signed,  By  order  of 

the  Hon-,  the  D.rector.  Cornelis  van  Tienhoven.  Secretary.  ^ 

hav?demard^tTa:S;Se:;tm^^^  T  V'  -"'  ""'  ^°  '^  ««<"-'^-     ^ 

His  Honor  derivrmrorl^^^^^^  being  willing  to  support  me  therein. 

Corners  van  T.enhoven.  as  Secretary,  acted  faithlessly  and  falsely  in  the  drawin.^.         5 

Extract  of  the  Resolution  of  the  date  above  mentioned. 

The  Fiscal.  Hendrick  van  Dyck,  appears  in  the  Assembly,  where  he  is  informed  by  the 
Hon  ■•  D.rector  General,  that  he.  Hendrick  van  Dyck.  hath  injured  the  Genera  ia 
h.s  honor  and  fame,  which  he  hereby  expressly  denies,  and  therefore  prots. 8 
aga.nst  h.s  d.sm.ssal.  and  demands  copy  hereof,  and  the  discovered  pap. >'  Done 
as  above.     Beneath  was- Agrees  with  the  Register  of  Resolutions. 

( Signed )        Cornelis  van  Tienhoven,  Secretary. 
In  place  of  Lampoon  makers  being  punished  and  instead  of  search  being  made,  as  it  ou«ht 
to  be,  to  d.scover  them,  the  Director  believes,  on  the  contrary,  that  the  Lampoons  Ire  o   u  "*L 
him.  as  in  this  case,  so  as  the  better  to  play  his  card      The  TiirSnl  I  I   .\  *° 

.have  wounded  him  in  his  honor  and  reV^oti^lfwhl^^  hX^^^^^^^^ 

real  vlTlTnf   "'  "  '" 'rT""'''  ""  """  °^  '''''''  '°  -"«-  ^^^ 'his  usurped  sov     ignty 
really  smacks  of  force  and  violence,  and  the  Lords  can  judge  how  matters  go  here.  *    ^ 

'  which  he,  Van  Dyok,  o.Il.  .  Umpoou.  If^.r,^k  Cohniat  Ji,^rd..  T.  -  £,. 


[f-% 


-w..'  ^- 


SIS 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Letter  of  the  Hon''"  Directors  of  the  VJest  India  Company  Chamber  at  Amsterdam, 
to  Hendrick  van  Dyck,  Fiscal. 

Honorable,  Valiant,  Beloved,  Faithful, 

We  aj-e  in  receipt  of  your  letters  of  the  SS"-  December  1G50,  IS"  and  12""  September  of 
this  last  year,  wherein  you  complain  on  the  one  hand  of  Cornelis  Melyn  in  these 
express  words:  —  that  he  hath  grodsly  slandered  the  Hon**'"  Directors  and  that  it 
wero  desirr.ble  that  such  rascals  had  never  come  thnre ;  and,  on  the  other  hand  you 
complain  of  the  Director's  arger  against  you.  We  shall  state  biierty  in  answer, 
thct  the  Directors  are  vnry  little  surprised  at  the  calumnies  of  dishonorable  men, 
and  it  makes  little  difference  whether  bad  men  are  there  or  here,  but  we  had  wished 
that  as  you  had  such  opinion  of  those  people,  that  you  had  performed  your  duty, 
and  had  in  season  o  strict  watch  at  Staten  Island  on  the  ship  in  which  he  went 
over,  as  that  was  the  place  ■>'here  you  could  fall  in  with  all  the  contraband  goods 
f^iat  he  hath  run  on  shore  there  during  the  night  and  at  unseasonable  times;  and 
we  cannot  put  such  smuggling  on  any  othei  than  your  shoulders. 

We  know  not  in  what  the  Director',  anger  against  you  consists;  yet  we  suppose 
he  does  not  put  you  to  any  inconvenience  without  great  cause.  But  whilst  you  are 
free,  Oil  youi  side,  to  complain,  neithi-r  can  we  omit  to  inform  you,  sii,  of  the 
reasons  of  our  dissatisfaction,  independent  of  the  complaints  of  the  Director  and 
Council  respecting  your  disorderly  life  and  dissolute  conversation.  We  shall 
therefore  tell  you  frankly  from  tiio  mouths  of  many  honorable  people  arrived  from 
those  parts,  all  of  whom  declare,  that  you  ordinarily  pass  your  time  in  drunkenness, 
that  you  scarcely  pay  any  attention  to  your  oflice,  whit  h  we  cannot  tolerate.  Out 
of  respect  for  your  friends,  many  of  your  faults  have  been  overlooked,  but  for  all 
that,  no  change  for  the  better  has  been  observed.  We  are,  therefore,  constrained 
to  recommend  you  to  aUend  to  your  bounden  duty;  otherwise,  we  shall  be 
obliged  lO  make  such  provision  in  the  premises  as  shall  be  proper.  Herewith,  we 
commend  you  Honorable,  Beloved,  Valiant,  Faithful,  to  Cod's  protection  and  remain 

Your  good  friends. 
The  Directors  of  ihe  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at  Amsterdam, 
Amsteruam,  9'^  April,  IG-ia.  (Signed,)        F.  Sciiuvr.KNnoRCH. 

KOUARJL*  Mi"    ". 

(Addressed) 

Honorable,  Valiant,  Beloved,  Faithful 
Hendrick  van  Dyck,  Fisc  .l, 
in  New  Nuthcrland. 

Mr.  van  Dyck's  answer  to  the  preceding  Letter. 

My  Lords.  The  cnmpiaint.^  1  have  made  in  my  quality  as  Fiscal,  against  Cornelis  Melyn,  in 
the  desp-it'h  o(  the  yb"-  of  December  KiOO,  I  was  obliged  to  make,  as  appears  by  the  Journal 
of  the  Supercargo,  for  the  protection  of  my  Lords  and  Masters.  The  complaints  in  my  letters  of 
ir,*  ami  1^""  Si-ptpmber  lOol  of  the  Dirci  lur's  anger  against  me.  I,  to  my  sorrov-,  have  been 
obliged  to  make,  and  you  cau  infer  froai  all  the  foregoing,  whfther  1  had  oud  still  have  not, 


( 


Aiiuterdam, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    VI. 


518 


The  ship  with  which  Melyn  came,  anc"  ed  w      t  e  Sood  ZtrZZTl  T''  ''"^'"- 

Had  my  recommendation  to  the  Director  to  institute  my  suit  against  Melvn  and  tho  ^H 
conjointly  been  attended  to.  such  disorder  had  not  occurred  in  thf  ^.1^  ^/^^' 

h=-rr;h^:^j^;::-rr^^^^^^ 

displeased  with  me.  inasmuch  as^u  give  credit  to  Ihrr^rLo';:    t  d^e:,;^;:":;;  a^d 
d.S80lute  hfe;  I  am  certain  that  those  who  informed  against  me.  willingly  accept  mvoSc« 
ar,    are  devoted  to  the  Director;  for  the  latter  having  laired  so  hard        removTle  U  dt 
notappear  strange  to  me  that  I  am  unjustly  accused  and  slandered  in  all  mannero'f  ways 
The  los«  of  t.me  by  running  about  in  drunkenness,  if  it  must  needs  be.  and  notwi  hs taS* 
the  contrary  u  best  known  to  me.  is  a  trivial  circumstance  ;  yea,  in  my  opi  ion.  demies  res,f 

fruu/"nd  n^"T'r"'  '^  ^"'^^  *"''°™^"  "^'^'-'  -«•    I  wiLgly  acknowedt  my 

faults  and  pray  God  da.ly  to  remove  them  and  to  amend  my  life.     SucJ  personsw  th  thTi^ 

aTr  Z  "•  U  °"  '"^f'"«  \''"^  °""  ^'"^'  ^°'"'"««'  '"'S'''  -"  remain'silen  Tam  ly 
TTlotn  "r'^";r  '"  """'"  ""'  '"^  "''"•'•  ''"'  '^'«  -«"y  '-"-ked  in  me.  yet  not  a 
r.enhoven     though  ha   come  out  of  the  Tavern  so  full  that  he  cannot  walk    it  must  be 

whattn  T'  ""  '""  "  "'"«  ''''''''  ""-^  "P'-"^  "^-^  ^y  ''-  Com  a  ;  b^t  wi  1 

.That  .mprovcment  m  return,  appears  hereby.     I  thank  you  extremely  for  the  recommendaC 
of  my  bounden  duty,  assuring  you.  whenever  the  Director's  violence  shall  cease.  o^rS  r  s  aU 
be  ,n troduced  herem.  that  I  shall  demean  myself  i„  the  discharge  of  my  duly  a   an  honoraLll 
Fiscal  ought  to  do;  but  this  is  impossible  for  me  under  the  preset  adinini't^t'n 
High  and  Mighty  and  Noble  Lords. 

The  treatment  I  have  experienced  here  hath  given  me  occasion  thus  to  present  my 
gravamina  for  my  vindication,  declaring  according  to  proof.  &c.  confirmed  by  oatJin  2 
matter,  of  my  ofl.ce,  that  the  whole  is  true  and  truthful ;  not  doubting,  yea.  assurL  mv  Lord, 
that  the  Director's  defence  of  hi.  administration  will  establish  his^ufu:  "rv'ereign  u  ' 
and  that  h.s  unheard  of  rigorous  and  passionate  proceedings  will  be  confirmed  by  the  complaint; 
of  he  inhab,  ants,  and  I  trust,  that  no  idle  evasions  nor  frivolous  accusation,  against  Zs  one 
and  that,  will  excuse  the  D.rec.or,  whilst  others  who  have  not  eaten  of  the  roast  meat  are  to 
be  beaten  with  the  spu.     May  God  preserve  the  High  and  Mighty  and  Noble  Lord,  and 

2^^Z;^Z;Z::'  '"°"'  «°^"""'^"-    ^--^  "«-  """'-""-  '-^-Nethenand. 

Your  Servant  at  command. 

(Signed)        H.  van  Dick,  Fiscal. 


Vot.  I. 


M 


514 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRiPTS. 


I 


Appendix,  received  6lh  December,  1652. 

This  day  G*  December,  1651,  before  me  Johannes  Vrosse  by  the  Court  of  Holland  admitted 
a  Public  Notary  residing  at  Amsterdam  and  in  presence  of  undernamed  witnesses  personally 
appeared  Elizabeth  Janns,  innkeeper,  widow  of  Bastiaen  Nalsman,  residing  at  the  Arms  of 
Haerlem  at  the  dam  (overtoom)  outside  the  Holy  road  gate  of  this  City,  aged  about  GO  years, 
and  hath  declared  by  true  Christian  words,  on  her  conscience  in  place  and  under  offer  of  a 
solemn  oath,  if  necessary,  at  the  request  of  Marritgen  Ommers,  widow  of  Jan  Fraassen  Croon 
of  Hoochvelt  deceased,  late  basket  maker  in  this  city,  that  he  testifies  and  attests  that  it  is 
true  and  well  known  to  her  that,  last  winter  and  in  the  beginning  of  this  current  year  1551, 
without  being  certain  of  the  precise  time,  a  person  named  Mr.  Cornells  van  Tienhoven  came 
divers  times  to  the  house  of  the  deponent  keeping  open  tavern  at  the  Ooerloom  aforesaid,  with 
Lysbet  Janssen  Croon  of  Hoogvelt,  daughter  of  the  requirant  herein,  and  have  there  at  different 
times,  now  and  then  eaten  fish  and  showed  and' manifested  towards  each  other  great  love  and 
friendship  such  as  is  the  custom  among  sweethearts;  moreover,  she  the  deponent  on  such 
occasions  distinctly  heard  and  understood  that  the  abovenamed  Van  Tienhoven  hath 
represented  himself  as  a  suitor  and  a  single  unmarried  person,  whereupon  she,  the  witness,  said 
toVanTienhoven,  If  yoube  a  single  man  why  do  you  not  marry  her,  (meaning  the  abovenamed 
Lysbet.)  To  which  question  and  observation  the  aforesaid  Van  Tienhoven  hath  answered, 
I  will  not  marry  in  this  Country,  but  so  soon  as  we  have  arrived  in  New  Netherland,  I  will 
then  marry.  Thus  done  without  the  City  of  Amsterdam  aforesaid  in  presence  of  Mr.  Abrnm 
Caspars  and  Martyn  Luych,  wilneises.  Subscribed.  Quod  attestor  rogatus  Joannis  Crossis, 
Nu  ary  Public. 

Upon  collation  this  agrees  with  its  original,  dated  and  signed  as  pbove,  in  New 
Amsterdam  in  New  Nelherlnnd.     Signed  ^p:^  D.  V.  Schelluyne,  Notary  .^ublic. 
Agrees  (after  collation)  with  the  authentic  copy  by  me. 

(Signed)        D.  V.  Schelluvnb, 
Notary  Public  1652A 


Appendix,  received  6th  December,  1 G62. 

Singnoor,  as  I  have  found  good  quarters  where  I  have  been  formerly  lodged,  be  so  good  at 
to  come  with  the  bearer  hereof,  who  will  show  you  ihe  way.     I  expect  you,  sir. 

Your  humble  Friend, 
M'  Kip  hands  you  this  letter.  (Signed)        C.  V.  Tibnhovew, 

Upon  collation  with  its  original,  signed  ns  above,  this  is  found  to  agree  therewith; 
In  New  Amsterdam,  New  Netherland,  31"  July,  A"  1G53.  Beneath  was  (signed) 
D.  V.  Schelluyne,  Notary  Public.  Agrees  (after  collation  by  me,)  with  the  authentic 
copy.  (Signed)        D.  V.  Schelluyne,  Notary  Public.     1G52,\. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    VL 


su 


Appendix,  received  6th  December,  1652. 

anr'e;erv  tt"!'  ?"'«°'""«'"'"  ^'^f^'^^'  -"^  ««««»»-  of  the  Hague,  make  known  to  each 
and  every,    hat  before  us  came  and  appeared   Louisa  Noe.  wife  of  Arien  Fietersz-  Bock 

ret   f  Tr"''''t  '"^'  "'"  '^'"«  '"'^  «"'"'"°"«'^  ^^  «'-  -"^-ee  of  the      „  h  at  the 
req  est  of  Maertyn  Ommers.  widow  of  John  Fra„s«e„  Croon,  of  Hooghvelt.  in  hs  lifetime 

a       takTn   hV"he^"'r  r*  ^"'  ^  '''  '''T''  '''''''''  ''  -iemn'oath 'administered^ 
and   taken   by   her.   that   her   declaration   or   deposition,  made    before  the  Notary.  Martva 

PuIltNtta;v'h;the  CoT  '"^'  ^^^^''"  Beeckman.  admitted 

1  ubi.c  Notary,  by  the  Cour   of  Holland,  res.dmg  at  the  Hague,  and  before  the  undernamed 

ManatbanMnNewNethrland.whereby:h:r;ue:Lt?^^^^^ 

and  that  she  speak  by  her  woman's  troth,  instead  of  an  oath,  at  the  requisition  of  MarHen 
Ommers.  w.dow  of  Jan  Franssen  Croon,  of  Hooghvelt.  in  his  lifetime  basket  maker,  withi^  he 
cty  of  Amsterdam  that  about  a  year  ago.  not  being  certain  about  the  precise  datura  cm  a 
corpulent  and  th.ckset  person,  of  red  and  bloated  visage  and  light  hair,  who  she  afrerwari^ 
understood  was  called  Van  T^enhoven  (and  who  on  her  frequency  asking  him  or  hi  na":!' 
refused  to  g.ve  U).  requested  her  to  engage  a  room  for  him  and  a  certain  young  lad^^  o  woman! 
a.  s  e.  the  deponent,  was  accustomed  .o  do.  She.  according  to  such  request,  first  engZd 
and  bespoke  a  room  ,n  the  ^F.^^...,.  here,  which  said  Thienhoven  noUikin;  he  gave  her 
hree  guilders  for  her  trouble.  ...ying  he  wished  a  room  in  a  house  with  a  shop  wLeupon 
the  deponent  says,  she  was  again  employed  to  look  up  another  room,  and  bespoke  one  „  ^he 
house  0.  a  grocer  here  .n  the  Pooten,  opposite  the  Bogyne,truuc,  at  the  sign  of  the  Univer.a 

f^r  V       TH      K  ""T'  "^'  ""'  '°^  '•'^  '^""''•^  °"  "-  — ^  o-asion.  she  re  e    ed 
from  Van  Th.enhoven    three  guilders  more.     She   the  deponent,  further  saith.  tha     before 

to  the  nbovennmed  woman;  whether  she  should  hire  it  for  a  young  man  or  for  a  married 

r.::i  l" "ih  :•  h  :":""•  ''^"  ""•  '^"^  '^  ^^  ^  "'"«•«  -"•  - '  ^-^  "•'-. "« depo  „t' 

should  s  y  that  he  had  run  away  with  the  woman.  ng.nnst  the  will  of  her  parents,  but  tha 
he  intended  to  marry  her  on  the  first  opportunity,  which  he  frequently  repeated  to  he  the 
deponent,  and  that  frie.Ki.  were  employed  to  obtain  her  parents'  consenl  an'd  1 1  'ol 
i-.n  marry  her.  Further,  she.  the  deponent,  attesting  and  declaring  that  the  above  am  d 
person  whose  name  she  heard  was  Thienhoven.  came  a  few  days  after  to  her  hoL  wi Zhe 
aforesaid  young  woman  ami  complained  that  Sherifl'  P„uw  had  caught  him.  sny i  g  I  d  t 

displeased,  she  repaired  and  complained  thereof,  to  the  Bailiff-  who  consented  to  investjl  tf 
the  matter.  He  Thienhoven  understanding  this,  prevailed  on  him  to  desist  f rom  .*  ch 
investigation^  She.  the  deponent,  terminating  her  deposition  herewith,  offers,  if  necessary  ^d 
when  demanded,  to  renew  and  with  solemn  oath  to  repeat  and  affirm  all  the  aforesaid.     Thu, 

here,  and  P  Ki.senburgh.  being  invited  hereunto  a.  witnesses,  who  have  signed  the  minull 


'U 


516 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


hereof,  with  the  aforesaid  deponent  and  me,  the  Notary,  at  the  ahove  date.  Below  was  Quod 
ita  esse  afferm:  and  was  signed  M.  Beeckman,  Notary  Public.  In  testimony  whereof,  we 
have  confirmed  these  presents  with  the  impression  of  our  Common  City  Seal,  the  second 
March,  XVI"=  and  fifty-two,  was  signed  G.  Graswinckel.  Having  on  the  margin  a  seal 
impressed  in  green  wax,  covered  with  paper. 

After  collation  with  its  orginal,  signed  and  sealed  on  the  date  above,  is  this  copy 
found  to  agree  therewith,  in  New  Amsterdam,  in  New  Netherland,  on  the  31"  July, 
A"  1652.     Signed  by  me,  D.  V.  Schelluyne. 

Agrees  (after  collation  by  me,)  with  the  authenticated  copy. 

(Signed)        D.  V.  Schelluyne,  Not.  PublS  1662^. 

Appendix,  received  6  December,  1G52. 

We,  the  Schout,  Burgomaster,  S^hepens  and  Regents  of  the  Hague,  make  known  to 
each  and  every,  that  before  us  came  and  appeared  Jacob  Thomassen  van  Kessel,  burgher  and 
inhabitant  here,  who  being  duly  summoned  to  testify  the  truth,  on  the  petition  of  Maritjen 
Ommers,  widow  of  Jr.n  Franssen  Croon,  of  Hoogvelt,  in  his  lifetime  basket  maker  within  the 
city  of  Amsterdam,  and  he,  the  deponent,  declares  by  solemn  oath,  duly  proposed  to  and  taken 
by  him,  that  his  declaration  or  deposition  made  before  the  Notary,  Martin  Beeckman,  and 
certain  witnesses  on  the  S""  of  December,  1061,  is  true  and  truthful,  as  follows: 

This  day,  the  8*  of  December,  1651,  before  me,  Martin  Beeckman,  Public  Notary,  admitted 
by  the  Court  of  Holland  and  residing  at  the  Hague,  and  the  undernamed  witnesses,  appeared 
Jacob  Thomassen  van  Kessel,  who,  on  further  request  and  requisition  of  Maritjen  Ommers, 
widow  of  the  late  Jan  Franssen  Croon  of  Hoogvelt,  in  his  lifetime  basket  maker  within  the 
city  of  Amsterdam,  and  agreeably  to  the  latter  of  Elizabeth  van  Hoogvelt,  written  at  the 
Manathans,  in  New  Netherland,  the  nbovenamed  Requirant,  specially  mentioned  therein, 
prays,  that  the  deponent  should  be  requested  to  testify  in  this  matter,  as  he  hath  full  cognizance 
thereof,  who,  on  his  veracity  and  conscience,  instead  of  oath,  hath  certified  and  declared  as  he 
N.  B.  doth  hereby  that  it  is  true,  t/uit  Secretary  van  Thieiihoven  having  slept  at  his  house  a 
considerable  time  with  a  certain  Elysabeth  ran  Hooghvclt,  was  caught  by  the  respective  sheriB's  of 
the  Hague;  first  by  Sheriff  Paauw  and  afterwards  by  Peilenburch,  and'  that  when  said 
Thienhoven  and  the  aforesaid  Elysabeth  van  Hooghvelt  were  ejected  from  his,  deponent's 
house,  had  afterwards  gone  to  a  grocery  here  in  the  Pooten,  opposite  the  Bngynestraat,  at  the 
sign  of  the  Universa'  Friend ;  he,  the  deponent,  giving  good  reasons  for  his  knowledge  of 
the  aforesaid,  that  he  hath  heard  it  all  from  the  mouth  of  the  abovenamed  Thienhoven 
when  the  latter  opened  hie  heart  to  him,  at  the  time  he  returned  onco  in  a  while  to  sleep  at 
his,  deponent's  house;  he  did,  also,  learn  particularly  from  said  Thienhoven's  mouth,  that  he 
was  obliged  to  pay  to  the  almrrnamed  two  Sheriffs,  as  a  fiat,  the  sum  of  cightyHro  Rlx  dollars,  in  two 
several  divisions,  because  he  had  been  caught  with  the  nbovenamed  F<lysabcth  van  Hooghvclt ; 
and  that  over  and  above  the  two  divisions  of  the  above  fine,  he,  Thienhoven,  had  provided 
some  oysters  and  a  drink  for  the  two  Sheriffs,  Paauw  and  Pellcnburgh,  abovenamed ;  he, 
Thienhoven,  having  repeatedly  told  him,  the  deponent,  that  he,  Thienhosen,  should  have  been 
thus  fined,  had  lie  kept  in  his  lodgiiiga  in  his,  the  deponent's  house,  which  was  then  the  Three 
Little  Doves,  and  was  situate  at  the  Sluice  ;  be,  Thienhoven,  having  said,  that  he  was  sorry  for 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VL 


517 


LTnff        ?T  u'"'  '^'  '^«P°"«°t'8  house.     The  deponent  terminating  his  statement 

sal'     Th      ;       ■*;  ^''"  ""^^'"y  '^"'^  '«'J"«^'«'^'  *°  "»«^'  """^  by  solemn  oath  affirm  the 

!rr  r  .kM  'I*  '""'°  '"''""'^  witnesses,  who  the  minute  hereof  remaining  with  me  have 
..gned  wuh  the  deponent,  the  day.  month  and  year  as  above.  Beneath  wasl- With  which 
m.nute  th.s  punctually  agreed.  Quod  attestor;  and  was  subscribed  M.  Beeckman.  Notary 
Pubhc.  And  whereas  men  are  bound,  when  required  to  give  testimony  of  the  truth,  we  have. 
A.T/r*  "°°fi':'"«Vi'^'"'^  ^°  impression  of  our  Common  City  Seal,  on  the  second  March 
A  1652,  was  s.gnod  G.  Graswinkel;  having  on  the  margin  a  seal  impressed  on  green  wax. 
covered  with  paper.  o  i 

After  collating  with  its  original,  signed  and  sealed  as  above,  this  copy  is  found  to 
agree  therewith.  New  Amsterdam,  in  New  Netherland.  31"  July,  A»  1668  was 
signed  by  me.  D.  V.  Schelluyne,  Notary  Public. 

Agrees,  after  collation  by  me.  with  the  authenticated  copy. 

(Signed)        D.  V.  Schelluyne,  Notary  Public.  1652  -j^. 


I 


44 


Appendix,  received  C  December,  1669. 

This  day.  the  11*  December  A»  1651.  before  me  Martin  Beeckman  Public  Notary  admitted 
by  the  Court  of  Holland  residing  at  the  Hague,  and   before  the   undernamed   witnesses 
appeared  Margareta  van  Eeda.  widow  of  Isaack  Portus.  at  that  time  Tavern  Keeper  in  old 
Haerlem  at  the  Sluice  here,  who  hath  declared  and  testified  upon  her  veracity  and  conscience 
instead  of  oath,  at  the  request  of  Maritjen  Ommers,  widow  of  deceased  Jan  Franssen  Croon  of 
Hooghvelt,  in  his  lifetime  basket  maker  at  Amsterdam  ;  that  over  a  year  ago  there  came  to 
lodge  at  her  house  a  likely  person,  of  ruddy  face,  corpulent  body  and  having  a  little  wen  on 
the  side  of  his  cheek  who  she  afterwards  understood  was  from  New  Netherland.  having  w  th 
him  a  woman  towards  whom  he  evinced  great  friendship  and  love,  calling  her  always,  Dea.est, 
and  conversing  with  her  as  man  and  wife   are  wont  to  do,  sleeping  in  one  bed,  so  that  she! 
deponent,  did  not  know  but  that  they  were  married  people,  having  treated  and  regarded  them' 
OS  honest  folks,  whom  she  placed  at  her  table  along  with  other  honest  and  decent  persons,  and 
had  she  considered  them  anything  else,  she  would  not  ha'  "  received  them ;  and  said  person 
being  very  particular  would  make  conditions,  some  days  after,  to  eat  with  her  at  noon  and 
in  the  evening,  and  to  have  two  rooms ;   one  of  which  his  Dear  should  occupy,  when  some 
gentlemen  and  friends  came  to  speak  with  and  inquire  for  him,  and  another  in  which  such 
people  could   bo  received  and  entertained,   but  that  they  could  not  agree  upon  the  price; 
whilst   hesitating  to  give  anything  for  such  treatment,  they  were   ejected  from  her  house', 
and   went  to   the   I'ooien,  to   a  grocery  at  the  sign  of  the  Universal    Friend,  opposite   the' 
Bagymslraat.      She,   the   deponent,   further   declares,  that   the   above   named    person    came 
repeatedly  afterwards  to  her  house,  among  the  rest,  late  one  evening,  a  few  days  afte;  he  had 
gone  from  her  house ;  he  came  with  his  abovenamed  Dear,  and  going  up  to  a  room  where  he 
nskpd  for  a  fire  and  a  drink,  he  complained  to  her,  deponent,  that  he  was  affronted  and  caught 
by  the  Sheriffs  and  must  satisfy  them,  saying,  moreover,  that  he  had  wished  he  had  remained 
«t  her  house ;  the  woman  whom  he  called  Dearest,  asking,  in  addition  whether  the  Sheriffs  had 
aiy  busiuese  to  interfere  with  free  people.     Whereupon  she,  the  dcponeut,  inquired  whether 


I 


518 


NEW-YOEK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


they  were  married  people,  and  that  the  abovenamed  person  answered:  We  are  not  yet 
tnarried.  Finally,  deponent  offers  to  renew  and  confirm  her  abovewritte.i  declaration  by  oath 
if  needs  be  and  is  requested.  Thus  done  and  executed  at  the  Hague  aforesaid,  in  presence  of 
Willem  Janssen  and  Hendrick  Jacobben  who  are  invited  aswittKSses  hereunto,  who,  with 
the  deponent  and  me  the  Notary  have  signed  the  minute  hereof  remaining  in  my  hands, 
on  the  day  month  and  year  above  written.  Signed.  Quod  aftrmo.  M.  Beeckman  Notary 
Public.    Beneath  was  : — 

After  collation  with  its  original  dated,  and  signed  as  above,  Ihis  copy  is  found  to 
agree  therewith.  In  New  Amsterdam  in  New  Netherland  the  31  July  anno  1662. 
By  me  (Signed)  D.  V.  Schelluyne  Notary  Public, 

Agrees  (after  collation  by  me,)  with  the  authenticated  copy. 

(Signed)        D.  V.  Schelluynb,  Notary  Public.     1652T*r. 


f 


Resolution  of  the  States  Oeneral  referring  the  preceding  Defence. 

[  From  tht  R«gUt«r  of  West  Indli  Allkira,  11151— 1M8,  in  th*  Boyil  Arehlra  kl  the  Htgne.  ] 

Friday,  C*  December,  1G52. 
Received  a  letter  from  Fiscal  van  Dyck,  written  in  Manhatans,  the  18""  of 
September  last,  complaining  of  Director  P.  Stuivesant,  which  being  considered, 
NewNetharitnd.  it  is  resolvcd  and  concluded,  that  the  aforesaid  letter  shall  be  placed  in  the  hands 
of  Mess"  de  Huygeus  and  others,  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  for  the  affairs  of  the  West 
India  Company,  to  inspect,  examine  and  report. 


Folio  4S. 
FUoal  rta  Djrek. 


Resolution  of  the  States  Oeneral  on  a  Memorial  of  the  Patroon  of  Renaselaerstorjch. 

[  rroin  th*  B«f Ulcr  of  Weat  India  AOtln,  Idil  —  IMS,  In  tb*  Kajtl  ArchlTM  It  U»  Uigua.  ] 

Friday,  SO'"  December,  1062. 
Folio  44.  Read   at   the  Assembly  the   petition  of  Johan  van  Rensnlaer,  i'atroon,  Mr. 

Johan  de  Laei  and  the  widow  and  heirs  of  the  late  Samuel  Biommnert,  co-director  of  the 
coioBKi.  In  Mew  tolotii''  named  Renselaerswyck,  in  New  Netherland,  containing  divers  points,  and 
Neihwiind.  among  others  complaints  against  Director  Stuyvesant.     Which  being  considered, 

it  is  resolved  and  concluded,  that  the  aforesaid  petitions  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  Mess"  Turk 
and  the  other,  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  for  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  to 
inspect,  examine  and  report  thereon. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VH. 


519 


Saturday,  the  28«''  December,  1652. 

K.u..rt.„d.      •'  •  '"«  "'est  India  Company,  pifrsunnt  to  their  resolution  of  the 

Patroon,  Mr.  Johan  de   Laet   imH   fh-  ,„j  j  T  •  of  Johan  van  Rense  aer, 

body  for  that  purpose.  '^        ^'  ''""'  °'  *°  "^'''^  *»»'•>«'  ^^-^^  one  of  their 


^  H   »    11   » 


/Siiafe*  fir^n^o^  to  ;A«  Chamier  at  Amsterdam. 

To  the  Director,  of  the  West  India  Company  at  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam. 

The  States,  etc. 

Ha=.dhX:^X:ri£rt:x^^^ 

and  requiring  that  within  'the  space  of  twodlys  f  om  the  r.o  t  ^T"^  '°  "»'  "^"^''ing 
to  us  information  thereupon,  or  else  se^rsome  oZn  h  r  '^  ""u  T"  ^"'  «="""" "«'<=«'« 
Relying  thereupon,  etc.  'd  „e  ^  "  DectZr,        2  °°  '""  '"'''''  '"  ''''^'  P^''^^"''- 


|i     < 


Chamber  at  Amsterdam  to  the  States  General. 

I  RftMu  of  rni<*cmm  BH,o^  m  ih.  lUyiU  ArehlTM  it  U..  Hmu..  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

FoHoi  We  yesterday  duly  received  your  High  Mightinesses'  letter  of  the  28'k  in«fnnt 

p.im««  .»<!  Kvdi.  together  with  th?  npfitmn  «f  fu     d7  """""J"  leueror  me  J8'«  instant, 

S:"S:ll!;i.^,tt  rI.  i  "^«  petition  of  the  Patroon  and  co-proprietors  of  the  Colonie 

««— .-  Renselaer.-wyck  thereunto  annexed.    In  answer  to  which  we  shall  provisionally 


\^i 


I'    > 


520 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


observe,  that  we  immediately  gave  orders  to  examine  the  aforesaid  petition,  point  by  point, 
and  to  draw  up  accordingly  a  rescript  thereupon  as  far  as  will  be  necessary  for  the  defense 
of  the  Company's  right;  then  as  the  points  set  forth  against  us  are  very  numerous,  and 
necessitate  the  examination  and  review  of  divers  papers  and  documents,  we  have  hereby 
humbly  to  submit  to  you,  High  and  Mighty,  that  'tis  impossible  not  only  to  accomplish  this 
in  two  «'.Hys,  but  to  have  it  done  even  in  two  weeks.  We,  therefore,  respectfully  request  that 
ample  time  be  afforded  us,  to  make  answer  unto  all  according  to  demand  and  circumstances, 
the  rather  as  the  aforesaid  Patroon  and  co-directors  suffer  no  prejudice  herein,  the  ship  having 
sailed  eight  days  ago  for  New  Netherland,  and  as  no  opportunity  will  offer  until  the  spring,  in 
ti?e  month  of  April  or  May,  when  the  vessels  are  accustomed  to  take  their  departure  for  that 
quarter.    Relying  thereupon,  we  shall. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords,  etc. 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  Servants, 
The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at  Amsterdam. 

Amsterdam,  this  31  December,  1662.  (Signed)        Eduard  Man. 

Received,  2  January,  1653.  Isaack  van  Bbeck. 


■  11  >  II  » 


Resolution  of  the  States  Oenerd  on  the  preceding  Letter. 

[  From  VSn  Regittw  of  Vett  India  AflUri,  1653  —  IOCS,  la  tbe  B071I  AtchlrM  at  Ui*  Hagu*.  ] 

Thursday,  2  January,  1653. 
Folio 45.  Received  a  letter  from  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at 

Amsterdam,  written  there  the  31"  December  last,  in  answer  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  letter 
of  the  28"*  of  said  month,  with  intelligence  that  it  was  impossible  for  them  to  furnish  their 
coioniiu  la  New  High  Mightinesses,  within  the  space  of  2  days,  the  requisite  information  on  the 
NeibMund.  petition  of  the  Patroon  and  co-directors  of  the  Colonic  Renselaerswyck,  requesting, 

therefore,  that  proper  time  be  afforded  them  to  give  au  answer  upon  all  points  according  to 
demand  and  circumstances. 

Whereupon  no  action  was  taken. 


<  II  >  >i  » 


Chanyber  at  Amstetdam  to  the  States  Oeneral. 

I  From  111*  Orlgloal  In  ths  Bojal  Arehlre*  at  th*  nagne ;  Ilia  VTat  IndU.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

After  W€  received  on  the  30""  December  last  your  High  Mightinesses'  letter  of  the  28*  of  the 
same  month,  and  briefly  and  provisionally  submitted  on  the  following  day  to  your  High 
Mightinesses  that  it  would  be  impossible  for  us  to  give  an  answer  within  the  space  of  two  days 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VII  -«, 

OBl 

de  Laet  and  the  wdow  and  heirs  of  Samuel  Blommaert,  co-directors  of  the  coTonie  nnnipH 
Ren,elaers-wyck  we  daily  occupied  ourselves  in  .he  examination  of  the  aforesa  S  "  Uion  and 
\eZ7ZZrVl  "'''  '•'^O'-^- General  of  New  Netherland  haradr^  TuVby 
persons      So    ar  "''  T^'^fu'  "'"'"'  ""'^  informations  of  other  qualified  and  reliable 

Erered  hlr  ^  "  T  I  "^  '''"'  ^'^'"  """^  '^  ^'  «^«'"'««'l  ^hat  we  have  not  been 
prepared   before  now,  to  send  your  High  Mightinesses  the  requisite  information -herein  w« 

1  Lr       n'd  tha    i    ITh    h      '"r^'"  "'^'  ''"'  '^^'''•'^^^•-  '"^y  •'^  »'^«J  thereupon 
wisetro^rtrslTa^p^^^^^^^^^^^^^     "' ^'^^  ^""  ^«->«^«e  of  the  circumstances  in  sL 

wifhlhrBoa^'Tn tt^'r^r  "''  '^r""^'""  ^°  ^""^^^  ""  '''''^'"^  '°  «^-P"'«  -"tinually 
Neherland   it  h  J  h  '■^'  "'  *^'''  ^"'""'^  '""  ^'''^  t''"^^  "^  '^e  Company  in  New 

66 


.« 3 


I!    !; 


s 


I 


lu 


522 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


aforesaid  complaints.  If  such  has  been  the  ense,  we  doubt  not  but  we  have  satisfied  your  High 
Mightinesses,  and  shall  willingly  refer  ourselves  in  the  premises  to  your  knowledge  thereof. 
We  readily  confess  we  cannot  perceive  how  the  alleged  acts  of  the  Director  General  can  be 
called  attacks,  unless  the  Patroon  and  co-directors  had  judged  that  the  best  course  to  adopt 
was  to  take  up  the  case  de  piano  and  without  any  examination,  because  such  would  indeed  be 
the  most  profitable  for  them  who  otherwise  have  no  right ;  but  as  it  is  unauthorized  by  your 
High  Mightinesses,  we  hope  'twill  not  be  of  any  weight.  And  as  we,  iu  accordance  with 
preceding  submissions  and  resolutions,  acknowledge  your  High  Mightinesses  herein  as  judges, 
so  we,  likewise,  promise  that  we  shall  not  attempt  anything  prejudicial  to  your  commands 
whose  authority  we  have  always  acknowledged  and  observed  with  more  respect  than  even 
those  of  this  Colonie,  which  shall  be  made  apparent  in  the  deduction  of  the  case  at  the  proper 
time.  We  only  pray  your  High  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  provide  that  no  conclusion  be 
taken  herein  to  the  prejudice  of  the  Company  without  full  knowledge  of  the  case ;  and  with 
this  view,  that  a  plan  be  adopted  on  which  your  High  Mightinesses  will  decide  this  suit  shall 
be  ordered,  prosecuted  and  determined.     Wherewith  ending. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords,  we  shall  pray  Almighty  God  for  the  uninterrupted  success  of  your 
High  Mightinesses'  prosperous  government. 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  humble  servants. 
The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  at  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam, 

Amsterdam  this  16""  January,  1  ,  Abr.  Wilmerdonx. 

I  '""^  '  Eduabo  Man. 


Received  17"*  January, 


Apptndix,  received  17  January,  1653. 


Points  extracted  from  the  petition  of 
the  Patroon  and  co-directors  of  the 
Colonie  Renselaers-Wyck. 

1. 

First.  Coming  into  the  Colonie  of  Renselaers 
Wyck  aforesaid,  and  there  causing  the  Peti- 
tioners* flag  to  be  hauled  down  in  opposition 
to  the  will  and  protest  of  their  officers. 

2. 

Secondly.  Publishing  there,  by  placard,  that 
timber  might  be  cut  in,  and  removed  from, 
the  Petitioners'  woods,  without  the  knowledge 
of  the  Petitioners  or  their  officers,  or  applying 
to  them  on  the  subject. 

3. 
Thirdly.  Publishing,  as  aforesaid,  that  the 
right  of  jurisdiction  and  of  soil  appertained  to 
the  aforesaid  Company  to  the  extent  of  one 


Remarks  by  tlie  Chamber  at  Amsterdam 
on  the  annexed  Points. 


Directors  are  truly  ignorant  of  the  place 
where  the  Petitioners'  flag  was  pulled  down, 
and  consequently  cannot  fiirnish  any  informa- 
tion on  this  point,  unless  on  further  advice. 

This  placard  is  published  at  the  place  where 
the  Company  exercises  jurisdiction,  and  the 
woods  from  which  the  timber  was  to  betaken, 
are  so  defined  that  no  person  can  be  in  f>nv 
wise  injured  by  removing  such  timber;  also, 
no  one  hath  legally  any  pretention  thereupon. 

The  title  of  Fort  Orange  existed  in  the  Com- 
pany long  before  the  Colonie  llenselaers- 
Wyck  was  ever  granted,  and  the  limits  of  the 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    VII. 


hundred  and  fifty  rods  around  the  aforesaid 
trading  house  causing  the  same  to  be  staked 
off  by  the  Petitioners'  own  inhobitants  whom 
they  conveyed  over  to  the  aforesaid  Colonie  at 
great  expense,  notwithstanding  the  ground 
was  bought  by  the  Petitionersfrom  the  previous 
owners  and  is  notoriously  their  property, 
together  with  the  jurisdiction  there,  thus 
depriving  the  Petitioners  of  their  right,  and  a 
small  bouwerie. 


58S 


aforesaid  Colonie  were  consequently  computed 
above  and  below  the  fort.  The  Petitioners 
were  afterwards /jrecorio  allowed  to  come  under 
the  cannon  of  the  fort,  in  order  to  be  secure 
from  the  insolence  of  the  Indians.  No  title 
can  accrue  from  this.  How  far  the  limits  of 
a  fort  ought  to  be  computed,  the  Directors  will 
hereafter  willingly  examine. 


4. 


t  Amsterdam 


Fourthly.  Releasing  the  Petitioners'  subjects 
there  inherited  from  the  oath  taken  to  the 
Petitioners  and  its  consequences,  and  binding 
them  by  an  oath  to  the  aforesaid  Company. 


6. 


Fifthly.  Conceding  on  a  ground  rent  the 
lands  and  lots  aforesaid  taken  from  the 
Petitioners,  attempting  to  make  there  a  village, 
already  called  Bevers-Wyck. 


Sixthly.  Erecting  a  court  of  justice  in  the 
aforesaid  trading  house. 

7. 

Seventhly.  Forming  from  the  inhabitants  of 
the  aforesaid  Colonie,  a  company  of  men  as  it 
were  of  the  said  West  India  Company,  whom 
they  incite  not  only  against  their  fellow 
inhabitants,  but  also  against  their  lawful  Lords 
and  the  contracts  entered  into  with  them. 

8. 

Eighthly.  Releasing  on  his  arrival  at  the 

Manhatans.Gerardt  Swart,  who  was  sent  Sheriff 
to  the  aforesaid  Colonie,  from  the  oath  taken  to 
the  Petitioners,  and  forcing  him  to  take  an 
oath  to  the  aforesaid  Company. 

9. 

Ninthly.  Requiring  communication  of  the 
rolls,  protocols,  sentences,  resolutions  and 
suits  relating  to  the  Colonie  and  its  affairs. 


On  the  fourth,  fifth,  sixth  and  seventh  points, 
the  Directors  ignore  and  consequently  deny, 
in  good  faith,  that  anything  was  done  against 
the  Petitioners'  subjects  ;  but  these  people  are 
free  inhabitants,  bound  in  no  way  to  those  of 
the  Colonie. 


As  far  as  we  know,  this  person  was  not 
released  by  the  oath  taken  to  the  Company, 
from  the  oath  previously  taken  to  the  Petition- 
ers, but  remains  bound  to  both  in  their 
respective  qualities. 

The  Petitioners  are  expressly  bound  by  the 
Freedoms  to  make  this  communication,  and  it 
was  accordingly  well  nnd  legally  demanded. 


5S4 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


10. 
Tenthly.  Causing,  by  force,  the  bell  in  the 
house  of  the  Director  of  the  nforesaid  Colonie, 
to  be  rung  by  Johannes  Dyciiman,  Commis- 
sary at  the  aforesaid  trading  house,  assisted 
by  soldiers  with  loaded  muskets,  burning 
match  and  open  pans,  for  the  purpose  of 
publishing  the  aforesaid  pretensions. 

11. 

Eleventhly.  Arresting  within  the  Petition- 
ers'jurisdiction,  with  eight  armed  men,  Brant 
van  Siichtenhorst,  the  aforesaid  Director  of 
the  Colonie,  and  so  bringing  him  to  the 
Manhatans,  and  there  detaining  him. 

12. 

Twelfthly.  Giving  notice  that  he  shall 
demand  tenths  of  the  planks  and  other  of  the 
Colonie's  revenue. 

13. 

Thirteenthly.  Attempting  to  take  possession 
of  the  cannon  belonging  to  the  Petitioners  on 
Beren  Island,  refusing  to  restore  the  same. 

14. 

Fourteenthly.  Allowing  and  permitting  emi- 
grants from  the  aforesaid  Colonie,  to  sell 
articles 'of  contraband  to  the  Indians. 


As  the  Director  of  the  Colonie  refused,  on 
being  asked,  to  voluntarily  permit  this  publi- 
cation to  be  made,  it  became  necessary  to  lak«j 
assured  order  therein. 


15. 


And  fifteenthly.  By  means  of  the  aforesaid 
pretended  right,  which  he  exercises  there,  de- 
priving the  Petitioners  of  the  power  of  enforcing 
due  payment  from  their  debtors,  or  their  bail. 


This  mode  of  proceeding  became  finally 
absolutely  necessary,  in  order  to  obviate  ^nd 
prevent  this  individual's  intoleraSlein.>olence8, 
perverseness  and  vexations. 


Inasmuch  as  the  years  of  exemption  are 
long  since  expired,  the  Company  must  finally 
look  to  the  collection  of  their  rights. 

The  Directors  wish  first  of  all  to  know, 
what  right  the  Petitioners  have  to  lay  claim  to 
Beren  Island. 


All  inhabitants,  and  especially  those  of  the 
fort,  are  by  recent  placards  forbidden  to  sell 
articles  of  contraband,  but  as  it  was  thought 
that  the  strict  observance  of  that  law  would 
be  construed  unfavorably  by  the  Indians,  it 
was  at  the  request,  and  for  Jhe  interest  of  the 
Colonie,  allowed  that  now  and  then  something 
might  be  sparingly  permitted  with  the  know- 
ledge of  the  Director. 

This  is  expressly  denied  ;  on  the  contrary, 
(]t  3d  order  is  provided  in  such  case  in  the 
itk/Dtructio'i  for  the  court  of  justice. 


Now  follow  the    Points    against    the    Patroon   and    co-directors,  whereupon 
satisfaction  shall  be  demanded  from  them : 

Those  of  the  Colonie  Renselaerswyck,  have  for  exceeded  the  limits  granted  them  by  the 
Freedoms,  and  were  consequently  again  required  duly  to  fix  the  boundaries  iforeaaid,  and  to 


( 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VII 

individuals  engaged  in  the  trade  ''"'''°''"  °^''"""*  """^  P'«^«"*  °'''" 

And  wilh  thi.  ,!.„  claiming  crtDin  onfonnj.,1  .i.ple-rigl,,. 

of  Fon  O  a  I'eTnVa"  LT       "'''°"'  ''""'''""^"*'  ^"^  -<''"*  '°  ''^  -*  "  »'-'e«l  for  those 

?h7ofohiLV''*'  ?'r'''"  '!  ''"^  '^'''  ^'^''  ''  '^'''  °f  '^^  ^fore,.id  Fort. 

?    /r  L    eXt  ^t";  J"'^«'"«"'r'"^^  '"  «""'^^"'  -'^"^^  -«•  »»'-«'•«-.  appealable, 
ineyretuse  extracts  of  their  proceedings  and  judgments. 

cop  ;itrzir;rLriX:';-r  -^  ■-- '— ^ 

the  inhabltanU;  '       "  "°°"  °'  """'  ""■■"■•iKlanla    toward. 

mZT°  """""•  '"•"'"•  "■""•■  '"•"»»■  ""  "■«"-8»   .«-«  .1..  Company.. 


i  I 


r  iffl 


m 


526 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


liesolution  of  the  States  General  referring  the  preceding  Letter,  <&c. 

[From  Iha  Rrgl>l«r  ofWeat  India  Alhlra,  1659  —  1668,  \a  Ibe  Rojil  Archlrt*  it  the  Htfut.] 

Friday,  17*  January,  1C63. 

Foiio4T.  Heceived  a  letter  trom  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at 

Amsterdam,  written  there  on  the  Id"*  inst.  And,  purnuant  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  letters 
of  the  26'*  December  last,  also  information  on  the  points  contained  in  the  petition  of  the 
ooionteu  of  N»w  Patroon  and  co-directors  of  the  Coloniellenselaerswyck.  Whereupon  deliberation 
Meiheriw'  being  had,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  the  aforesaid  letters,  together  with 

the  annexed  information  shall  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Messrs.  Huygens  and  other  their 
Higii  Mightinesses'  Deputies  for  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  for  inspection, 
examination  and  report. 


Meaolution  of  the  States  General,  on  the  Report  of  tlie  foregoing  Committee. 

[From  th*  Begiiter  ofWMl  Indit  AShln,  1669  —  1«<3,  In  tb*  Bojal  AnhlTM  >l  Ibg  Uapie.] 

Thursday,  6'»  February,  1653. 
Folio  49.  Heard  the  report  of  the  Messrs.  Huygens  and  other  their  High  Mightinesses* 

Deputies  for  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  the  17'* 
cnioninu  or  Mew  J'">uary  last,  having  inspected  and  examined  the  letter  of  the  Directors  of  the 
Neui.ri.nd.  West  India  Company  Chamber  of  Ansterdam,  written   there   on   the  lO*  of 

the  same  month  and  also,  in  obedience  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  resolution  of  the  28"" 
December  last,  information  on  the  points  contained  in  the  petition  of  the  Patroon  and  co- 
directors  of  the  Colonic  called  Renselaers  Wyck.  Whereupon  deliberation  being  had,  it  ii 
resolved  and  concluded  that  copy  of  the  aforesaid  letter  shall  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  said 
Pat  oon  and  co-directors,  to  reply  thereunto. 


liesolution  of  the  Slates  General  on  Fis'^al  van  DycVs  charges  against  Stvijvesant. 

[  From  Ibe  BeiliUi  or  TTeel  India  Affklra,  ICBt  — IMA,  In  Ike  Soyil  Archlfee  «l  the  Hiftie.  ] 

Monday,  10""  February,  1G63. 

Folio  na  Having  heard  the  report  of  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  for  the  affairs  of  the 

West  India  Company,  who  pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  the  G'^  December,  1663,  further 
M«w  Netheriend.  inspected  and  examined  the  letter  of  fiscal  Dyck,  written  at  the  Mannthans  on 
the  IS'*  .September  last,  containing  variotis  complaints,  and  amongst  others,  against  Director 
Dinctnr.  Bluyvesant,  It  is,  upuii  duiiheraliuii  resolved  and  concluded  that  copies  of  the 


f 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VII 


Resolution  of  ike  States  Genial  on  a  PeUHon  of  tke  Proprietors  of  Pensselaers^yck. 

Thursday,  SO*"  February,  1663. 
o..o„.r'',."N.w       T''^  P«''t'°»  °f  J°han  van  Renselaer,  Patroot,.  Mr.  Johan  de  Laet  and  f h.  ^-^ 
N....„.  and   heirs  of  the  late  Samuel  Blcnmaert.  c^direcZs  of  the  Cnl  n°T 

Reuse  aerswyck    n  New  Netherland,  against  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Po""   "     "^ 
*h.  Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  being  read  in  the  Assemble  if  iJJ    avu  Company  at 

coucludea,  that  the  aforesaid  petftlon  shall  be  nTrn-      .    f  ^^^^^''^eration  resolved  and 

other  their  High  Mightinesses.^or  r^ I"   h'e\£ro;;hXtltd°:cr  ''''"'  "T"' 
inspect,  examine  and  report  on  them,  to  the  end  thlf  »h  I  Company,  .n  order  to 

.uch  disposition  he  made  thereon  aT;)!:!  be  founi  prober.  ""     ""'  '"^'  "'  ^°""''«^'^''' 


liesolution  of  the  States  General. 

tFron.,U.R..g,.u„o,.h.R«olu.loo.or.h.8u,..Q.„r.,,,„  U..  Ro,iU  Archir- .,  u,.  H^uM 

Tuesday,  4  March,  1653. 

Foil.  iM.           The  petition  of  Nicolaes  Anthony,  Notarv  hpr«  in  »»,o  vt 

ow».r.  of  ih,  .hip  fli,„.n„„  „r  tu^                  c  .         ^    ''wiury  nere  in  the  Hague,  as  agent  and 

ih.  A'i.i.io  SM,-  ailorney  of    the  owners  of  the  shin    nnm»H  «i,o    v         »r  .    ,     .        * 

«m««A«  *v«M, .    „,„„;„„          ....               "  *"'P    named  the  Nievui  Nelherlandtnhe  Forhnif, 

in  the  matter  of  the  aforesaid  petition.  concluded,  that  nothing  can  be  don. 


liesolution  of  tin  States  General. 
Thursday,  10"'  April,  16W 


fMntt. 

Mr.    Kvnlrlck  TIB 
«•  OipaM*. 


528 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


the  issue  and  prosecution  of  aforesaid  appeal,  together  with  injunction  direc|ed  against 
Director  Stuyvesant,  Wilet  his  attorney  and  all  others  who  will  make  themselves  party 
herein,  all  in  due  form ;  Whereupon  deliberation  being  had,  it  is  hereby  resolved  and 
concluded,  to  grant  the  aforesaid  request  and  accordingly  the  required  writ  shall  be  dispatched. 
The  Deputies  from  the  province  of  Zealand  have  hereupon  given  notice  that  they  have  no  order 
to  consent  to  the  grant  of  writ  of  appeal  from  judgments  pronounced  in  the  West  Indies  or 
within  the  West  India  Company's  district. 


11 


I 


Writ  of  Appeal  in  favor  of  Mr.  van  der  CapeUe. 

[  From  tb«  AtU-Botk  of  tha  SUIm  OcDtral,  in  th*  Ko;>l  ArehlTM  tt  Ui«  Bifu*.  ] 

Writ  of  Appeal  sued  out  by  Mr.  Henrick  van  der  Capelle  tho  Ryssel  against 
Director  Stuyvesant  cum  suit,  with  clause  of  injunction. 

T011081.  The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands.     To  the  High  Constable  or 

Marshal  impowered  to  serve  ;  also  to  the  Notary  or  such  other  person  whether  public  or 
private,  as  shall  be  hereunto  required,  (jreeting:  Be  it  Known  :  That  we  have  received 
the  petition  of  Jonckheer  Henrick  van  der  Cnpellen  tho  Ryssel,  Lord  of  Esselt  and  Hasselt  and 
ordinary  deputy  in  our  Assembly  from  the  principality  Gebre  and  County  of  Zutphen,  setting 
forth  in  substance,  that  he  had,  in  the  year  XVl«  fifty,  with  God's  help,  and  pursuant  to  the 
charter  and  amplification  thereof  granted  to  the  stockholders  of  the  West  India  Company, 
undertaken  to  settle  a  Colonic  on  Staten  Island,  in  New  Netherland  ;  that  he  had  thereunto, 
engaged  seven  farmers  with  a  superintendent  and  carpenter,  now  deceased,  with  women, 
children  and  servants  in  number  exceeding  twenty;  but  by  him  augmented  to  seventy  persons ; 
and  that  he  was  advised  by  Fatroons  and  Merchants  to  purchase  a  ship  for  that  purpose  with 
an  offer  to  take  one-half  interest  thereof,  which  a  worthy  merchant  at  Amsterdam,  named 
Gerrit  van  den  Voorde  and  partners  did  ;  having  thus  purchased  one-half  the  ship  called  the 
Nievio  Nethtflandachc  Forlmjn,  according  to  the  deed  of  sale  executed  before  the  Burgomasters 
and  Regents  of  the  city  of  Amsterdam,  dated  the  eighteenth  May  XVI'  and  fifty;  which  being 
equipped,  the  said  farmers  were  sent  over  with  their  farming  implements  and  some  goods,  to 
be  sold  and  used  there  for  their  support ;  this  vessel  having  arrived  in  New  Netherland  after  a 
difficult  voynge  was  confiscated,  together  with  its  cargo,  by  Petrus  Stuyvesant  the  Director 
of  that  quarter,  on  a  pretended  judgment  of  the  two  and  twentieth  of  April  XVI'  one  and 
fifty,  under  pretext  of  some  fraud  said  to  have  been  committed,  though  denied  by  Cornells 
Melyn,  who  went  over  in  said  ship  and  was  found  to  have  complained  to  us  of  the 
exorbitant  government  of  said  Director,  and  on  that  account,  esteemed  his  greatest  enemy. 
And  though  the  fiscal  hacf,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  Director,  instituted  his  action  at  first 
against  the  aforesaid  Melyn,  he  was  cast  at  that  time,  but  yet,  in  order  to  attain  his  object,  he 
subsequently  sued  the  skipper  and  by  collusion  and  want  of  defence,  obtained  the  required  and 
previously  fabricated  confiscation  on  the  same  forced  and  contradictory  evidence  which  he  had 
produced  against  Melyn,  although  by  the  said  pretended  judgment,  tho  skipper  was  declared 


HOLLAND  DOCL^ENTS:    VIL 

Z::^:z:z:r^X  :::::;::::^f;r--  t-'  '^ — «-'--  ^^ 

and  his  houses  and  lots  at  t  e  LI    f^s To  J's  I       J  "  rT.  °'" "'  '^^'^"'^  ^"^■^-'>' 

himself  master  of,  and.appropr  aTed    n^t  on  v  the  t        ^""^^^^  """'* 

proceeds  of  the  aforesaid  TousL       d  ,o._le    hptZ^^^  "'  '''°'^'  '"'  «'^°  '^« 

pretended  sentence,  sold  to  one  Thon  as  WleramlH^.  "^ ''"""""'  '°  ""  ''^''''''^ 
England  and  on  her  arrival  here,  war  e  zed  bv  tl^Tnn  .r  /"k  "'  ''  '''^'"°"'''  '"  ^^^ 
Beizure  isobstructed  by  the afores^idTudrent  ^P  „  7Tu  '  l^" I"  "'  P™"''"^'""  °''  '"«* 
not  in  the  capacity  of  a  merchant    but  -p":  «       "^'  "'"'  ^''  '^^^^  "''"  ^"  CappeMen, 

Hiither.  as  stated,  with  oX  hi  fl'rl  "V^'^T"'  '"  ^''''"  '''*"'^'  ""^^  ««"'  ^^e  said  ship 
n,ore ;  moreo  ^  s  no  '  Uv  noTac"  7  r''  "'J  """"^  '*^^  "^^'^  ^"f'P-^'  ^^^  -'"ing 
Violence  were  com:iteC'n7irie  Sr^ 

aforesaid;  the  said  pretended  judgmen"  bei  g  also  uif '" V  """'  1^"  '''"  ^"'  »°'"^' 
the  Council  mentioned  therein    wL^nf  n  .;       V       ""J"''  '"  "'"""•  ^°'^  '"  "-^K^^d  of 

with  exclusion  of  the  V  eTrLcTo  TIT^  "  '  Tl'""'''  ""  ''^  ''^"^^  «"  Englishman, 
were  present  instead  of  e  Z  „  ,h  o  h'"'  "'  °!  '''; ''''^^'  '"^"'  '"^"^  ""'^  °^  -»'«'" 
Instruction  prescribed  ohm  The  D  rt  ,  ''r''?  '  '"  ''"""''^^  '°  ^^«  Commission  and 
which  he  hath  take,  his  oath  in  addi'  J  "''  "  'J'  »'''"'"'«"-<'''i'^»  "f  Justice,  and  upon 
on  untrue,  false,  yea  s^o^    d    to  ^^^^^^^ 

sufficiently  prove.     And,  inasmuci    as  h.    If'  .     o  "PP""""''  ^"''  «'  *"'«  °^"   t*'"«' 

injuredand  endamaged  cor  trZo  the  «;  ''".7"  '^«'- C«PP«>'en.  has  been  most  seriously 
granted  by  us  to  the'sto  k  2^  f  e  wITt,  T  ""'  ''"^'°""  "^  "^^^  ^«'''''^'-^' 
or  which  and  of  the  infrinUt^  t  "       ^'"P""^'  ^''"•°°"''  '''"'^  C«'«"*«^''  '«"<'. 

cognizance  and  ad;^ic:t^:trngexru:;";i;;::^':;^  T  ^"r  ^-^  '^^  '"^°°""' 

granted  writ  of  appeal  in  similar  ca!««  hTH       r  "^^  ''"''''  '"''""  '^''gni^ance  of.  and 

^i  rCia       th^   .ndebr    :    "^;'  °'  '''''^"'  "''  '""^""'"^  -^^  prohiblLry'dause'  To 

a.so.orr'rre:;::t:r'aCrd"ruVvrnt' wLt^^is  ^^T'°d"  ^[  -r'^^'^  -"p-" 

make  themselves  a  party  herein  •  all  in  Z  f  xu.    !  T"'' ''"''  ""  °'''""  ^"^^  ^""''J 

require  and  command  you     h  re'un  1    her  bv  o""'  ''  '""*  '""'''"^''  "«'  ^^•'^«^-''' 

•aid  Mr.  Henrick  van  dLrn  !m     h    »        ^  ^"-"'""'s-onmg  you.  that  at  the  request  of  the 

name  lum  no     h  1     „^  'd   -'0°  sfuv     ""    'l^"''  ""  '^  ^""^'^  ""^  '""'  ^^  '^'  '■>  «- 
.„-  an^  I,     "'™'^;°  J"''8'"«n»  and  'ts  contents,  or  to  renounce  the  same  if  they  think  well  •  to 

0  „  r ;  :rf:  h  t''„r''  ^i  -' "° ''-''  -'  '^-«^-« '» --^  -^  --^^^^ 

Capelleu  tho  Rv«l        H  n    '^    ''"'  J°  °""^''  ""*=''  '''""'""^  "  '^-^  »''«r«««i«J  Mr.  van  der 
in  or    "    Jat    'art  L       •      T"  7"  '*  '^°"'''  ^•""  ""'•  °"  '"^^  '^y  *"«"-^«d  will  make 

VOL.  I.  ^j^ 


,'  fl 


IM. 


i^    fc/e  ■  :p>-.- 


530 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


against,  nor  to  the  prejudice  of  it,  nor  of  the  appellants,  whom  we,  for  reasons,  have  relieved  of 
the  indebita  interjection,  issue  and  prosecution  of  said  appeal ;  but  were  anything  on  the  contrary 
done,  attempted  or  innovated,  that  he  immediately  and  without  delay  repair,  and  put  it  ia 
ita  original  and  most  proper  place,  without  failing  in  any  part  thereof  And  whereasfsome  of 
the  aforesaid  persons  may  sojourn  at  present  without  these  United  Provinces  and  the 
jurisdiction  thereof,  you  shall  make  service  hereof  at  their  last  place  of  abode,  and  on  their 
factors,  attorneys  or  the  agents  of  their  property,  if  any  they  havejsubject  to  our  authority  ; 
if  not,  at  the  uttermost  parts  of  this  country  where  such  writs  are  admitted,  and  the  nearest 
to  their  places  of  residence,  notifying  them  thereof  by  letter  and  authentic  copy  hereof,  to  the 
end  thiU  they  may  not  plead  ignorance  hereof,  which  service  being  performed  by  you,  we 
shall  esteem  as  valid  as  if  it  were  personal,  leaving  copy  hereof  and  of  your  service  for  the 
behoof  of  the  respondents,  reporting  to  us  at  the  day  aforesaid,  what  you  have  done  in 
the  premises.  Given  at  the  Hague,  under  our  seal,  paraph,  and  signature  of  our  Secretary, 
on  the  tenth  April,  XV1«  three  tind  fifty. 


<■■»■■» 


Chamber  at  Amsterdam  to  the  States  Oenerci. 

t  From  tta*  Orlglnil  in  tta«  'BiafA  AnhlTM  tl  the  Hague ;  Fll*,  Wttt  IndU.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  having  heretofore  resided  in  New  Netherland,  a  place  situated 
within  the  Company's  Charter,  hath  submitted  to  us  a  certain  little  Book,  entitled: 
Betchryvinge  van  Nieu-Nederlttnt,  hegrijpende  de  Nature,  Aert,  gekgentheyt  en  vruchtbaerheyt  van 
het  lelve  Lant ;  mittgaderi  de  proffijlelfjcke  enJe  gewemte  foevalUn,  dh  aldaer  tot  't-mentchen  onderhout, 
$00  uyt  haer  telven  all  van  buyten  ingcbracht,  gevonden  tverden.  And  the  same  being  examined  by  us, 
we  have  judged  it  by  no  means  out  of  the  way,  in  regard  to  the  conveniency  of  the  place. 
And  as  he  intends  to  apply  to  your  High  Mightinesses  for  a  copyright  therefor,  and  hath 
requested  us  to  furnish  him  a  letter  to  your  High  Mightinesses  in  regard  to  the  communication 
made  to  us;  we  are  unwilling  to  refuse,  but  have  willingly  granted  it  to  him,  in  order 
that  it  may  avail  him  according  as  your  High  Mightinesses,  in  your  profound  wisdom  may 
think  proper. 

Herewith,  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  we  shall  pray  God  Almighty  for  the  lasting  welfare  of 
your  High  Mightinesses'  prosperous  government  and  remain 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  humble  servants, 
The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  at  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam. 

Amsterdam,  this  2  May,  )  (Signed)        Eduard  Man. 

Received  14  May,  J  p      ^^  Joannes  Rtckabrt. 


f 


w%] 


HOLLAND  DCKJUMENTS:    VIL 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceding  Letter. 


531 


FoitoMi.  Read  at  the 


C  rroni  th«  Kegtator  of  W«t  Indl.  AIMrM««  - 1648,  In  the  ttorid  AwhlTM  at  th,  Hi«ue.  ] 

Wednesday,  the  l***  May,  1653. 
eeting,  a  petitioa  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  seconded  by  letterg 


°-     r <'•""••"<'•• 'ouuci  x^uucK,  seconaea  Dy  letten 

AdH.„  ,.„  d«  of  recommendation  from  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company. 
grw^.ia'Xt-  'J^'eJ  th«  2-  instant,  praying  copyright  for  a  certain  Book,  entitled  Bttchryvinge 
,.  f  .^  ^^N^-Nedtrhndt:  which  being  considered,  it  is  re8oIv3d  and  conJuded  that 
the  aforesaid  petition.  letter  of  recommendation  and  Book  shall  be  placed  altogether  in  the 
hands  0  Mess"  Huygens  and  others,  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  for  the  affairs  of 
the  West  India  Company,  to  inspect,  examine  and  report  thereupon. 


U 


Besdution  of  the  States  General  caUing  for  a  copy  of  Van  der  DoncKs  "  Beschryvinger 

I  From  tta*  S.fl'Ur  of  Wwt  InrtU  AIT»U.,  1688  -  \m,  In  the  Boy.!  AnhlrM  it  U>.  H.gnfc  ] 

Friday,  the  IS'*  May,  1663. 

.1,  ^T"*  .  ?"  *Ill  ''"P™'^"'^''""  ™»«'"  to  the  Assembly,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded. 
^1^^\^Z'Z  Srl^'f.  "'''  ^««'  '"•!'«  Company,  shall  be  written  to.  to  transmit  tJ 
D«.,,.  their  High   Mightinesses  for  examination  the   Book  entitled  Buctiryvingt  van 

i^N.,SaSy"'  ^^  Nederlandt,  whereof  Adriaen  van  der  Donck  hath,  on  the  H'"  instant  prayed 
copyright.  *^    "' 


States  General  to  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  tlie   West  India  Ompany. 

t  From  tk*  B«cWw  of  VUgtatu  iH«wnorth«  SOIm  Omen),  In  lh«  Ro,H  ArakirM  at  Uu  H(cu«.  ] 

The  States,  ktc. 
»•>•«•  Honorable,  etc.     We  have  duly  received   your  letter  dated  the  ^  instant 

^in*^^:G!'^  '■««Pecting    the  little    Book  efltilled  Be.chryvinge  van  Nieuw  Nederlavdt,  whereof 
Adriaen  van  der  Donck  prayed  copyright,  which  being  considered,  we  have  resolved 
to  request  and  require  you,  hereby,  to  transmit  to  us  without  loss  of  time  the  Book  aforesaid, 
for  examination  here.     Wherewith  ending,  etc.     Done.  16'*  May.  1653. 


roiio  1(0. 


i    .i 


532  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCaiPTS. 


Chamber  at  Amsterdam  to  the  States  Genei'ol. 

[  ITrom  til*  Original,  In  Uie  Bo]ral  ArcliIrM  al  Ui«  Hague :  Flla,  Wttt  IndU.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords  ! 

We  have  received  your  High  Mightinesses'  agreeable  letter  of  the  16"*  instant,  and  have 
noted  your  High  Mightinesses'  request,  that  we  transmit  vrithout  loss  of  time  to  your  High 
Mightinesses  the  little  Book  in  our  hands,  entitled  Beschryvinge  van  Nieuw  Nederlandt,  written 
by  Adriaen  van  der  Donck;'  pursuant  whereunto  the  same  accompanies  this  letter,  that  your 
High  Mightinesses  make  such  disposition  thereon  as  you  in  your  profound  judgment  shall 
deem  proper.     Herewith, 

High  and  Mighty  Lords,  we  shall  pray  God  Almighty  for  your  High  Mightinesses'  persona 
and  prosperous  government,  and  remain,  your  High  Mightinesses'  humble  servants. 

The  Directors  of  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at  Amsterdam. 

Amsterdam  the  19""  May,  \  ^„rn 


Received  21  May, 


(Signed)        Abr.  Wilmerdonx. 


•  Adbiain  vak  dkk  Domcx,  waa,  a*  he  himself  »Ule^  a  free  citizen  of  Breda,  and  a  lineal  deacendant  of  Adriaen  ran  Bergtn, 
part  owner  of  the  famou4  turf-boat  in  ■wliioh  a  party  of  Dutch  troops  wore  olandeatinely  introduced,  in  the  year  1699,  into 
the  castle  of  that  city,  whereby  that  stronghold  of  Spanish  tryanny  was  reduced.  After  graduating  at  the  University  of 
Leyden,  and  pursuing  a  oourse  of  legal  study,  Van  der  Donck  received  tha  Degree  of  Jurit  utrimqm  Doctor,  that  is  of  the 
civil  and  canon  law.  Uo  was  subsequently  admitted  to  the  practice  of  an  Advocate  in  the  Supreme  Court  of  Holland,  and 
enjoys  the  distinction  of  having  been  the  first  lowyer  in  this  country.  Ue  came  here  in  the  fall  of  1641,  as  Sheriff  of  the 
Colonie  of  Rensselacrswyck,  and  during  his  term  of  office,  evinced  always  ft  disposition  to  protect  the  colonists.  A  few  ytara 
afterwards  ho  made  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to  purchase  a  tract  of  land  at  Catskill,  and  in  1647,  his  term  of  office  having 
expired,  ho  removed  to  the  Manhattans,  where,  in  consideration  of  the  assistance  he  had  afforded  in  .legotiating  a  treaty  with 
the  Mobawki,  and  in  return  for  advances  he  had  made  to  enable  the  government  to  purchase  presenU  for  those  Indiana,  ho 
obtained  a  grant  of  a  largo  tract  of  land  in  Westchester,  now  known  as  Yonkors.  This  was  erected  into  a  Colonic  or  Manor 
in  1662,  of  which  Van  der  Donck  became  the  Patroon.  Tlia  misgovernmcnt  of  the  country  had,  in  the  mean  time,  excited 
considerable  complaint  among  the  people,  and  a  delegation  was  sent  to  lay  the  matUr  before  the  Stutaa  General  In  the 
discussions  which  arose  in  consequence.  Van  der  Donck  took  a  prominent  part  The  Petition  of  the  People  of  New 
Netherland  (mpra,  p.  271),  of  which  Van  d.r  Donck  is  generally  admitted  to  have  been  the  author,  wos  printed  at  the 
Hague,  in  the  year  1650,  under  the  Title  of  Vertoogh  van  Kitu-NedirJand  mgh»n$  de  Ohelegrnthtydl,  Vnuhlhaerhydl  en 
Soberen  ttael  dtaelf:  sm.  4to.  pp.  49,  by  which  means  the  advantages  of  this  country,  and  the  justice  of  iU  complalnU  wera 
brought  prominently  before  the  Notion.  As  a  consequence,  emigration  was  encouraged,  the  colonists  were  admitted  to 
participate  in  the  foreign  trade,  and  a  municipal  government  was  concc.l.d  for  the  first  lime  to  New  Amsterdam,  now  New- 
York.  In  the  labors  attendant  on  procuring  these  reforms.  Van  d.  r  Donck  could  not  full  to  secure  the  ill  will  of  the  Company, 
which  had  taken  possession  of  New  Netherlan.l  merely  for  eominercial  purposes,  and  had  made  coloiiiration  only  a  secondary 
object.  Accordingly,  in  1652,  when  his  buiiness  was  concluded  and  he  was  on  tha  eve  of  returning  to  this  country,  with  his 
family,  the  Directors  at  Amsterdam  instructed  their  ship  captains  not  to  receive  him  on  board  any  of  their  veasela.  In  vain 
ho  procured  the  interference  of  inllucntial  friends  and  rcpres-nted  the  cruelty  of  separating  him  from  his  wife  and  children, 
who  had  already  embarked;  in  vain  he  pleaded  the  ruin  that  would  overtake  him  were  he  not  permitted  to  proceed. 
He  was  told  he  could  not  go;  his  family  was  obliged  to  sail  without  him,  and  he  returned  to  the  Hague  He  now  employed 
hit  leisure  in  writing  another  work  on  his  adopted  country,  furwhich  he  nbuined,  as  staled  in  the  text,  a  fiUen  years' 
copyright  and  returned  in  the  fall  of  1663  to  America,  with  leave  to  practice  his  profession  "as  far  as  giving  advice," 
aa  the  Directors  "could  not  see  what  advantage  his  plea  lings  before  the  court  would  have,  especially  aa  there 
were,  no  doubt,  si.rae  lawyers  already  in  Now  Netherland  who  could  be  engaged  on  the  other  side."  lie  evidently 
conUmplated  an  ad  lition  to  the  last  mentioned  work,  embracing  a  history  of  the  Province,  for  he  had  applied  for  permission 
to  examine  the  Colonial  reconla.  Unfortunately,  the  application  waa  fruitless,  and  hia  second  book  was  published  in  166S, 
without  the  proposed  adilitiou.     It  is  entitlol : 

niSCIlRMVLNOK  |  ran  |  NIEUVV-NEDKHLANT,  |  ( (Gbtlltll  lift  tijtnlaoorll(jl)  (n  Xtait  i« )  |  Begrijpende  do  Nature, 
Aert,  gelegenthcyt  en  vriicht  |  baerheyt  van  hot  solve  I.anl ;  miUuadcrs  de  proffijiclijcke  en-  |  de  gewenste  toevallen,  die 
aldaer  tot  onderhout  dor  Moiisohen,  (  soo  |  uyt  hser  s  dvi'U  nls  van  huyteii  ing.'bracht )  gcvonden  worden.  |  K\»  MEDh  |  fit 
manlen  «n  onjl)im»int  «tjtn«tl)i{ip»rt  |  ban  In  ®  illl»n  oft«  NatutlUeit  banitn  lanDt.  |  Enbl  |  Een  bysonder  vcrhaol  vandeo 
wonderlijokan  Aert  |  ende  het  Weewnder  BEVEK3,  1  DAEH  NOCU  BY  OEVOEOUT  IS  |  B«n  lll«out»  «bit  InjtUsentliiit 


i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIL 


583 


He^olviian  of  tU  States  General  granting  Qypyriglt  to  Adriaen  van  der  Donch 


Folio  M. 

Jnok       iwpeollng 
New  NMherlaud. 


t  K«m  th.  Regw,,  .,  W«»  IndU  Aft,™,  m,  _  ,M8.  ,„  „,  Ho,.I  Archi™  .,  U..  H.,«,.  ] 

Saturday,  the  S*"-  May,  1653. 
Upon  consideration,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  hereby  to  allow  and  ^rant  to 


rv 


I      '' 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  referring  a  Petition  of  JoUnms  de  Laet 

I  F«>«  «..  K«g.«.,  of  W.^  lad..  AW™,  1652  - 1 W8,  io  th.  Ro,.,  Archi™  ..  u,,  n^^^ 

Thursday,  the  19'"  June,  1653. 
M'oM.  Read  at  the  Assembly,  the  petition  of  Johan  de  Laet    resneofina  „n^        •    . 

aou,d.r.c       one    Muijsaert,    in    relation  to    Petitioner's  fou  th    vtte  i^    he"^  ^^n.?"? 
government  and  direction  of  the  Colonic  in  New  Netherland.  nledtnsL      wycTwhS 
bemg  considered.  It  .8  resolved  and  concluded  that  the  petition  aforesaid  ZrKi      a 
the  hands  of  M.S"  Huijgens  and  the  other  their  High  Mightinr^^DeTul: t  h?Ss  ^f 
the  West  India  Company,  to  inspect,  examine  and  report  thereupon. 


Resdntion  of  the  States  General  referring  the  above  case  to  tU  Cowrt  of  Holland. 

[  From  th.  R«gi.te,  of  W«t  Indl.  ABW™,  1653 -,««8,  ,„  u.,  „„,^  ^„^„„ ^  ,^,  ^^^  ^ 

Wednesday,  the  25""  June,  1653. 

for  \T\  ■       "r' w'\'7f  "^'''•""^«'"'''"'^'''°'''^'*''«'^«'«''M'8htines,es'DeputieH 
for  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  who  pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  the  IS'"  instant! 

kmNieuw  N«<VrUn(1t,  |  tiut«tb<n  (m  Ned«.!«ndta  Patriot,  j  tribt  tin  I  Nieuw  N.rl.rl.n^.,  i  n.    i  j       ,  .^., 

r.„d,r  DONCK  |  B,y,,.r  lUcl.ten  n„«,oor.  .lie  toKenwoor-  |  d'iK,.  noci     N    uZ  Jedel^t  i^    fAS^LSTM'  ^«^'/''' 

Pficrtplion  of  A-.K  Nrihtrland  ( ««A  <»  ,V  no*  ..  ),  ComprehndiH^  Ih,  Natur..  ChnraeUr  Silu<Mon  n..l  RV.  •,/  ; 

/o«.yn.r.  )     Al,c  ih.  Manner,  and  peculiar  characUrUli,,  of  th.  Indian,  .r  al,origin.,of  th.Co«nlri      An.l  „  ^  .      , 

:^^w;^::'a-:Ji::^o;:r"''• """"  ** "''"'-  --  "^  "-"•  ^-'-  -^  ^-  -  ••  -  -  ^ 

prinUd  m  the  Collect  on.  uf  tl.e  N.wYork  Ilutoricl  .^ooiety.     AJriao,,  ran  d«r  Donek  Jie.l  in  ll.i.  countr,  in  16S6  and  left 

Z^r:-  l"o  *:'r    ,""«,        "  "'^    ^""  ''"'^'  "'"'"'  ''"  '"""''  "'  '«^'-  --  "•"  ■'••«'''"  "f  t..e  Rev  rend  Fran  I 

So.'  V      7  t    "..        'u        '"'•  """'"'  ""«''  '*''''"''■  "'  •'""""'■  *'"^''"'^  "''"'"  ">•  •■">  her  father  remo  "^ 
Copie.  oi  Van  der  Donok'e  work.  u«  in  the  SUU  Library,  Albany.  -  Ed.  ">moTe«. 


CO 

o 

LU 

2C 

>- 

^ 

«NH» 

oc 

HZ 

CO 

o 

cc 

CO 

•«c 

..._ 

.T- 

•■ 

u. 

>■ 

u_ 

QC 

-^ 

■<: 

C'Z 

i^ 

^ 

_~ 

o 

—J 

5^ 

584 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Johtn  deliHt. 


inspected  and  examined  the  petition  of  Johan  de  Laet,  residing  here  at  the  Hague, 
respecting  the  matter  which  he  hath  against  Thausin  Muysaert  in  regard  to  the  Colonie 
Renselaerswycii  in  New  Netherland;  which  being  considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded, 
that  the  petition  aforesaid  shall  be  transmitted  to  the  Provincial  Court  of  Holland,  to  consider 
and  examine  it  with  the  documents  to  be  delivered  in  by  parties  on  both  sides,  and  to  prepare 
a  judgment  thereupon,  which  is  to  be  sent  to  their  High  Mightinesses  and  then  to  be  pronounced 
without  any  alteration. 


States  General  to  the  Court  of  Holland. 

[  From  the  Bagliter  of  CUgtgane  BrUetH  of  ths  States  OenenI,  la  the  Kojal  ArehlTee  at  the  H«(ae.  ] 

The  States,  etc. 
FoBo  «8.  Honorable.    You  will  please  to  see  from  the  accompanying  petition  presented  to 

johiBsee  de  LM^  US  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf  of  Johannes  de  Laet,'  residing  here  at  the  Hague, 
contra  what  he  hath  represented  to  us  respecting  the  matter  which  he  hath  unsettled 
Tosuen  Mujriart.  ^^.j,  ^„j  agaiust  Tousain  Muysart,  in  regard  to  the  Colonie  Renselaerswyck 
in  New  Netherland,  which  petition  we  have  resolved  hereby  to  refer  to  your  Honors, 
with  friendly  request  that  you  would  take  the  trouble  to  consider  and  examine  it  together  with 
the  documents  to  be  delivered  by  parties  on  both  sides,  and  to  prepare  a  judgment  thereupon 
to  be  sent  afterwards  to  us,  which  shall  then  be  pronounced  without  any  alteration, 
Wherewith  ending,  etc.    Done,  26"'  June,  1663. 


i 


Eesolution  of  the  States  General  on  Appeals  frcm,  New  Netherland. 

[  From  the  Beglater  of  Weal  India  AOUn,  ms  —  16M,  in  the  Eojal  Arehlrea  at  the  Haghe.  ] 

Wednesday,  the  6"  August,  1653. 
Folio  T4.  The  Deputies  from  the  Province  of  Holland  have  brought  in  t 

App^i  from  jnd».  tts  provincial  opinion  in  manner  and  form  as  is  hereafter  inserted,  w." 
tS'tlUwRXeXd!  to  the  effect  that  no   Writs  of  Appeal   from  Judgments  pronounc. 


nbly 
New 


Netherland  ought  to  be  granted  by  their  High  Mightinesses  even  with  the  clause  of  inhibition; 

'  JoHAHiiB  Di  Labt  was  t)orn  at  Antwerp  about  the  close  of  the  XVIth  Century.  He  waa  a  prominent  Director  of  the 
West  India  Company,  and  distinguished  himself  in  the  world  of  letters  by  bis  knowledge  of  thi  languages,  history  and 
geography.  He  is  elsewhere  represented  as  having  died  towards  the  end  of  1649  or  in  the  bouinning  of  16(10.  See  tupra,  p.  407 ; 
also  the  BiograpKit  Utuvtr—lU,  where  a  list  of  his  works  is  given.  Of  these  following  only  have  relation  to  this  Country  : 
I.  The  New  World,  or  a  description  of  the  West  Indica,  which  waa  published  in  Dutch  in  1626  and  16.S0;  in  Ijitin  in  103S 
and  in  French  in  1640,  all  in  folio.  IL  Account  of  the  Transactions  of  the  West  India  Company  ( in  Dutch. )  Ltydtn, 
1644,  folio.  III.  Notit  ad  Disaertatione  Uugonis  Grotii  de  Origine  gentium  Americanarum.  rarit,  I64S.  8vo. 
IV.  Reaponsio  ad  dissartationam  aecundam  Hugonis  Giotli.  AmUeriiam,  1644.  8vo.  V.  An  Edition  of  I'iso'a  liistoira 
Malurel  d<  Brasil,  with  learned  Notes.  Ltydtn,  1646.  folio.  lUi  widow  married  Johannes  de  Uuller  and  afterwarda  Jeremiaa 
Ebbing,  with  whom  abe  Tiaited  thia  oonntry.  —  Ed, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VII 

Resolution  of  the  States  of  Holland  and  WestvrieBland.  dated  the  4"-  August.  1663. 

?^ A-  p  opi'niol' rLlTil't"  1  "^T"  '''  ''P"'''  ''''""'""°"  "  ^^"'^  •»  Court  a  certain 
S';a.'.»  '^-  7;7°"  '""'^"';'^  ''y  ^^e  Attorneys  General  Paats  and  Stryen  on  the  petition 
lately  presented  to  their  Honorable  Great  MiRhtinesses  bv  Tan  Kl„..,  ti     f 

of  th,  abovementioned  deputed  Councillors,  in  fulfillment  of  their  Hon---  otat  MLhtir.^ 
order  bearing  date  the  SO'"  June  last.  Mightinesses 

W;iich  being  considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  Wrif  nf  Ann»oi  r        t  ^ 
HigF,  M,ght,„.„e.,  and  that,  th.reror.,  car.  shall  b.  taken  at  th.  Oen.ral  Ajma,Jr„Z 


/Silafe*  General  to  Mr.  van  der  CapeUe. 


[F«,mth.E.,....,of  VUg^a^  -S-^-*" of  .ho  8Ut«  O.ner,!.  In  U,.  Boy.,  A«hU«  „  th.  H^a.. ] 

Thr  States,  etc. 

it.  nroWinl     """""''^  «'°-    5°"  ^i'l  be  able  to  observe  from  the  accon.panying  copy  of 
ltr~/;^;;;j;;?j\7  hereby  resoled  to  send  you,  what  the  DeputLoHhe 

from      Jadimrnu  i^roVIUCe  Ol  Holland  have,  th  S   dav    hrnii<rh»    in  ♦«   „.,.  A  1.1  . 

i.roDoono«ifaN,w  yjj..    „  .         ,  "  !       "  "^ought  In  to  our  Assembly,  concern  ng  the 

b.u,«..„<,  Writ  of  Appeal  granted  on  judgments  pronounced  in  New  Netherland  reouestin.. 


<■■>■!» 


Mr.  van  <Ur  CapeUe  to  the  Stutes  General,  with  Draft  of  Hesdutwn. 

( From  Oh.  OrlfUul  t.  lb.  Bo]ril  ArohlT*  .1  u..  H^iei  FU^  W^  inM,.  J 

Exhibit.  21  August,  1C63. 

Yonkheer  Henrick  van  der  Cappellen  tho  Ryssel.  ordinary  Deputy  to  your  High  Mi«htine..B.' 
Assembly,  having  communication  of  what  the  Deputies  o'f  Holland  hav^  ."bmiS  loyTur 


i    \' 

H 

^1 

t 

s 

i|B^H 

586 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


High  Mightinesses'  Assembly  on  the  6*  of  August,  against  the  Writ  of  Appeal  which  he 
obtained  on  the  I0«*of  April  from  your  High  Mightinesses  against  Director  Stuyvesant,  being 
in  your  High  Mightinesses'  oath,  commission  and  instruction,  desires  with  becoming  respect  to 
thank  your  High  Mightinesses,  for  having  communicated  it  by  resolution  and  letter  of  the  6* 
August  aforesaid,  in  order  that  he  may  state  what  he  has  to  say  thereupon,  before  your  High 
Mightinesses  dispose  thereof.  But  inasmuch  as  relation  is  had,  in  this  resolution  of  the  Lords 
of  Holland  dated  the  4'"  of  August,  to  the  opinion  of  the  Advocates  Polts  and  Stryen, 
whereupon  the  resolution  is  founded,  and  he  requires  to  have  a  knowledge  of  the  petition  and 
reasons,  whereon  the  Advocates  have  based  their  opinion ;  he,  Mr.  van  der  Capellen  doth 
therefore  with  due  respect,  pray  your  High  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  intercede  with  the 
Lords  of  Holland,  that  the  aforesaid  opinion  with  the  petition  and  whatever  relates  thereunto, 
may  be  communicated  to  him,  in  order  that  he  may  act  as  is  necessary  in  the  premises ;  and 
that  in  the  meantime  {deliberante  principe)  no  alteration  be  made  either  by  your  High 
Mightinesses  or  the  Court  of  Holland,  before  which  were  brought  the  cognizance  and  adjudication 
of  the  arrested  New  Netherland  ship  issued  by  Director  Stuyvesant,  and  if,  on  the  error  to  be 
moved  by  party,  some  alteration  happen  to  be  made  in  his  absence,  that  the  same  remain 
stationary  and  unexecuted,  until  your  High  Mightinesses  shall  be  further  informed  of  the 
matter.  Which  being  considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  hereby  to  request  the 
abovementioned  Lords  of  Holland  not  to  have  any  scruples  against  allowing  said  Mr.  Henrick 
van  der  Capellen  iho  Ryssel  copy  of  the  said  opinion  and  petition  respectively,  that  he  may 
make  use  of  the  same  as  to  him  shall  seem  meet.  , 


He-solution  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceding  Letter. 

[  From  Ih*  BagUlsr  or  Vest  Indim  A.ir>lra,  16S9  — 1(68.  In  Iho  Bo;*l  ArchlTei  at  the  ntgae.  ] 

Thursday,  the  21"  August,  1G53. 
FoiioTB.  Read  a  Memoir  of  Yonckheer  Henrik  van  der  Capelle  tho  Ryssel,  ordinary 

Mr.vtndcro«p«us  Deputy  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  Assembly,  to  the  effect,  that  he  hath  seen 
itaoByMoL  ^^^^  ^^^  submitted  by  the  Deputies  of  Holland  to  this  Assembly  on  the  6'* 

Writ  rMp«eung  %  August  last,  in  oppositiou  to  the  Writ  of  Appeal  which  he  had  obtained  on  the 
i!d'f"5twMSthl°I  io«k  of  *April,  of  the  current  year,  from  their  High  Mightinesses  against 
Director  Stuyvesant,  holding  on  oath  their  High  Mightinesses'  Commission  and 
Instruction  ;  that  he  respectfully  thanked  their  High  Mightinesses  for  having  been  willing,  by 
their  Resolution  and  letter  of  the  6'*  of  August,  aforesaid,  to  give  him  communication  thereof, 
in  order  that  he  might  say  what  he  thought  of  it,  before  any  disposition  be  made  thereon  by 
their  High  Mightinesses ;  but  inasmuch  as  relation  is  had,  in  the  resolution  of  the  Lords  of 
Holland,  dated  the  4*  of  August,  aforesaid,  to  the  opinion  of  the  Advocates  Palts  and  Stryen, 
whereupon  the  resolution  is  founded,  and  he  requires  to  have  a  knowlege  of  the  petition  and 
reasons  whereon  the  advocates  have  based  their  opinion,  he  Mr.  Van  der  Capelle,  doth, 
therefore,  respectfully  pray  their  High  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  intercede  with  the  Lords 
of  Holland  that  the  aforesaid  opinion,  with  the  Petition  of  Jan  Claesz.  van  Heuckelom 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VII 

587 

meanwhile  (delil^anCe'Znle7ool  t  on  V  "".  •»  "•"^/"""y  '"  »"«  premises;  and^hat 
court  of  Holland,  before'^Z  were  tour  th  "^  *'"'  ""«"  Mightines.es  nor  by  the 

New  Netherland  ship.  LuefbrDLZ  «  ""^'"""f  '""^  adjudication  of  th.  arrested 

party.  son,e  alteratio'I'  ^n  t^  b  ^  ifhrarn^ttat't::  1''  "'"  ''  ''  "'''^'  '' 
unexecuted,  until  their  High  Mightinesses  be  furVhlr  r  ^  r  J"*  '*'"°'"  "^ationary  and 
considered,  their  High  MigLinest  have  eol^^t^^^  T^  -"-,  W''-.''  being 

it  is  hereby  accordingly  resolved  and  rnn.l.T?  V  *  aforesaid  petition,  nad 

Holland  not  to  have  anv  rr.nll        .*'°'"''"'^«'J  »«  "-equest  the  abovementioned  Lords  of 

Rysselcopyof  the  afo  esairooinLTnT  ?  °""*  "*'  **■••  "^""^"^  -"  <^"  ^apelle  tho 
.ame  as  to'him  shall  seem  let  '"''°'  respectively,  that  he  may  make  use  of  the 


illll 


i?e^^«.*.n  of  iJ.  State.  General  relating  to  tU  Boundary  of  Re.  Mtkerian,, 

Thursday,  the  6'"  November,  1653. 
N,wN..h.„„d.     exhibited  three  don.  Jln.«        '""^'^^";  '  «'«  »» '^e  Hague,  and  who  therewith 

B....    Ne:  ;i:2i\t  :r th"e"w:  t*  s;:r::::  '^7'-"  °;  '^!;  ""-^-^  *- 

Nation  in  those  parts,  the  subject  is  postponed  uTtil  to  morZ'  ''°"''"'  "'  "^  ^"«"^' 


Vol.  I, 


08 


li 


^^■|.i  l^Um 

|||H 

^^^^^^B      ^>^^^^H 

H 

^^m   r 

^m 

^^B-  ^ 

■|H 

^^^Ir" 

J 

^^^K  ,    1               '1 

« 

^^K|- J 

■ 

WEST    INDIA    COMPANY. 


DIVISION 


or  THB 


BOUNDARY    IN    AMERICA, 


»«TVr«tII   TH« 


WEST  INDU  COMPANY  AND  THE  ENGLISH. 


Read  6th  Novbmbm,  1653. 


[  from  th,  MB.  I.  th,  Koytl  AnUn*  at  lb.  Hhb.  )  loMka,  of  ih.  BtaU. 


0«n«r«l  i  DiTWon,  WM  i<i<Uw«4  OmpoffnU,  So.  K. 


h 

I 


■ 

I 


^ 


^.'i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VII. 

West  India  Company  to  the  States  General. 
To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 


541 


[l.  s.] 


Ihe  Directors  of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company  now  present  representing  the 
Assemby  of  theXIX.met  here  at  the  Hague,  most  respectfully  submit:  That  the  English  nation 
bordering  on  our  territory  of  New  Netherland  on  the  North,  have  for  some  years  been 
endeavoring  by  undue  practices  and  means  to  invade,  on  unfounded  pretences,  our  lands  and 
Junsd.ct.on;  many  protests  have  been  made  against  such  proceedings,  but  remarking  that 
they  relymg  on  their  numbers,  having  more  people  than  we,  and  we  being  apprehensive  of 
njrther  invasions  from  time  to  time,  in  order  to  obviate  all  troubles  between  them  and  us.  the 
Directors  had  resolved  to  instruct  their  Governor  to  employ  all  means,  t,  induce  that  nation 
by  all  fair  offers  to  come  to  a  neighborly,  good  correspondence  and  provisional  settlement  of  the 
Boundary,  which  order  he  hath  obeyed,  and  accordingly,  so  far  succeeded  that  the  English 
consented  to  confer  thereupon  with  our  Governor,  which  conference  also  followed. 

On  the  invitation  of  that  English  nation  of  New  England,  the  Governor  did.  i„  the  year  1650. 
proceed  to  Hartford,  and  attend  the  Meeting  of  their  deputies,  called  for  that  purpose,  where, 
in  friendly  negotiation,  a  provisional  Boundary  was  agreed  upon,  subject  to  the  approval  of 
their  respective  superiors,  as  your  High  Mightinesses  can  see  bv  ,he  extract  of  Governor 
Stuyvesnnts  despatch  dated  26'^  November  1050.  Since  that  time  the  aforesaid  Directors 
had  requested  your  High  Mightinesses,  to  instruct  Mess"  Cats'  and  others,  your  m«h 
Mightinesses-  extraordinary  ambassadors,  on  their  departure  for  England,  to  ratify,  in  the 
negotiation  with  the  government  of  England,  this  boundary  line,  which  we  doubt  not  would 
be  done,  had  not  God  the  Lord  been  pleased,  on  account  of  our  sins,  to  cut  short  for  a  time, 
the  thread  of  that  negotiation,  and  we  are  now  informed  that  some  extraordinary  ambassadors 
have  gone  thither,  to  renew  negotiations,  whereunto  the  Almighty  will  grant  his  gracious 
blessing  for  his  honor  and  the  welfare  of  these  countries,  the  aforesaid  Directors  ex-officio, 
could  not  omit  humbly  praying  your  High  Mightinesses,  that  the  aforesaid  extraordinary 
ambassadors  may  be  intrusted  in  their  commission  with  this  settlement  of  the  boundary,  not 
only  as  regards  those  of  New  England,  bordering  on  our  territory  on  the  North,  who  are  now 
agitating  unfounded  questions,  doubtless  by  order  of  the  government  of  England,  but  also  on 
the  other  side,  to  the  South,  with  the  English  of  Virginia.  Although  these  exhibit,  as  yet, 
every  inclination  to  continue  good    neighborly  correspondence  and  commerce  with  us,  we. 

'Jacob  C*t^  .1..  n.tion.l  poet  of  the  Dutch,  wm  born  .t  Bro..w«r.h.v,n,  in  Z.»l.nd.  on  th.  10th  Nor.ml,.r.  1877.  lUrine 
ct  h.,  mn, her  .t  .n  e.rly  .«..  he  pM«,l  «,„l«r  tho  gu.nli.n.hi,,  of  hi.  „ncK..  who  .ont  him  to  «h„ol  „  Zi,rik..e.  lUnc. 
ha  went  U.  Uy.Un,  »n.l  next  to  Orl.an^  in  Prance,  wher.  h.  ol,t«l„..,i  the  .loRro.  of  Doctor  of  f.nw.  On  hi.  r.t«rn  to  hi. 
n.tlve  country  he  w„  ofT.r^l  .nd  -leclincl  th.  Uw  eh,ir  .t  Uy.l.u,  h.vin«  been  ,,,,K,i,„*.l  I-.„.io,„ry  of  Mi,id.lbur«.  He 
he  d  th..  h,«h  othc,  two  .y,.,r^  .„d  w«.  then  uucxpeHedly  elect..!  I'c.ion.ry  „,  iH.rdred.U  la  1«2T.  he  w„  «„t  Amb..... 
dor  w,th  Mr.  JoaehMu,  to  t„Ki.nd.  ,„d  ,n  l,.3rt  w„  ...pointed  (ir.nd  IV„,iou.ry  of  Uoll.nd,  He  bcc.me  Keeper  of  theClre.t 
«..!  ,n  M5,  „n,I  u.  1«8I  w«  .«.,»  .e„t  to  En.luud  «.  one  of  the  An.!,a««dor.  to  negotiate  .  peace.  On  hi-  return  home.  h. 
r..t«ned  hi.  puhi.e  offle«  and  refr-d  to  hi,  ...t  near  .be  IlaKue,  whe,^  h.  devoted  Ibe  remainder  of  hi.  raluable  life  to 
.IW"t  I.UT.t«r.  and  th.  Mu«..  lie  departed  thi.  life  on  th.  12.h  ,S«pton,b..r.  I«60.  .^ed  ne.rh  8)1  ,e,r,.  C.U  oecupie. 
on.  of  ih..  H„t  p«....o„.  .n.onK  U-^  who  bare  r..lor..l.  or  rather  created.  Dutch  poetry,  „.,d  i,  not  inappn.pnatdv  called  the 

U  Fontaine  of  II „d.     Several  Kd.tion.  ,.f  l„.  Work,  lo.ve  appee, in  I.ut.b,  „nd  n.o.t  „f  l,i,  |.„..,n,  b,.v,.  l„.en  t,„nKl„led 

into  other  Kuropean  l.n„ua«e.      Hi,  portrait  will  be  fo„nd  prefixed  to  ll-e  Edition  of  hi.  Work.,  printed  at  An,„er.la„.  in 

l»8h,  whieh  aU,  e .,„..  brief  ^ketcN  of  hi.  Ilf.,  whei.«,  th««  particular,  are  b,.rrow„d.     A  .tatu.  «a.  er«Ud  t.  hi. 

loMiiofy  in  hi.  native  to«n  in  \*i\i  --  \.u 


542 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


nevertheless,  doubt  not  but  your  High  Mightinesses  will,  in  your  customary  profound  wisdom, 

conclude  how  extremely  necessary  it  is,  that  those  boundaries  be  settled  once  for  all,  to  the 

end  that  our  nation  already  inhabiting  those  parts,  may  remain  assured  of  life  and  property 

and  many  people  be  induced  thereby,  in  consequence  of  such  security,  to  remove  thither.     And 

whereas,  it  is  the  opinion  of  every  person  conversant  with  the  subject,  that  this  country  can  in 

a  few  years,  derive  from  New  Netherland  many  necessaries  of  use  here,  which  we  omit  so  as 

not  to  trouble  your  High  Mightinesses  with  prolixity,  we  therefore,  finally,  once  more  humbly 

pray  and  beseech,  what  is  hereinbefore  stated,  and  that  the  premises  may  be  commended  to 

Mess"  the  extraordinary  ambassadors,  agreeable  to  the  draft  of  the  division  of  the  boundary 

hereunto  annexed. 

Which  doing,  etc. 

(Signed)         Ab:  Wilmerdonx. 

ISAACK  VAN  BeEK. 


I 


Description  of  the  Boundaries  of  New  Netherland. 

New  Nethkkland,  lying  in  the  Northern  part  of  America,  in  Latitude  41 J  degrees  north 
of  the  Equator,  was  frequented  by  the  subjects  of  the  United  Provinces  long  before  the  High 
and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  had  granted  the  West  India  Company  a  Charter  not  only 
further  to  explore  and  trade  at  that  quarter  and  Coast,  as  was  done  by  individuals  before 
the  Charter,  but  to  take  possession,  to  inhabit  and,  as  circumstances  permitted,  to  people  the 
country. 

Immediately  after  obtaining  the  Charter,  the  Hon*""  Directors  sent  divers  ships  to  New 
Netherland  with  people  and  cattle,  which  people,  being  for  the  most  part  servants  of  the 
aforesaid  Company,  purchased  many  and  various  lands;  among  others,  on  the  North 
(alias  Maurice)  river,  Staten  island,  Pavonia,  Hoboocken,  Nut  Island  and  the  Island  of 
Manhattans  with  many  other  lands  thereabouts ;  on  which  Island  of  Manhattans  was  built 
Fort  Amsterdam  and  subsequently  the  City  of  Amsterdam.  A  very  extensive  tract  of  country 
was  also  purchased  from  the  Natives,  being  Mahikanders,  36  leagues  up  the  North  river,  whero 
Fort  Orange  was  founded  on  behalf  of  the  Company,  and  afterwards  the  Colonle  of 
Ilenselaerswyk. 

From  the  Southern  Indians  a  large  tract  of  land,  called  Swanendaal,  was  purchased  on 
the  West  shore  of  the  South  bay,  not  far  from  Cape  Ilindlopen,  and  taken  possession  of  by  the 
building  of  a  small  fort,  where  28  men  were,  one  day,  treacherously  murdered  by  the  Indians. 
On  the  East  bank  of  the  South  river  is  built  Fort  Nassau,  and  on  the  West  bank,  the  Redoubt 
Beversreede,  situate  at  the  Schuylkil.  These  above  described  lands,  forts  and  rivers  were  taken 
possession  of,  inhabited,  built,  traded  at  and  freciuented  on  the  account  of  the  ubovementioued 
Company,  and  (he  same  is  continued  up  to  this  date. 

In  the  year  10.33,  Wolter  van  Twiller,  at  the  time  Director  in  New  Netherland,  purchased 
the  territory  called  Conittekock,  situate  on  the  Fresh  River  of  New  Netherland,  long  before 
any  other  Christian  Nation  had  been  there.  Van  Twiller,  immi'diately  after  the  sale,  payment 
nnd  conveyance,  caust-d  possession  to  be  taken  of  thai  land,  and  there  for  the  account  of  the 
Company  had  Fori  Hope  built,  which  is  continually  to  this  ilale  occupied  by  a  garrison  who 
alio  made  a  biMiwciie  ihne  and  cuitiv.iltd  tlu' koil. 


"^ 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIL 


543 


This  aforesaid  land,  called  by  the  Natives  Conitte  kock,  lies  about  20  to  21  leagues  up  the 
nver.be.ngsuuate  ,n  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Chief  Seoueen,  which  Chief  or  Sakima  was.  in  his 
t  nie.  Lord  and  right  owner  of  the  entire  river  and  the  lands  thereabouts.     But  inasmuch  as  a 
difficulty  arose  between  the  Chief  of  the  Pequatoos.  named  Meantioni  and   the  Seoueen 
respecting  the  jurisdiction  and  propriety  of  said  river,  these  Sakimas  or  Chiefs  agreed  to  meei 

1„  f  •"     r        ;  ""'  "''  '"  "'""  '""^'  °"  '=""*^'"""  ''^'  -h-°  -'-i-'J  conqueroJ 
should,  himself  and  his  successors  be  and  remain  forever,  Lord  and  right  owner  of  said  Fresh 

river.  After  three  several  pitched  battles,  Meantinomy,  Chief  of  the  Pequatoos,  remained  the 
victor,  and  the  Sequeen,  so  beaten  and  defeated  that  he  is  become  subject  to  the  Pequatoos, 
with  whose  consent  he  and  his  remaining  people  repaired  under  the  protection  of  the  Dutch 
and  for  greater  security,  the  Sequeen  and  his  tribe  on  the  Conitte  Cock,  went  to  dwell  close 
by  Fort  Hope,  which  is  also  expressly  conditioned  in  the  purchase  of  Conitte  kock,  as  can 
be  proved  by  Sonqassen  the  son  of  the  late  Sequeen,  who  is  still  living. 

This  land  Conittekock  was  purchased  from  the  Pequatoos  as  conquerors,  with  the  free  will 
and  consent  of  the  Sequeen,  who  as  well  as  Meantinomy  aforesaid  (awfully  conceded  all  the 
right  he  possessed,  to  the  Company,  so  that  the  Hon""  Directors  aforementioned  have  acquired 
their  right  to  this  Country  and  jurisdiction  from  the  Natives  and  just  proprietors,  by  purchase 
free  conveyance  and  payment.  * 

Conittekock  which  is  a  very  extensive  and  beautiful  flat,  extending  along  the  river  and  so 
inland  in  a  westerly  direction,  is  situate  on  the  West  bank  of  the  Fresh  river.  In  spring  'tis 
daily  overflowed  hack  to  the  hill  in  consequence  of  the  rising  of  the  river,  like  the  Nile. 

In  the  year  1035  one  Mr.  Pinsen  established  a  trading  house  and  plantation  ■  on  said  Fresh 
river  above  Fort  Hope,  against  which  Director  Twiller  protested  through  one  Andries  Hudde 
in  the  name  of  the  Company.  ' 

The  English  proceeding,  notwithstanding,  have  founded  about  a  small  gunshot  from  Fort 
Hope,  the  town  called  Hertfoort,  and  other  settlements  on  the  Company's  purchasec'  lands 
contrary  to  previous  protests;  so  that  the  Knglish  of  Hertfoort  left  to    Fort  Hope  scarcely 
ground  enough  to  supply  the  corn  and  vegetables  necessary  for  the  people  of  said  fort ;  of  those 
lands  they  robbed  the  Company  by  force,  contrary  to  all  public  law. 

Appirhensive  that  they  might  experience  hereafter  some  inconvenience  on  account  of  the 
aforementioned  proceedings,  the  Knglish  of  Hertfoort  sent  down  three  Deputies  to  enter 
into  some  arrangement  with  the  Director  of  New  Netherland,  with  which  view  they  submitted 
Bome  points,  whereof  the  Covernor  of  Hertfoort  was  to  communicate  the  ratification  ;  this  hai 
not  been  done  to  this  date,  and  the  dill-rence  has  remained  in  tiaiu  ijuo. 

We  have,  thus  far.  spoken  of  the  right  whereby  the  aforesaid  West  India  Company  in 
virtue  of  the  Cliarter.  have  taken  possession  of  those  lands,  to  wit :  by  its  lawful  and  voluntary 
■ale  and  conveyance  by  the  natives,  which  can  be  proved  by  Christians  and  Indinni 
■till  living. 

Having  heretofore  mentioned  the  lands  which  the  Hon""  Directors  .-aused  to  be  purchased 
»)y  their  servants  on  the  South  bay  near  Cape  Hindlopen,  on  both  sides  of  the  South  river  oil 
the  North  bay,  the  North  river,  and  on  the  Fresh  river,  whereof  they  look  possession  by  forti 
and  hamlets,  long  before  any  Christian  nation  had  settled  on  said  lands;  which  places  have, 
■ince  the  origin  of  the  Company,  continued  garrisoned  at  its  expense,  unto  this  day — 

'  Now  !l|<ringfl«ld,  Mm*.  —  Kp. 


'I 


544 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


We  shall  now  state  how  long  and  how  wide  the  limits  of  New  Netherland  can  be  asserted 
along  the  coast,  inasmuch  as  it  has  been  discovered  and  frequented  by  the  Dutch  nation, 
in  virtue  of  the  abovementioned  charter,  long  before  any  of  the  English  visited  that  coast,  as 
can  be  demonstrated  by  old  maps  whereon  the  islands,  bays  and  rivers  stand  recorded  by 
Dutch  nnines. 

The  limits  of  New  Netherland,  as  claimed  then,  would  be  from  Cape  Hindiopen,  on  the 
south,  to  Cape  Cod,  on  the  east,  including  therein  Long  Island,  situate  right  in  front  of  New 
Netherland,  whence  it  is  separated  by  an  arm  of  the  sea,  called  the  East  river,  which  begins 
at  Coney  Island,  in  the  North  bay  of  the  North  river,  and  runs  again  into  the  sea  at  the 
eastward,  near  Fisher's  Island,  opposite  the  I'equatoos  river,  together  with  all  other  bays, 
rivers  and  islands  situate  westward  of  Cape  Cod,  and  especially  the  island  named  Quetenis, 
lying  in  Sloop  bay,  which  was  purcliased,  paid  for  and  taken  possession  of  in  the  year  1637, 
on  the  Company's  account.  These  lands  aforesaid,  were  esteemed  the  boundaries  of  old,  and 
because  the  difficulties  under  which  the  Hon''"  Company  has  labored  of  late  years  have  not 
allowed  it  to  occupy  the  aforesaid  pretended  limits,  the  English  of  Boston  and  Plymouth,  in 
New  Netherland,'  situate  one  hundred  leagues  from  the  Manhatans  or  New  Amsterdam,  did, 
contrary  to  every  law  of  nations,  come  some  few  years  ago  inside  the  boundary  and  Fort  Hope, 
on  the  Fresh  river,  against  numerous  notifications  and  protests,  as  far  as  Greenwich,  situate 
about  eight  leagues  from  New  Amsterdam,  and  have  planted  on  the  usurped  lands  divers 
towns,  villages  and  hamlets,  thus  retaining  the  Company's  land  by  force  and  violence.  Not 
content  with  that,  the  said  English  have  formed  on  Long  Island,  two  little  villages,  called 
Southold  and  Southampton,  although  their  High  Mightinesses'  subjects  had  long  before  taken 
possesion  ot  that  isliiiid,  and  founded  thereon  divers  towns  and  hamlets,  with  many  bouweries 
and  plantations.  These  villages  and  hamlets  are  named  Amerslbort,  V'lissingen,  Heenistede, 
(Jravesunde,  Breuckelen,  iMispaecht  and  Gauvvanes,  &c.,  so  that  Long  Island  righitully 
belongs,  both  by  first  purchase,  possession  and  ancient  resort,  to  the  Dutch  nation  and  not  to 
the  English. 

In  order  then  to  establish  a  good,  firm  and  irrefragable  boundary  with  our  neighbors,  the 
English  of  New  England  ;  and  as  their  High  Mightinesses'  subjects  will  not  be  able  to  retain 
pretended  jurisdiction  over  the  lands  aforesaid;  and  in  order  to  somewhat  gratify,  as  far  as 
is  possible  atid  reasonable,  the  neighbors  of  New  England,  so  as  to  live  in  future  with  them,  in 
North  America,  in  peace  and  good  neighborhood,  I  subjoin  some  suggestions  respecting  the 
division  of  the  boundary  in  that  country. 

First:  I  insist  that  the  boundary  of  New  Netherland  along  the  sea  coast,  should  be  calculated 
from  the  South  bay,  beginning  at  Cape  Hindiopen,  and  including  the  South  river,  untoGodyn's 
point,  being  the  South  hook  of  the  North  hay,  or  beginning  of  the  North  river,  extending  from 
said  North  bay  30  leagues  southward  along  the  coast  unto  Cape  Hindiopen. 

It  is  to  be  remarked  that  the  English  never  iniinhited  nor  purchased,  much  less  took 
possession  ol  any  land  south  of  the  North  bay  or  Godyn's  point  to  Cape  Hindloopen,  so  that  in 
this  quarter  Ihtwe  is  no  dispute  between  our  nation  and  those  of  New  England,  nor  with  those 
ul  Virginia,  who  lie  south  ot,  and  are  in  good  terms  with  them  ;  there  is,  therefore,  no  trouble 
on  that  side  with  those  of  Virginia,  inasmuch  as  they  never  committed  any  usurpation  on  the 
Outch  hounds. 

■  Bit,  —  Ed. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    VII 

P.,?a,oa.  ,i,ar    frl  thl  ril  b„,h  olL"    h'      V  f '  "'''"'""'  "'"'"'■  '"»"'  >»"  ">« 
the  n„l,.  of  n;„  Nelhe  tad    '  ,I    Z  °"?  '""''  '"'"«  '■'»"''  """"gl-  «!■«  Ea.t  river, 

river,  for  „a„y  year,  iac"  ej  1      r^.lS        'Jroa  J^^  ,^t  ""'""^l  •-  •"«  ■>'•.»...' 
.0  that  fro™  Am,te,da»,  along  the  Ea.   riverTn.M.     '^    u  '  ""■"  ''"  '°  °"'  '>«lel'l«>". 

whereia  m„.,  be  include^  U^I.tad  I^^Z  Lr;  .r"""  ""'  "'°"  ""■"  '°  "'S™'' 
Cromnregouw,  Fleh.r'.  I.land  „„H  1^1  L  ^'  "'"'"""'  <"'"'S'»e  •""ate  in  th. 

and  .ho.eVt„.,„  New  H™  and  11"'  '""  '"  ""  ^'"  '""■  '"«"  ""  "■'  ^-I-PF'.. 

pe":::.:'^  DnrnrrbTDt:t':r"'Kt:;rr "  y'" "™ "  ^-"  '=^»"''  -^^  '^«r 

.ituate  on  .aid  river,  both  oi  th.  n  S.L  ?'  ,  I"™""""  '»  l»  "ken  of  the  land, 
of  their  High  Migh  in  e.  the  L  rdTs  1.  ol"  T^"""-''  "^  ""  ■«'!'«  »P  <■'  .he  a,„. 
do»„  by  one  LieLnant  Hon.,  and  th 'tL  !  "  "'""  ""'  "'  '"'"'"  '''"'"  '■"' 
takenup\y.heEngli  i"w  ih  d|.t,^.  th°  '7'!  f  "«"  ""''  P™'*  »""""f' 
that  Ihey  have  eneroaeh     ol    e  la  d.  a. 'f  r'a.  Tt  T^l  """«"  ""''  "'"""•■■  ■» 

in  .uch  „l,e  that  there  i,  no    Z^ZS    LT  ^'""f '<'"''<■  <">>"««'  e«lkd  Greenwich, 

Aa,.t.rd.™,  whereby  of  90  eZ:,':thfR.'?;r  n'??  ''""'"'"  "■"  P'»"  """  "- 
no  more  than  8.     Twonld  therefore    h.  fL       j  t  T^   "   '"™"'  P""'")'  °"™Py 

.hould  p„..e..  the  land. Id tmd,  1  *  ,h  r  v""'""', ""'  ""=  *«"  '""'•  ''""■P'ny 
bank  of  the  Fre.h  river  which  „a.|lT  7      ''"°'°  '°'""''  °'  "' '""'  '"""  ">«  F.a.. 

.  .or.  and  garri.o.  fro™  tr."ytr"c037o  tirdir"  '°""""'  "■  """  ""  '""  ""P^'^  "X 

.he^"i'li:ge7:„rL'l:re:.tnXi:''d:7r'"'  •!;•'<"■»•»'■""«■'>«  -a  New  „,ven,„ith 
Hope  and  the  Frel  rt.r  a.  a"  a  C r'ee"*' T  H  """7  ""''  """«•"  '''"  ""'"""  »'  "=r. 
n,ag,..rate.,o„,y.we:in;.  eg    „:  ".TS;    Z^^^^^^  "  ""'  """  '"*'  »"■■ 

.cknow,edg„,nt  a.  ™ay  L  agrid  o^ letX"  ,.T  re  ;'o;X7'  "  ""■"""'■  '"'^ 

ohfdt:^'r,rs;t'eroraT:dV:::c"''^  "'t-  r  --  ■«  -« ..-der  .h. 

boU,  nation,  not  be  unwi.e  ,74^ i^.'^fr^TeVr!  g^i:'!:^  "'  '""  ^'^  " 
Ky  «.ii.ti.  river,  and  tl   ^t^^^Z: ^^"^.Z;:^^;^'-'' 0....il 

Son^ampton  and  ^^^>o!Z:: ^tt^:::^: XZ^^'ZlZ^'  ""*'  °' 

™.».  .0 . .arch  or  ^..  J::!  rZ  ^^  "t '^:;;-;::;' ^ -:;- 

VOL.1.  Q,, 


,  I 


546 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


apprehended  the  English  would  establish,  the  rather  as  they  have  built  a  stone  Redoubt  at  the 
mouth  of  the  river ;  but  here  it  is  to  be  understood,  that  none  other  than  those  who  would 
come  there  commissioned  by  the  Director  in  New  Nelherland  or  by  Mess"  the  Managers  from 
Fatherland,  should  be  exempt  from  the  burdens  aforesaid. 

This  is  what  I  have  been  able  to  propose  for  the  service  of  the  Hon"",  the  Company, 
touching  the  Boundary.  I  pray  God,  that  the  wished  for  limits  of  New  Netherland  may  be 
once  settled,  so  that  trade  may  improve,  and  the  farmer  cultivate  his  fields  with  pleasure. 

Thus  done  at  the  Hague,  the  last  of  February,  1651. » 

(Endorsed)  i>^- 2- 

Well  founded  title  c.j  '  the  West  India  Company  to  the 

territory  now  culled  .         Netherland,  situate  in  the  Nortbero 
part  of  America,  in  latitude  38  to  41^  degrees. 


Memoir  respecting  the  well  established  boundaries  and  jurisdiction  claimed  by 
the  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  in  virtue  of  its  Charter,  over  the 
territories  situate  in  the  Northern  part  of  America,  in  latitude  from  38 
to  41J  degrees. 

Which  lands  they  have  many  years  since  possessed,  according  to  the  Description  hereunto 
annexed,  No.  2,  before  any  other  nations  had  come  thereabout,  or  discovered  them ;  but  on 
the  favorable  accounts  received  here  from  those  parts,  the  English  seat  some  ships  and  people 
thither,  whom  they  settled  to  the  Southward  of  us.  That  country  they  named  Virginia.  In 
like  manner  they,  also,  have  planted  Colonies  to  the  North  of  us,  which  country  they  called 
New  England,  whither  they  conveyed  so  many  people  that  they  in  a  short  time  greatly 
outnumbered  our  nation.  Becoming  presumptions  in  consequence,  they  began  to  encroach 
on  our  limits,  and  invaded  many  lands  contrary  to  our  formal  interdicts  and  protests, 
BO  that  at  the  North  this  Nation  did  not  hesitate  to  make  themselves  masters  of  the 
greater  part  of  the  Fresh  river,  notwithstanding  we  had  there  erected  a  trading  house  and 
fort  called  the  Hope,  which  we,  likewise,  occupied  and  garrisoned.  Regardless  hereof,  the 
English,  on  their  side,  have  proceeded  to  extend  their  Colonies  over  many  of  our  lands 
purchased  from  the  Indians,  and  wou  J  have  done  their  best  to  usurp  the  largest  and  finest 
portion  of  our  territory,  ,      .     ,  . 

Had  not  the  Managers  concluded  to  order  their  Director  to  prevent  either  by  force  or  by 
friendly  agreement  as  far  as  possible,  any  farllier  encroachment. 

The  consequence  thereof  is,  that  he  presented  himself  in  the  year  1G50,  at  an  Assembly  of 
the  Colonies,  holden  at  Herfort,  on  the  Fresh  river,  where  in  divers  conferences  and  negotiations 
it  was  BO  far  mutually  arranged  and  agreed  upon,  that  from  that  hour  forward  neither  should 
encroach  on  the  other,  and  this  Treaty  should  be  consder.'d  a  Provisional  Boundary,  subject 
to  the  approbation  of  their  respective  principals,  as  is  to  lie  seen  by  the  despatch  of  I'etrus 
Stuyvesant,  Director  of  New  Netherland,  dated  SG'"  November,  IGOO.  Although  we  herein  find 
ourselves  considerably  aggrieved,  for  the  reasons  above  set  forth,  whereunto  wo  might  with  great 

•  The  ftl...vo  p»iH'r  »oom9  U>  Imrfl  Urn  ,1i-,iwri  up  liy  l>irect...-  Stuyvraiii.t,  in  loi'.l,  iin.l  .o»t  tlien  hj  liiiu  to  UolUua,  a9  U 
inferrmi  from  tlif  condution  of  hi>  lolt«r  to  llie  8l»to»  Gcucr»l,  8upm,  p.  Di-L  —  Kt>. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VII  -. 

surprise  our  lands  there  by  I    /  ■    inH  reTn!^  "  iHhey  meant  to 

and  transport  of  provisions  to  our    Zii  but  alold  "^       .  k  '"  "'  ''''^''  •=°--P-''ence 
inhabitant  (mostly  English  by  birtl  tof  di  n  ""''""T''  ^^  '"''  P'""^'''=^«  ^°  ^^''"'^^  ^he 

assenting  to  the  Provisional  Boundary  conldefrou    Director  with  t7em  TlTT' 
of  the  Colonies  at  Herfort,  in  the  year  Ifi^o    ««  i»  T  k  u     V      ,  ^^^^*'"» 

ft    h"  I"  th  "'  '^Tf  °P''°^'?"  '°  "^«  ""'^'^-^  "g-^'J  "PO"  as  aforesa  d  Sh     aTnitset* 

lul       n        r  ■''?''  ''''"  '^  "'  "'^^'y  '«  ^■•^'^«  -'^^^  '»••  -'-"«  and  particularly  wUh 
ours,  as  they  also  try  to  do.  up  to  this  time,  with  all  the  ships  that  arrive  there  ^om  Ze  nrrts 

We  consider  it  (under  correction)  unnecessary  to  represent  at  any  length  what  riches  can 
yearly  be  mtroduced  here  from  those  countries,  and  what  prosperity  Ihis  trade  hath  conLreS 
on  te  .nhabUants  of  these  parts,  which  might  still  further  increaJe  hereaf     .  the   n  pot 
of  th.s  matter  be.ng  submUted  to  the  Lords  of  the  Supreme  government  in  divers  lenrhv 

=::::::!;:. ''-'  ^' '-' '-''-  -'-  ^^-^^^  ^"-  -  p-'-^  this^^:«': ri'; 

We  shall  presume  to  add  only  th^,  one  word-that,  in  the  opinion  of  those  who  claim  to 
possess  full  knowledge  of  the  subject,  this  trade  is  so  important  that  the  riches  ardprtrrity 

TL    J  '"""''^  ^""'''  -^1""'  ^''«  '^«««"^«''  y«a^'y  received  from  the  East    n<l  Is 

and  the  D.rectors  consequently  pledge  themselves,  to  re^rese'u t  this  mutter  in      h        im     •„' 


Hi 


tr! ' 


a  Uullniid,  as  in 


548 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


a  true  light,  not  doubting,  but  so  important  a  subject  will  be  considered  by  their  High 
Mightinesses  ia  the  Instructioa  to  be  given  to  Mess"  the  Ambassadors. 

(Signed) 


(Endorsed) 

Memoir  to  serve,  with  the  approbation  of  their  High  Mightinesses, 
as  an  Instruction  for  their  Excellencies,  the  Ambassadors  at 
present  in  England,  respecting  the  affairs  of  New  Netherland 
and  the  Caribbean  Islands.' 


Ab.  Wilmbrdonx. 

ISAACK  VAN  BeEK. 


Extract  from  the  despatch  of  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  Director  in  New  Netherland, 
addressed  to  the  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  at  Amsterdam,  dated 
2G"'  November,  1G50. 

In  my  last  by  the  Valckenier,  I  mentioned  my  intention  to  meet  the  Commissioners  of 
the  English  Colonies  in  their  appointed  meeting  at  Herford  on  the  Fresh  river, for  the  purpose 
of  proposing  a  Provisional  Boundary.  The  following  will  serve  as  a  brief  account  of 
our  transactions. 

In  regard  to  our  official  character  wherewith  you  have  been  pleased  to  invest  us,  we  have 
experienced,  both  in  going  and  returning,  much  honor,  respect  and  friendship  from  the  English 
Colonies  and  Villages,  as  well  aa  from  Messrs.  the  Commissioners  assembled  as  States. 

Some  charges  were  brought  in  against  the  late  Director  Kieft  and  satisfaction  demanded 
therefor;  they  were  principally  that  Director  Kieft  had  obstructed  their  trading  houses  and 
possession  on  the  South  river  and  on  Long  Island  in  Schouws  bay,  whence  they  were  expelled 
and  removed      This  was  easily  answered. 

We  have  held  oivers  meetings  and  consultations  respecting  the  limits,  which  was  the  chief 
occasion  of  my  proceeding  thither. 

And  have  so  far  progressed  provisionally,  until  further  meeting  and  subject  to  ratification 
by  the  principals  on  both  sides,  that  no  encroachments  shall  meanwhile  be  put  in  practice  or 
committed  on  either  side,  either  on  the  mainland  between  Stamfoorl  and  Greenwich,  or  on 
Long  Island  at  Oysterbay.  In  the  meantime  we  shall  be  guided  by  whatever  we  learn  from 
your  Honors  respecting  the  negotiations  of  Ambassador  Schaep. 

Finally,  a  discussion  ensued  respecting  the  formation  of  a  neighborly  union  in  form  of  a 
league  or  guarantee  against  the  offensive  insolence  and  arrogance  of  the  Barbarians  and 
Natives,  whereunto  they  appeared  to  us  disposed.  But  as  the  English  nation  is  so  much 
stronger  than  ours  in  these  parts,  I  proposed  that  the  Commissioners  in  such  extremity, 
whether  defensive  or  offensive,  ought  to  bring  a  double  number  at  least  to  our  single  quota. 
To  which  they  replied,  that  they  then  ought  to  have  a  double  vote  in  declaring  the  lawfulness 
of  the  defence,  or  offence  ;  this  their  High  Mightinesses  and  the  Company  mignt  consider 
disreputable.  Its  conclusion  was  therefore  postponed  until  the  opinion  of  the  principals  on 
both  sides  be  received.  This,  it  strikes  me  would  be  a  needful  and  desirable  matter  for  this 
State  and  the  only  means  to  reduce  the  insolence  of  the  Mohawks,  and  to  prevent  the  Indians 
attempting  anything  against  either  the  one  or  the  other  Nation,  and  at  once  prevent  all  further 

'  It  ia  styled,  poti,  p.  659,  "Memoir  of  tli«  Committee  of  Directrm  of  the  West  India  Comptny,  representing  the  Assembly 
of  the  Nineteen." 


i 


ni 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VII 

(  Endorsed) 

"Provisional  Boundary  between  the  English  and  our  Nation 
••  «feed  upon  at  the  Meeting  of  the  Colonies  at  Herfort 
A   1660,  respecting  the  lands  situate  in  the  North  part  of 
'  Amenca ;  whereof  our  portion  under  the  Director  and 
Charter  of  the  West  India  Company,  i,  now  named  New 
Netherland,  and  that  portion  belonging  to  the  English, 
•namely,  the  Country  at  the  South,  is' by   them  cdled 
Virginia;  the  other  Countries  taken  up  by  them  are 
"  named  New  England."  ^ 

Read  6  Novb.  1653. 


Jiesolution  of  tU  Slates  General  on  the  preceding  Papers. 

t  rro-n  U,.  EegUU,  of  W«t  lodl.  Aft,,.. ,«,  _  .e«8.  in  U.o  E»,.i  Archive  .,  u..  H.gu.  ] 

Saturday,  the  S**  November.  1653. 

»..  .»„..,.     .  DeBcrip,io„  of  ihe  Bou'daHe!  of  nI  nI?  1  """""'  ""''  "'"■  " 

Mighti„e,.e,.    Deputie,  in  Enlnd  Itt  1         ..  Nrth"'""'!.  requesling  ,ha,  iheir  High 

p«i»,„i,  i„.  j.ea .,:  ,f  *rg7  ™Ze  vr  siti:;''  ^:i  •'• 


^  •« » ». » 


Captain  Martin  Krygier  and  others  to  the  Burgo.^asters  of  Amsterdam, 


no,i„d^nocua.„u.  The  dangerous  and  perilous  conjunction  of  this  present  timp  th„  r  , 
B..„^„„.„  <l-^d  'n  which  we  live  of  being  at'sone  mome       u      ised  tt  it  te  Tans": 

f  "■VVr-.'^ar/  ourse  ves  tl  V  p  I'  t''  T  "'  ^'"^"''  ''^  '""^^  P^"  '^  »>^»'l.  «"d  to  address 
rSI;?!";^'  °"7'7f  *°  y°";  R'ght  Worshipful,  and  in  all  humility  to  beseech  you  to  be 
«.«,«  ..  „.,  pleased  to  prevail  on  the  Directors  of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  to 

la  the  order  of  their  ,.J  rl      i  Z         «    o  tl'rn,  u"  m"    ,r  ^"T "  -^''-  "'  ''^'- "'  '''  """"^  ^'— "  " 


i 


550 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


"ra'hr.'Burpm.i^  whom  We  also  have  applied  by  letter,  that  they,  as  Fathers  and  Patroons  of  this 
i"Vnr°irift^4l^""''  country,  have  the  goodness,  in  their  wonted  wisdom,  to  concert  good  and  suitable 
F. banhinck cocq.  means,  tending  to  the  protection  and  security  of  this  state,  to  wit:  Right 
Worshipful,  the  danger  to  which  we  are  exposed  is  great  and  alarming;  bitter  foes  without, 
and  suspected  neighbors  round  about,  within  discontented  citizens  and  a  government  by  no 
means  as  ample  as  the  present  conjuncture  of  aflfairs  particularly  demands.  The  character  of 
the  discontent  of  the  citizens  and  inhabitants,  you,  Right  Worshipful,  can  learn,  if  you  will 
take  the  trouble  to  read  the  accompanying  Remonstrance,  the  original  whereof  has  been 
presented  to  the  Director-General,  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  who  hath  rejected  it,  as  if  it  proceeded 
from  an  illegal  Assembly.  For  the  elucidation  and  support  thereof,  we  have  made  some  notes, 
which  we  annexed  thereunto.  Right  Worshipful !  You  will  be  able  to  observe  from  that 
Remonstrance  and  the  subjoined  observations,  the  faults  wherewith  this  New  Netherland 
government  is  polluted:  (we  respectfully  honor  the  rulers  personally:)  and  in  your  tixperienced 
wisdom,  understand  what  remedies,  especially  in  this  dangerous  time,  ought  to  be  applied  to 
the  removal  thereof.  This  we  hope,  this  we  pray,  this  we  expect  from  your  Right  Worshipful 
wisdom,  and  the  favorable  disposition  which  we  trust  you  feel  towards  this  country  and  this 
nev  city,  which  hath  the  honor  to  bear  the  name  of  that  praiseworthy  and  renowntd  one, 
wl'ose  fathers  you.  Right  Worshipful,  are.  Meanwhile,  we  shall  not  omit  *o  contribute,  as  far 
as  lies  in  our  power,  whatever  shall  be  necessary  for  the  service  and  advantage  of  this  country. 
We  pray  God  to  take  you,  Right  Worshipful,  your  city  and  citizens,  into  His  holy  protection, 

and  remain. 

Right  Worshipful,  Most  Wise,  Prudent, 

Your  most  humble,  obedient,  and  well-affected  servants, 

(Signed)  Martin  Kkinoier. 

Done  New  Amsterdam,  P.  L.  van  die  Grift. 

in  New  Netherland,  this  Geo,  Baxtek. 

30  December,  A"  1G53.  Fiiederyck  Lubbertste. 


fetiiion  of  '^e  Commonaliy  of  New  Netherland,  &c.,  to  Director  Stuyvesant. 

To  the  Right  Honorable,  the  Director-Generai  and  Council  of  New  Netherland,  on  the 
behalf  of  the  Noble  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Provinces. 

l.  The   Humble  Remonstrance  and  Petition  of  tk:  Colonies  and  Villages   in  this  New 

Netherland  Province. 

Hu.i  j\y  sheweth. 

nnii,i„t  ixwimeni.,      F'^t.    We  ncknow'gdge  a  paternal  government  which  God  and  Nature  have 
XV.,  iM.  established  in  the  world  for  the  maintenance  and  preservation  of  peace,  and  the 

good  of  mankind,  not  only  agreeably  to  Nature's  laws,  but  in  accordance  with  the  rules  and 
precepts  of  God,  to  which  we  consider  ourselves  bound  by  His  word,  whereunto  we  submit. 

God,  the  Lord,  having  intrusted  the  States  General  as  His  Ministers,   with  the  High  and 
Mighty  power,  which  we  gratefully  acknowledge,  to  promote  the  welfare  of  their  subjects,  both 


lERTSTE. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIL 

of  those  within  the  United  Provinops  nnri  in  ♦!,„<•• 

these  having  hy  their  poJ::r.Z%rJ^:^ZZ^^^^^  ''^^^""'•'  ^^'-«'"^'  -^ 

magistrates,   such  as  the   Directors  of  th«T,!^.,„.         ""^  P"'''"'"' ''°'"«  «"»^^'t«rn 

acknowledge  as  Lords  PatrZsfh  space  3"         T"'  '""'*  ''"'"P^"^'  "''^^  -« 

We  therefore  humbly  conceiv    ou    p  ivt;  t    JrsV^"^"''"""^ 
wi^-  those  of  Netherland.  being  ^  MeXrTn     ^  t     '  ''"'»°°>^i"«  i"  every  respect 

Bubjugated  people,  but  se  tied  fer^  tlTLX  T  "f  ^'"'^  ""'^  "°*  ^  '=°"^"-«d  or 

Lords  Patroons.  with  the  cons  n  oJthe  Na  ivt  7""  ,  ""'""'  ''''''''  '"'°  "'^"^  ^^e 
whon,  wc  purchased  the  soil  wi  h  our  ow!  In  '^'' ?"'  ^'"^''''°''  '^  '^''^  '^"'^«'  f^«™ 
have  we  with  immense  hir and  „  Jle  a^Jt  our'tr^  '^^^^^'^'^'^  ^  "-  P--ss. 
wilderness  of  woods  and  erected  into  „  f  T      "°'^.'^^  ?«"'<="'"■•  c°st,  transformed  from   a 

a.rict  observance  ofthePrdri'tdPrtl^rl::"^^^^^^^^^^^  ^-^-'    '--^-^'  '^ 

hoX;:Vre^X"rgre;:mer:;'rN  t'l  r  r  -'''''-'-'  ^^--^-  -^  •^-p'^ 

divers  quarters  of  the  globef  1  aTg  "     1  '-  "'  "'  """'  ''''■°"''  '"™ 

voluntarily  repaired  unJer  it's    ro     fion  orshelTer  ITnZ  ""•  """'^^  "?'  '=°""'^^'"-'  ^ 
2.         body,  under  our  LcreiS Z  II T  TZ  T  '.°'=°'P°'-»^«'"'  ««  i'  were  in  one 
-c>a>o.ledgeasourLiega,^X,^Zl2l^^^^^^^^^  ^'^%  W.    .S.a.«   General,  .kon.   u. 

Netherland,  and  all  other  new  orders  nnd  r  ^'"':"'  ''"^'  °^  '^"^  ^""^'^  ^^"-'"'^e^  of 
authority  aforesaid,  w  I  be Tnacted  hero  ir^Z  ""'''  '^  "^'"«  "^  '"«  P°--  -^ 
and  privileges  of  th;  Netherlands  -"'--ably  to   the  customs.   Freedoms,  grants 

frankly  declare,  with  all  humility  our  In  r^'  "f^^'^^^^^'^^y-  We  shall,  therefore, 
crushed  our  spirits  and  dishear^  u7ia' our  hb"  "  /'T  """^'  '■°'-  ^°"'«  ''^  ^^v^ 
wilderness,  are  unable  to  promote  the  g  'o  o  e'  I'lti"'  T'  "  ''1  "«'  ^«'"«  ^  «> 
as  heretofore,  the  .easons  whereof  are  as  follow  ^  '"'"'  ''"'  '^"'^  '"''""^^'^'^ 

cont^;  to  tStt^:;r t:::g:;;^r:sSst;^  ^^^'t  ^— ^  ^--^  -  '^^» 

one  or  more  men  should  arrogate  to  herei^-th  "^'^'"^  ^«"  '^^^^^^'^^  government,  that 
life  and  property  of  any  individua  a„d  Tht  T  '^T  ''""  ''""''^  '°  ^'''P"^^'  "'  ^^"I'  "f  the 
or  they,  might  enact,  wi  u  the  consen  \n'o:ied"  "  ""f  ^  •'"''""  °'  ^  '^^  °^  "^'^^  »"" 
agents  or  representatives.  Hence  thTenactmenr  ^'  7  f '""  "^  ''''  ^^°'«  «°'^^'  ^  '^^ 
affecting  the  Commonalty,  or  the  I  habi  a  their  ivt  "  """''  °'  "^"  ^'''"^  °^  "™'-« 
to  the  granted  Freedoms  of  the  Du  ch  S  ;nm  t '  d^o^'"'"''"  ""'"' ^ 
principally  so  to  those  whom  God  Ins  olacedl    V  ''''^  ^'''''°''"  '"''*"•  """^ 

might  require  new  laws  and  oniers  iot  r.nt  a  free  state  on  newly  settled  lands,  v.hich 
those  of  Netherland.  We  Tumb  y  slmi  tW  V  "  ^"^'  '"'  '"'^""'"'"S  "«  "^^  "«  P"-'^'''. 
that  of  our  representat^4  iHe  esstiTv'  !,'  "?'  °"''  P'"'"'^^^^  '''^^  °"^  '^""-"^  "r 

Secondly.  VVe  have  been  exn    Z     su.  ?;'"     '"  '  '  T"''"'"^  °'  ^^^^  '^^^  '^^  «-'-«• 
by  the  Natives  of  this  country  'on  rLemdeV/o  '7'     "'  "  "'^"  ""  "'"  ""^  "«'^'"  ^«S"" 

discouragements  to  the  cou  Ury.  be8id™t  In  J   H      .  '•""''  °^  ™'"^  ""^*^'"'^''«  ^'^^ 

labor.     VVe  have  been  una  Z    th If      T  '"terruntmn  to  the  inhabitants  in  their 

ave  Deen  unable,  thus  far.  to  arrive  at  a  precise  knowledge  thereof  nr  f. 


n 


i^flH; 

i 

i^aH^^B  i 

'9^8'  1 

(: 

'Hi 

\ 

'fl^if 

552 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


•y,  we  are  compelled  to  stand  on  our  oum  defence,  and  cannot  discover  any  prepared 
way  to  protect  our  lives  and  property  except  by  our  own  means. 

8,  Thirdly.  Officers  and  Mugistrates,  though  by  their  personal  qualifications  deserving 
such  honors,  are  appointed,  contrary  to  the  laws  of  Netherland,  to  divers  offices  without  the 
consent  or  nomination  of  the  people  whom  the  matter  most  affects  or  concerns. 

O,  Fourthly.  Many  Orders  or  Proclamations  have  been  made  heretofore  by  the  authority 
alone  of  the  Director  and  Council,  without  the  approbation  of  the  Country.  We  are  wholly 
ignorant  which  are  or  are  not  in  force,  and  consequently  know  not  when  we  transgress  these, 
but  commit  many  offences  in  our  ignorance,  to  the  injury  and  ruin  of  ourselves  and  families. 

10«  Fifthly.  On  the  promues  of  Deeds  and  a  General  Patent  of  Freedoms  and  Privileges, 
various  plantations  have  been  made  at  great  expense  and  trouble  to  the  inhabitants,  through 
building  of  houses,  erecting  fences,  &c.,  tilling  and  cultivating  the  soil ;  for  example  that  of 
Middelborgh '  and  Midtwout,'  with  their  dependencies,  besides  several  other  places  and 
individual  bouweries,  which  have  applied  for  general  and  particular  deeds,  but  to  their 
serious  expense,  having  made  various  journeys  from  time  to  time  and  been  put  off,  which 
excites  suspicion  of  innovations,  or  that  other  conditions  will  be  introduced,  different  from 
former  stipulations. 

J  J,  Sixthly.  A  quantity  of  land  is  given  or  granted  to  some  person  or  persons,  for  their 
private  profit,  on  which  a  whole  village  or  hamlet  of  about  20  or  30  families  might  have  been 
established.  This  must  cause  an  immense  loss  to  the  Patroons  and  their  future  income 
or  revenue,  and  at  present  greatly  impair  the  strength  of  the  Province,  being  under 
such  circumstances  ourselves  incapable  of  defence,  unless  villages  or  settlements  be  planted 
or  formed. 

Having  reduced,  for  easy  reference,  our  complaints  or  grievances  under  six  heads  or  articles, 
we  shall  renew  our  allegiance,  in  the  hope  that  satisfaction  will  be  granted  to  the  country 
according  to  established  justice  and  all  secret  pretentions  and  received  injuries  terminated 
and  arranged.  Wherefore,  having  unfolded  the  hardships  under  which  we  labor,  we  shall 
apply  ourselves  to  your  Wisdom  for  the  remedy.  That  effected,  we  shall  remain  thankful, 
all  further  application  being  unnecessary,  whereunto,  otherwise,  we  shall  be  compelled. 
Humbly  praying  your  Honors'  answer  on  each  particular  point  or  article,  so  that  we  may  be 
accordingly  satisfied,  or  proceed  farther,  as  God  shall  us  direct.  Done  this  11"'  December, 
1663,  in  Amst.     Below  was  — 

Your  Honors'  humble  servants, 
(Signed)        Arent  van  Hattem. 
P.  L.  van  deu  Giuft. 

PlETER    WoLFERSEN. 

J.  J.  Hubbard. 
Tobias  Eke.' 
Tomas  H.  Hassard. 
John  Seaman. 
Elbert  Elbertsen. 
Paulus  van  der  Beecke. 


Martin  Krigier. 
WiL  Wekman.* 
Geo:  Baxter. 
John  Hickes. 
Robert  Coo. 
William  Wasborn. 
Thomas  Spicer. 
Frederick  Lubbbrtsen. 
Tomas  Swartwout. 


and  John  Strvker. 

'  Newtown,  L  I.    *  Flatbush,  L.  I.    '  Tobias  Fiecx.    'Vfitunu  TizKCKUkti.  ^tw -York  Coloniat  Maniueripl>,Y.,  it.    The 
word)  within  bracket!,  in  the  ■bove  petition,  are  added  from  the  Accord  in  the  Niw-York  Colonial  Manutcripti,  V.,  22.  —  Ei^ 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    VII, 


558 


nollandDwuinonta, 
XV.,  178. 


Shout    Notes    in    form    of    Kxplnnation   of   some    Points  conf.inod    in   fh. 

west  India  Company,  presented  to  the  Hon""  Director  f:pn»r„i  „„  i  n  , 

of  New  Netherlan..  in  the  name  and  on  the  behr^t  J  B      :n  IT:^ 
bchepensot  t  e  City  of  New  Amsterdam  and  the  respectivebep    L    c^' 
theV.iagesofGravesend,  Flushing,  Middelhorgh,  Heemstede,  Ame    fort 
Breuckelen  and  Midwout  on  the  ia«-  Dec'  A"  1653.  Amerslort, 

1. 

from  the  Englisl^ilageTutr^^^^^^  "P  and  written  in  English,  by  the  Deputies 

and  Incorpon.ted  Wesf  ^l     C      p C;  rr^L"  /'^  '''''  """  '^''^^'^  '-^^«  ^t'-^tes  General 

New  Amsterdam,  who,  with  Dept^Tromth^Du^^^  ''"'  ''''"''"'^  "'' '^'«  ^''^  "^ 

cogniza   .e  of  the  Director  Gene         nvird   o  fi  T'  ""''  ""'  '''  '^"°"''^'^««  '^'^ 

Majors  on  the  state  of  the  coun try    a  "l    s  th    M  ""  '  "  ""'"«  "'  "  ''''''  ''  '''«  ^ords 

Uen^nstrance  together,  an;r,d^i'^::^^rr';:;;^rr'^^^^^^ 

inhabitants,  nor  to  the  abridirment  nf  fi,»  ..  j    "•  prejutiicial   to   the   country  and   its 

or  of  the  West  India  C  „    2y      o     m    it  IT  T  ""^k"'  1  '''  ''''  "'«'  ^°"'«  «'^'- 
proper   to   present   the   sa'me^r    I    ^      m   En'ii^sr^^  ^ 

General  and  Council,  as  ti.ey'have  dot  „    2  U^^otT  33  17^,    T''   '"  I''   ""'''''''' 
of  receiving  an  answer  on  the  points  confii.  .d    h  •'  **  ''°P^  """^  expectation 

the  Director  General  and  Counc  1  c "a  '  ^  ,     Tr',;     "'  '"  "'"•     ^"  ""^  '^^"^^^^^  '^•''3^ 

translated;  next  declared  the  afor '"d  a3  L^  '^^r"«^^""7  «'-  "^-"re  an.l  badly 

the  same  on  account  of  this  title :  A^ess   o   hJ^^^S^^  'TT'  T"''  '  '*  "'^"  '"^''''' 

commanded  the  Burgomasters  and  X-  af^r elid  J"  ^h":"  '  'f''T'''''  """^ 
assemble  no  more  in  manner  as  •,fore«nid   h  !  f     "''""^   ""r  '•''«P«ct.ve    Deputies   to 

displeasure  and  arbitrary  correction  '         '°  '"'^""  '''^''^""^'  «"  ?''""  °'  '^e  highest 

as^:f  L^;f!::r/t:Stt  .1^^''A°?  ^'^^^^  "^"-"''  -^-  -  -^-^vledge 
Company,  ^hom  we  i:  o'Ts  a  Ldy  'Z  '^  ^T!'  "'  '"^  T''''''''  ''-'  '^'^^ 
them  and  their  servants  all  due  subntitLt  hotr ^rd  res^ec:"'  '"''  "'  "'""'«  ^"  ^^°- 

anr;:pr  ::;::;::!^r:-t^^^  :r  dX:^:^  ^nst^ed  ...abiy, 

authority,  to   whatsoever  om,  e  o     seT Xe        T    v  ZTTu  "   "''  '^"^""'  ^°""  ""'^ 
illegality  and  to  remove  and  f„  •,„,;      V  V     /,  ^^  '''"''^^'"y  appointed,  but  to   prevent 

the' ouiury.  or  areTe   to  le    p,,*     '3   1     T    T  ""'  '"'"'"""-^  ^^'"■^•"  "^"•'^  '^''^'y  '— ' 
in  this  peti  ion.  it  m  g       e  So    b|^^^^^^^  """«''  ^°'"^  "''^-'^^  ^'^^  »^«  aPParent 

may  be  graciou;iy  «uppL  "^  '"'•''''''•  '"'  ^"""''^  ^"^"""S  '^^  ^"""^  wanting,  it 

Vol.  1  ,^ 


554 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS 


4. 


First.  Our  apprehension  of  the  establishment  of  an  arbitrary  government  among  us. 

Whether  this  apprehension  be  founded  can  appear  from  this: — The  entire  government  of 
this  Country  is  directed  and  controlled  exclusively  according  to  the  pleasure  and  caprice  of  Dr. 
Stuyvesant  or  one  or  two  of  his  favorite  Sycophants  5  in  divers  cases  decisions  were  given 
without  the  knowledge,  yea,  frequently  without  summoning  his  adjoined  Councillors,  who 
have  no  further  power  to  decide  except  as  th»-  Director  permits  them,  his  will  being  a  Law 
absolute,  whereby  everything  is  controlled ;  even  if  the  Burgomasters  and  Schepens  were 
sometimes  summoned  to  the  Council  when  occasions  presented,  to  dispatch  business  with  the 
Director  General  and  Council,  it  is,  in  fact,  rather  to  approve  of  his  plans  than  to  assist  in 
consultation  upon  them  ;  for  notwithstanding  the  Burgomasters  and  Schepens  may  dissent  and 
differ  from  his  opinion,  the  Director  decides  without  them,  declaring  it  must  be  so  ;  moreover, 
if  any  resolution  be  adopted  with  the  consent  of  the  Burgomasters  and  Schepens,  'tis  changed 
and  altered,  without  their  knowledge,  p.t  the  pleasure  of  the  Director;  and  lastly,  to  show  how 
great  an  appearance  there  is  of  the  establishment  of  an  arbitrary  government  among  us,  'tis 
considered  sufficient  that  a  Director,  a  fellow-subject  of  a  Free  State,  though  filling  a  high  and 
honorable  office,  with  arrogant  words  disclaims  his  fellow  subjects  who  are  assembled  with  his 
previous  knowledge  for  the  good  of  the  country,  and  are  thereunto  convoked  beforehand  by 
the  lawful  Rulers  of  the  first  and  most  important  City  in  this  country,  and  present  en  humble 
Remonstrance,  declares  their  Assembly  illegal,  protests  against  it,  forbids  the  Members  and 
Deputies  thereof  to  meet  again,  orders  and  commands  them  to  disperse  forthwith  on  pain 
of  his  highest  displeasure  and  arbitrary  punishment,  as  if  they  were,  by  their  acts,  guilty  of 
resisting  authority  and  had  conspired  to  revolutionize  the  State  and  reduce  it  under  another 
Ruler  and  government. 

6. 

Under  pretext  that  they  have  not  been  paid  for  their  Lands :  That  such  are  the  complaints 
and  threats  of  the  Indians  is  notorious,  and  divt-rs  persons  have  felt  the  effects  thereof,  in  the 
loss  of  their  lives;  and  as  the  present  Director,  as  well  as  his  predecessors,  hath  purchased 
divers  lands  from  the  Natives,  as  these  daily  pretend,  but  have  never  paid  for  them  as  yet,  the 
consequence  is,  that  discontent  is  excited  among  the  Indians  and  a  thirst  for  vengeance,  which 
they  wreak  when  opportunity  offers. 

6. 

But  their  acts  are  commonly  disregarded  as  the  acts  of  Indians  living  at  a  great  distance. 
Such  was  the  excuse  whenever  complaints  were  made  to  the  Director,  instead  of  finding  out 
proper  means  to  secure  the  inhnbitanls,  and  to  save  them  from  continual  apprehension,  some 
good  dispositions  being  already  evinced,  but  without  any  result. 

7. 

To  stand  on  our  own  defence.  Which  defence  cannot  avail  anything  for  the  good  of  the 
country,  unless  we  be  permitted  to  aMemble  at  proper  times  and  concert  together  proper 
measures  therefor. 

8. 

Officers  and  Magistrates,  etc.  The  meaning  and  intention  of  this  article  ii,  that  the 
nominulion  ought  to  belong  to  the  people,  the  seleilion  to  the  Director  or  to  the  Director  and 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIL 


SS5 


Counc  1  for  such  mu.ncpal  offices  and  places  as  this  city  and  the  villages  respectively  require 
or  the  r  government;  that  a  Common  Council  (  Froe,.cA„p)  ought  to  be  orgarH.ed  inlh  s  C  v 
o  cona,st  of  a  number  of  such  persons  as  should  be  found  in  this  place  fit  fo  fill  su  h  offi  I 
roCrur?or".  "  '''»^y°/'»>«Commonalty;  that  in  the  villages  which  have  hitherto  had 
no  Court  of  justice,  one  ought  to  be  established,  so  that  the  people  there  may  be  governed  with 
greater  order  an  heretofore,  and  each,  on  occurring  occasions,  be  judged  by  his  compel  nt 
Judges ;  but  all  this  is  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Lords  Majors.  competent 

9. 

Many  orders  or  proclamations,  etc.     It  is  a  certain  and  notorious  fact,  that  many  ordinances 
wh.ch  concern  the  country  at  large  are  enacted  without  its  knowledge;  'tis  Strang^ tat  Law 
are  made  .n  a  Free  Land,  binding  on  all  and  each  of  the  inhabitant's  also  withou  oZ 

such  people  to  cons.der  them,  who  belong  to  the  country  and  are  persons  of  considerabi! 
substance  and  must  also  help  to  protect  and  delend  the  province;  thaf  no  person  sadSed 
at  the  readmg  of  the  enacted  orders,  nor  allowed  copies  thereof,  though  demanded  whe  ebv 
^ve  are  utterly  .gnorant  of  our  duty.  This  might  easily  be  remedied'were  sut  Ruts  nj 
atdZlem."'  '"^""'"""•^  '"^^^  ^'''^  ^^  '"'«'^'  ^«  «""-'«  ''"'7  to  examine 

10. 
On  the  promises  of  Deeds,  etc.     These  promised  Deeds  are  refused  to  divers  and  many 
persons  notwuhstaning  repeated  and  earnest  applications  have  been  n.ade  foren.  and  t  ey 
a  est  11  refused  to  the  great  discontent  of  those  who  would  rather  resolve  to  aha"  don  Z 
undertaken  bouweries.  than  expend  much  labor  and   money  on  land^    th.   n!  , 

propriety  whereof  cannot  be  established.  ^  *      '  P°««e"'°"   ""d 

11. 

A  quantity  of  land   is  given  or  granted   to  some   person  or   persons.     This   article   has 
eference  pr.ncpally  to  the  fact  that  the  Director  conveyed  last  year.  1052.  to  Mr  C  rnel 
van  Werckhoven,  a  certain  considerable  tract  of  valuable  and  clear  land,  situate  withb    le 

Ccr;ill?LTr3''^''fVr    '-'    ''-"   P-ious.y  granted   in'the  "ylr  it?, 
U.rector  W  .Hem  Kielt,  deceased,  to  d.vers  persons,  and  divided  by  lot  in  31  parts  whereof  the 
I'oor  o<  th.8  place  had  2  part,  and  every  other  person  1  part. 

And  this  is  what  we  have  thought  proper  to  append  to  the  present  Remonstrance      Ilooin.. 
that,  hereby  cleared  of  obscurity,  its  meaning  and  intention  will  be  easily  und    s  o'd 
Dove  this  30-  December.  IGOJ.  New  Am.terd".  in  New  Netherland.       ""''"'"°'- 

(Signed)         Martin  Kbioibk. 
,  P.  L.  VAN  DiK  Grift. 

(>Ko.  Baxter. 

FkKUEUVK    LuiiBGRTSE. 


n 


M 


m 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


1 


Burgomasters  of  Amsterdam  to  Director  Stuyvcsant. 

t  From  the  Boob  enUUed,  Gmum  lltuttm,  Deel  8,  In  the  Stad  Buyt,  Anuterdam.  ] 

To  Petrus  Stuy vesant,  Director  General  of  New  Netherland  and  Cura§ao,  at  the  Manhattans, 
in  Fort  New  Amsterdam.     9  July,  1654. 

Honorable,  wise,  prudent,  right,  discreet  Sir  ! 

nmiand  Documcnuh      Being  Informed  by  the  governors  of  the  alms-house  of  the  vast  number  of  poor 
people  wherewith  they  are  burdened  and  charged,  we  have  concluded  to  relieve 
them  and  so  do  the  Company  a  service,  by  sending  some  of  them  to  New  Netherland. 

We  have,  therefore,  sent  over  in  the  ship  belonging  to  the  bearer  hereof,  7  @,  28  boys  and 
girls,  requesting  you,  in  a  friendly  manner,  to  extend  to  them  your  kind  advice  and  assistance, 
and  to  advance  them  if  possible ;  so  that  they,  according  to  their  fitness,  may  earn  their  board. 
If  you  consider  that  the  population  of  that  country  could  be  advanced  by  sending  over  such 
persons,  we  shall,  on  being  informed,  lose  no  time  to  have  some  more  forwarded.  Meanwhile, 
we  shall  be  much  obliged  by  the  aid  and  assistance  you  will  extend  in  this  Instance. 


Resolntbn  of  the  States  General  calling  for  information  respecting  the  Boundary 

of  Xew  Nttherland. 

i  From  the  Ittglater  of  Wort  Imlin  Affalra,  lOtlJ  - 1(1&!,  In  the  Itoyal  Arohivea  at  the  Hague.  ] 

Thursday,  17  September,  1G54. 
MioiH.  On  consideration,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  hereby  to  request  and  require 

the  Assembly  of  the  Nineteen  of  the  West  India  Company  actually  together  here  at  the  Hague, 
to  communicate  to  their  High  Mightinesses  as  soon  np  it  can  possibly  be  done,  a  pertinent 
Uou''ndafj.°"""""'  ''•'P*"''  ""  "'**  '*o'""''""y  in  '"^^w  Netherland  between  the  Knglish  and  this  State, 
with  the  addition  of  all  the  necessary  Maps  and  other  Documents  relating  and 
applicable  thereto. 


Jtesolution  of  the  Statss  General  to  forward  information  on  the  Boundary  to  their 

Andiassadors  in  England. 

[  rrutn  ihe  RcgKlerof  Wmi  ItiJIa  Affalra,  I».M1-1«M,  lo  .he  U..yal  ArrliUeaalihe  lla(ue.  ] 

Tuesday  the  a'.t'"  September,  1G.'J4. 

Folio  190.  Rend  nt  the  Assembly,  a  certain  .Memoir  of  the  committee  of  the  Directors  of 

the  West  India  Company  representing  the  Assembly  of  the  Nineteen,  who  have  exhibited, 

besides,  agreeably   to    their    Hl«li    Mightinesses'    Itesolution    of  the    I?'"    in«tant,    Pertinent 

u.mi.u.rr'"""""'  '"'"^'""^'O"  «"  ""•  Hi'l'j'-Lt  <>'  til"  division  oi   the  iJouiidary  in  New  Netherland, 

between  the  Knglish  and  this  Slate,  along  with  u  figurative  Map  illustrating  the 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    VII  »-« 

. .  ,  ,  857 

for  the  purpose  of  promoting  the  aforel'd      tim  f  o    fh    n'^H  ^'"'"*"n°"  "  ''"^'^"'^• 
pursuant  to  their  High  Mighfinessea'  pre^ediog^ToMl!'^  ""'  "  "'^'°™''^  ^*'«^«^°' 


-S-tofev  General  to  the  Amhassadors  in  Evgland. 

t  Fro™  ,,,e  Ke«,.^r  or  r«,^,,,.  „,.,.„«  or  ...  8u.e.  Gene™,,  ,„  .,,0  R,.,.,  .„,,,„.,,.  „,^,, , 

To  Messrs.  their  High  Mightinesses"  Extraordinary  Ambassadors  in  England. 

The  States,  etc. 

theTou:dariesr::::";,::%„:;:riTHi:r;^^'rTr'"^^^ 

figurative  Map  relating  thereunt   w  l  reou  s    th     t^Jr  ''''''"'T''  ^^^^''^^  ""'^  '^ 
Boundary  aforesaid    agreeablv   th.rp.n   T         \      ^  \  P'°'"°''  ^^^  settlement  of  the 

relying,  e'tc.    Done  SO^'septe^etTc^^^^^  '"    ''^   """''"^   Kesolutions.  whereon 


^;«Wa</...  /?..mi/«<7i  ««,/  Nievpoort  to  the  States  General. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords 
My  Lords. 

Se^,^::VMZi!:;t;::;:::^^°:;;  y  ^"^^'l"--  that  we  presented  on  the  .O-^  of 
together  a  Marine  Tr  ay  and  1  an  'TT''"'  "''''"'  ""'«"^''  "«  '»  °— ^' 

ourselves  since  on  t^T  fa^er  b/  ;  ZiJ:!  :?'\''r!  \''^'  °"'^  ""-  '""y  P-P"-J 
drawing  up  so.na  articles  extracted  hrTombrt  t  J  '"  T". '""'"'''"  '""^'  ""''  ^'^ 
-.  ^y  our  secretary  and  by  .^^ Z' ^^^^  ::  '^  ^^  rr;'orr  ^ 

'  The  JociiiiKmU  referred  to  in  iirocf<liiiir  netolotion  .»  I  „..„ 

Urd  ..ro.^tor.     lu  ,c,66.  1..  w«a  at  tl.o  h.^'l  .  f  , ,« tC I    ,  1h  '  '  ,""'    "'.  '""•  "'"""^  "'  "^''^  "  ''^  Cromwell,  the 
1667,  w..  .p,H.i„t.d  .  privy  councillor  .....1  «fWr  the  IW    'TT'T  '        """•  """  "■"'""""'  '"  '■•^''""•"'  f"™  «'?  =  i" 

uatii  ..„u.r,., ,««.,.  ,'„  A  .rii  follow?;;' I'^^'j/.r^ir'tct':;:';;""''^^  "'■'"" '-  "''■'-•'^•--.-. 

("ommon,  i„  May,  ,.„  .  ch.rg.of  hi«h  lr«a.,.„  1,„|  „..       „    r.  ,  '  "'"'  """  ""'"  '"  ''''-"  ''^  "'"  """"^  "f 

H..  wa.  .,m..d  .,.ra.  ...^u".  „..  '.d:;:;::;!: ,  z:z  tra  i?:'  ::t  t'"-,  ":  '""f  ^"  "'*••  ■^""""-  "^'-•'•"'- 

r..,«-itory  of  .„o.t'i,„,.rU„t  I..,'.™„.  ;  iC  J      .        .Cr";  K      ""r'  .''•^"^  '."^" '' '^■'  -'"^-  '"'•  '"-  «  -» 

i.a.r«tingp.p.,r.o,.U..,,r..j,.tedi„v„ionof  nL  N.U. Jl^.J.  - 'L^"''''"''   '"""«""  ''^■''''■-''"-^'  -J   oo"Uin   «,n>. 


558 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


answer,  yet  to  this  hour  have  not  been  so  fortunate  as  to  meet  with  any  dispatch,  the  Lords 
of  th<!  Council  being,  either  through  the  uncertainty  of  their  position,  whereof  they  will  first 
see  a  final  result,  or  in  consequence  of  their  continual  occupation  in  Parliament,  of  which 
almost  all  of  them  are  members,  so  embarrassed,  that  they  have  met  only  twine,  and  then  but 
for  a  short  time  since  the  meeting  of  Parliament,  as  we  believe  we  can  with  certainty  state. 
Meanwhile,  having  received  your  High  Mightinesses'  subsequent  resolution  of  the  19 
September,  respecting  visiting  the  ships,  we  accordingly  somewhat  modified  our  drafted  articles, 
and  shall  also  endeavor  to  fulfill  your  High  Mightinesses'  intentions  expressly  on  this  head,  as 
much  as  possible;  we  shall  likewise,  when  occasion  presents,  make  use  of  the  letters  sent  to 
us,  and  regulate  ourselves  according  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  resolution  of  the  24""  September, 
respecting  the  remaining  matters  and  complaints  which,  pursuant  to  the  30""  article  of  the 
Peace,  might  be  referred  to  the  Swiss  Cantons.  And  touching  the  further  resolution  of 
the  twenty-fourth  September,  we  shall,  with  your  High  Mightinesses'  permission,  not  engage  at 
present  to  give  any  notice  on  the  direct  infraction  of  the  Proclamation  of  the  9""  October,  1651, 
here  promulgated,  as  your  High  Mightinesses  were  pleased  to  instruct  us,  in  the  hope  that,  iu 
B<  ue  conferences  with  the  Commissioners  on  this  side,  we  may  be  better  informed  as  to  the 
considerations  that  may  occur  on  this  subject,  or  respecting  the  expectation  which  may  be 
apparent  on  this  side ;  in  other  respects  we  will  not  neglect  to  obey  your  High  Mightinesses' 
commands  on  this  point,  to  the  best  of  our  ability,  and  to  fulfill  your  good  intention  touching 
the  affair  of  the  Boundaries  of  New  Netherland,  your  High  Mightinesses'  resolution  of  the  29"" 
September,  on  that  subject,  having  been  received  yesterday.  The  affair  of  the  ship  Eendraght, 
mentioned  in  our  last,  and  in  your  High  Mightinesses'  resolution  of  the  18""  September, 
received  for  the  first  time  on  the  S""  of  this  month,  could  not  be  advanced  by  reason  of  the 
aforesaid  want  of  opportunity,  the  non-meeting  of  the  Lords  of  the  Council.  In  like  manner 
we  trie8  every  means  all  day  yesterday,  but  in  vain,  to  procure  the  release  of  the  eleven  ships, 
whereof  the  list  is  inclosed,  which  were  captured  off*  Havre  do  Grace,  and  brought  into 
Portsmouth  and  this  river.  We  shall,  however,  unremittingly  and  zealously  follow  this  matter 
up,  and  not  only  contend  for  the  release  of  the  ships  and  indemnification  of  the  freight,  which 
the  skippers  say  was  offered  to  them,  and  they  were  disposed  to  receive,  but  also  of  the  cargo 
itself,  in  accordance  with  your  High  Mightinesses'  resolution  of  the  lO""  September  last. 
Being  further  under  the  necessity  of  submitting  to  your  High  Mightinesses  the  complaints  of 
the  inhabitants  of  Yarmouth,  which  you  will  please  to  learn  from  the  accompanying 
transcribed  and  translated  afflidavits;  they  were  placed  in  our  hands  yesterday  afternoon  by 
Sir  Strickland,  in  the  name  and  by  order  of  his  Highness  and  the  Council,  and  we  have 
promised  lo  write  to  your  High  Mightinesses  by  this  occasion,  with  the  assurance  that  you  are 
favorably  disposed  to  prevent  and  forbid  iu  every  way,  all  excesses  and  imposition,  and  that 
you  would  also  etfectually  provide  against  tiie  same,  having  even  resolved  to  write  to  the 
Commander  of  the  Fishing  tleet,  to  send  up  circumstantial  and  particular  information  on 
the  subject.  Wherewith  we  shall  pray  God  mercifully  to  bless  your  High  Mightinesses' 
laudable  government,  and  remain. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords, 

Your  High  Mightinesses' 
Westminster,  9""  Octuber,  1G64.  Humble  servants. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIL 
.hat  th.  C.p.a,„,  or  CoZlde  .  .,        .  irT'°"  '"'  ''T  ™'"'"  "'  ""  "">™  ■"IP".  -<l 


Resolution   of  the   States   of  Holland  and  Westfriesl 
1064. 


and,  dated  4"'  December, 


Sra.'»  ""'  ^'^^'n '■""''  Pen8ionary«J,ath  communicated  to  the  Assembly  a  despatch  from 
containing  ample  information  of  wh.t  ^hZT     a        ■      !        '   '"°"^'''   ^"^   «"  appendix 

N.her,an^.  be^..een  ^:^;i:r;^::::^z:  :^;-z "  ^" "-"-- '-  ^- 

Presidial  Chamber  of  fhe  We  iX  cZ  h'"  ""'I  °' ""  ''''''"'''  ""^  ^PP«"^'-  '»  '^e 
date  with  its  conclusion  Tnd  oi inion  tl^  '  ':;"  '"'"'"'  ''  '^  '"^"'^'^^'^  »'  '^'^  «-"-' 
points  more  fully  d  t     ed  i„  « a.Tl     er  '""         '"  ""'"  P"""^"' '"'°™""-  ""  ^"  "^« 


^;«i«*.a^«,..  Beverni»ff^  and  JVkvpoort  to  Secretary  Ruysch 

seX::r:e:;^ti;?j:;::::iL;^^  -solution  or  the .. 

and  Jurisdiction  clain.ed  ther  ;      Sp   „n  o    t^e  '^^7  ;"'"^7''  ''  '°-'-g  .he  Limits 
•euers  written  by  Director  Stuyvesa^li:  ll^^^r^^e::::^ ;;;-:- 21:: 

c,  :n:i  "^;;::;;^5r;:;:r rr .^t::  ;::r r  -■ "-  r  •"  "'^  -^---  -»•  -  - 

8..I.     Tl,e  war  with  Kn«l«„<l  w„.  very  ,r,i„g  to  X^ZZJjL!!^     ^ ^    ""^T  f  ""'  ''"''  *"''  '^'"•'"  "^  '>■"  Oro.t 

oppoM,1,  believing   it  f.t.l  to  thHiberti«  of  th.  c.Mmtrr      An  ^7?,  'P'":"""'"*   "  SUdholJer   w:.i..h    Do  Witt 

o«le,.     Thi.  exolu.i„n  .„.  th.  n.i.f„rtu„..  th.t  overtoTlIoS.n  1   n      ^T         l^  '"'  ""^"  "«"'"-"•  "'^"-  f-™  «"' 
no  w».  .rre.t.d,  .oor-d  „f  being  in    !„.„„   wm.    th     "  1"  1     .         '  ■    T    '''*'  """"""' I>"re  and  able  M.gi.tr.to. 

leaving  th.  pri«,n  tool.,  ,hi.  ..ntenco,  and  m,„,„ered  by  the  ,  o  p.lcc  of  T   T  '"  T^'J"'' ''''  '""■"  ''•"•"•'"-  "" 
n.cHit  KroMly  in,>.lted.  if„rfri.  -  Ki>.  popiilnco  of  ll,„  H.gue,  ,fu.r  which  the  bodio.  of  both  were 

'  Supra,  p.  846.  ,  „ 

Supra,  \\  611. 


K-  s  ^r 


560 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS 


of  the  27*''  July  last;  with  a  figurative  Map  of  the  situation  of  these  Countries.  And,  howbeit 
we  have  clearly  understood  from  the  aforesaid  Map  and  Memoir,  the  intentions  of  Mess"  the 
Directors,  regarding  the  pretended  Limits;  yet  as  regards  the  Title  and  right  thereunto,  we 
do  not  (with  respect)  find  ourselves  so  well  provided  with  the  irrefragable  reasons  and 
arguments  which  are  requisite  in  dealing  with  such  a  Nation  as  this,  and  in  such  a  matter, 
consisting  entirely  of  facts  ;  the  first  occupation  and  possession  as  well  as  the  purchase  of  the 
grounds  and  lands  being  merely  in  general  presupposed,  but  nothing  in  the  world  has  reached 
us  in  support  either  of  the  one  or  the  other.  Yet,  according  to  the  letter  even  of  Director 
Stuyvesandt,  the  English  there  made  this  objection  to  him :  That  their  High  Mightinesses' 
subjects  in  those  parts,  had  not  any  patent  from  them,  nor  any  proof  of  purchase.  Wherefore 
we  have  taken  the  trouble  not  only  further  to  inform  ourselves  by  those  who  may  have  fuller 
knowledge  of  this  matter  but  to  look  up  attentively  the  descriptions  by  the  English  themselves, 
in  order  to  learn  therefrom  what  we  consider  applicable  to  our  purpose.  Yet  we  cannot  in  all 
this,  satisfy  ourselves  as  to  the  unsoundness  of  the  position  of  those  on  this  side  who  allege 
not  only  the  right  of  purchase  but  also  of  notorious  prior  possession  in  divers  parts,  as  we  are 
informed  by  them.  Having  also  been  unable  to  learn  aught  of  any  Provisional  agreement 
concluded  at  Harlfort  in  the  year  IG50,  mentioned  in  Stuyvesandl's  first  letter,  above  referred 
to,  or  to  find  any  other  proof  thereof  among  the  papers  than  the  mere  mention  of  it,  when  an 
authentic  extract,  or  something  similar,  in  a  matter  of  such  importance  ought  to  be  exhibited ; 
and,  moreover,  having  observed  in  the  answer  which  the  Lords  of  the  Council  gave  heretofore 
to  the  12""  of  the  3G  articles,'  that  they  seem  entirely  to  ignore  their  High  Mightinesses  having 
any  Colonies  in  those  parts ;  nay,  they  waive  defining  the  Boundary  entirely  as  of  no 
consideration;  and  having  seen  from  the  letters  aforesaid  of  the  abovementioned  Stuyvesandt, 
ilrst,  that  he  is  ol  opinion  that  the  English  cannot  be  removed  from  what  they  occupy,  and 
that  they  are  in  possession  as  the  strongest,  they  having  crawled  within  eight  leagues  of  the 
Manhattans  and  the  North  Uiver;  and  secondly,  that  he  is  everywhere  of  opinion  that  we 
ought  to  hold  what  we  have,  though  at  tlie  loss  of  what  is  already  taken  away,  in  order  to 
exclude  the  English  at  least  from  the  district  lying  between  the  aforesaid  North  and  South 
Rivers,  presupposing  that  by  far  the  best  lands  are  to  be  found  there ;  and  that  he  appears 
convinced  that  nothing  final  will  ever  be  concluded  here  in  Europe  between  the  two  States 
respecting  the  Boundary,  without  the  consent  of  those  English  who  are  an  the  ground ;  we 
also  being  of  this  last  opinion  —  that  the  most  we  have  to  expect  here  will  be  a  reference  to  the 
Governors  and  Council  there  for  information,  whilst  according  to  the  nature  and  interest  of 
this  government,  we  cannot  see  that  they  will  engage  in  it  otherwise  as  principals,  and  that 
by  such  reference  with  writing  hither  and  thither  so  much  lime  is  lost ;  we  have,  under 
correction,  considered  it  our  duty  resjiectfully  to  submit  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  whether 
they  would  not  be  of  opinion  that  we  should  so  direct  this  matter,  that  authority  be  sent  from 
both  governments  to  the  (iovernors  aforesaid  to  come  mutually  to  an  agreement  iu  that 
country  in  the  best  and  most  friendly  manner,  subject  to  the  approval  and  ratification  of  both 
governments.  Hereupon  we  shall  expect  their  High  Mightinesses'  orders  by  the  first 
opportunity,  liaving  meanwhile  prepared  the  inclosed  Memorandum  in  order,  at  the  first 
Conference,  to  expose  our  intention  and  in  respect  to  the  alternative,  to  forward  the  work 

'  .S'ii;ii-.i,  |i     18(1, 


i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VII. 


•nCl 


r*'  "^  ""'"  "*  ""^""»'"'  8»«-    i"..n.i.n    and    ,„b.e,„,„,  ,e.olu„c...    W. 

Sir, 

WoHtminBt^r  li  IV         I.  Your  affectionate  servants, 

Westminster  if  November.  /«;.  „    ..  '    „  ^ 

deceived  6  December,  1664.  i signed;         H.  V.  Beverninok.' 

WlL'"    NiEUPOORT. 


Appendix,  reccucd  5  December,  1654, 
Memorandum. 

invi.l.b>li.  p„„  Leer.  i„L S  .J™.,        p  ^yV/irT  '"i  '  tl  """  "*'""  '"" 


sub  utriusqueditione,  sine  distinctione  locorum 
positas,  eorumque  populum  et  incolas. 

Et    secundo    uti     utraque     pars     omnibus 
laesionibus       direptionibus,     deprjedationibus 


tne  two  republics,  and  the  countries,  provinces 
and  cities  under  their  respective  jurisdiction, 
together  with  the  people  and  inhabitants  of  the 
same,  without  distinction  of  place. 
And  by  the  second,  that  each  party  should 

locis   et   pr^fecturis.    quibuscunn..;  ,ZH       ,  1'.:^  ''"'  °'  ^^  ^''"^  ^»'«"'  throughout 


locis   et   praefecturis,    quibuscunque   deinceps 

abstineat. 

Et  non  vanis  rumoribus  dominis  ordinibus 
ge[ne]ralibu8  innotueritquod  in  continenti  sep- 
tentrionaiis  Americas  pinga,  non  adeo  firma  ami- 
citia  8inceriorqueconf(uderatio,  inter  utriusque 
reipubiicas  popuios  ibidem  commorantesobser- 
vetur:  quin  et  a  lassionibus  injuriigque  non 
omnino  abstineatur. 

Cum  tamen  Hartfordiensi  conventu  anno 
1660  inter  utriusque  nationis  directores  et 
assessores,  provisionaii  decreto  in  hnnc  regulam 
conventum  esset:  uti  possidetis  ita  possideatis 


all  their  respective  lands,  provinces,  dominions, 
places  and  governments,  whatsoever. 

And  by  good  authority  it  has  become  known 
to  our  States  General  that  on  the  continent  of 
North  America  a  firm  friendship  and  s-ncera 
confederation  are  not  so  observed  between  the 
subjects  of  the  two  republics  there  resid-.nt, 
but  that  they  do  not  altogether  abstain  from 
injuries  and  wrongs. 

And  whereas  in  a  convention  at  Hartford  in 
the  year  1650  between  the  Directors  and 
Councillors  of  each  nation,  it  was.  by  a  pro- 
visional decision,  agreed  to  fohow  this  rule: 


th.  French  .„J  «p.,,„d..  .„d  fin  J  /w  th  U,e  K  eTr  If   M  """' "«"  "i  "'  ""  ""  ""'*''  "'""  "*"  "'•""^  "'  «"'"-'.  -'" 

".v„..,.c.  d...of .  w„„„t  f„„r  oni;:  l;.™::::  :s'i;:!  ';;t:;  t::.;:  .r^'' """" "  •«'""""••  ^"•- 

Vol   1.  y. 


562 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSC31IPTS. 


donee    utriusque    reipublicae   proceres    aliter    that  each  party  should  keep  what  it  possessed 
convenerint  aut   pra3cidaneam    banc   conven- 
tionem  ratihabuerint. 


A  sua  parte  ita  etiam  proponunt  et  condu- 
cere  posse  existimant  unitarum  provinciaruin 
extra  ordinem  legati. 

Uti  recti,  certi,  immotique  limites  ibi  quain- 
prlmum  constituantur,  quos  excedere,  aut 
transgredi  in  posterum.neutri  nationuin  liceat. 

Parati  quovis  tempore  subditorum  suorum 
et  incolarum  ibi  proprietates  jurisdictiones  et 
immotas  limites  in  mappis  figuratis  ad  oculum 
demonstrare,  aliisque  documentis  astruere. 

Vel  etiam,  si  ita  potius  visum  sit,  totum  hoc 
negocium  ad  arbitrium  eorum  Gubernatorum 
et  assessorum  referre,  qui  in  iisdem  septentri- 
onalis  America;  plagis,  nomine  et  auctoritate 


until  the  authorities  of  the  two  States  should 
determine  otherwise,  or  should  ratify  this 
convention. 

On  their  part,  accordingly,  the  Ambassadors 
Extraordinary  of  the  United  Provinces  propose 
and  recommend. 

That  as  soon  as  possible,  there  be  established 
there,  right,  certain  and  immovable  boundaries 
which  neither  nation  shall  be  allowed  to  exceed 
or  pass  over. 

Being  prepared  at  any  time  to  show  by  maps, 
and  to  sustain  by  other  documents,  the  pro- 
prietorsi^ips,  jurisdictions,  and  unchanged 
boundaries  of  their  subjects  and  ot  the  inhabi- 
tants there  resident. 

Or  even,  should  it  be  preferred,  to  submit  this 
whole  affair  to  the  arbitration  of  those  Govern- 
ors and  Councillors  who  preside  in  those  same 
provinces  of  North  America,  in  the  name  and 


utriusque  regimine  pracsident:  ut  amicissima  authority  of  the  two  States:  that  by  the  most 

qua  fieri  polerit  via,  meliorique  modo  inter  se  friendly    way  possible   they    may  the  better 

conveniant,     conventionisque      suic      tabulas  I'gree  among  themselves,  and  send  the  records 

transmittant  aSerefi:  sua  celsitudine  domin-  of  their  convention  to  be   confirmed   by  the 

isqua    Ordinibus     Generalibus     rallhabitione  mutual  ratification  both  of  his  Serene  Highness 

reciproca,   si   ita   conducere   existinient,  con-  and  of  the  States  General,  if  they  shall  see  fit. 
firmandas. 


Resolution  of  the  States  Oenei'al  on  the  preceding  Papers. 

[  rrora  Dm  RegiaUr  of  Wmt  India  Affkire,  1«S9  — 1««8,  In  tht  Rojral  ArchlTN  at  ih«  Ilagn«.  ] 

Wednesday,  9""  December,  1654. 
Folio  MO.  The  Assembly   again  had    under   consideration    the  despatch  of  their  High 

Mightinesses'  Ambassadors  in  England,  written  in  Westminster,  the  27""  of  the  last  month, 
addressed  with  an  appendix  to  Secretary  Ruysch,  containing  full  information  of  what  they  had 
Boundary  of  New  do"^  in  the  matter  of  the  Boundary  in  New  Netherland,  between  the  subjects  of 
B.ih.riand.  jj^jg  gfjj^g  jj^j  those  of  England.     Which  being  considered,    it  is   resolved  and 

concluded,  that  copy  of  said  letter  and  appendix  be  sent  to  the  presiding  Chamber  of  the  West 
India  Company,  at  Zealand,  and  to  that  of  Amsterdam,  requesting  and  requiring  them  to 
communicate  their  opinions  and  advice  thereupon  at  the  earliest  period,  together  with  pertinent 
information  on  all  the  points  more  fully  set  forth  in  that  letter. 


HOLLAND  DOCTTMENTS:    VII 

56» 

States  General  to  the   West  India  Company. 
Thb  States,  etc. 
S'"  December,  1664.  ^solution  atoresaid.    Relying  whereupon,  etc.    Done 


CJmmler  at  Amsterdam  to  the  States  General 

[K,oa.th.Orig.n.ll»,h,Ro,.l  Archlr,.  ,„b.  u.g„, ,  FH.  ir,„^,„,,. , 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

i.n.ded  to  „,.  I  .„.„'„  S'  r:  if.r  .,"u,  ■ : ""  t  r""'"  '""■ "" """ 

Hartford,  in  Ida  year  1650  and  f„  ™..  .hr.  .  ""'""""I  Agreement  concluded  at 

wi.1-  .he  .ecoad  pZ/a.ll/.lrn  "w  .      E"':,?""'  "T't"  °"'' '"'"  '°  '"""-' 
10  the  approval  of  the  priacioal.  oa  ho.r.i  J  '  ""*'"'  '"  "'"  Nethsrland  .nbject 

H,rstr:::f  .^;Xl:: -J  -  nt'^^^'' '°  ^=  ^'-- '» -■  ^""' 

High  and  Mighty  Lords, 

rri.    T^-  ^°"''  "'^"^  '^'•e'ltinesses*  humble  Servants, 

Amsterdam  SC^  DecembL   S"  "'  ''^  ^^^^  I-dia  Company  Chamber  at  Amsterdam. 
Keceived  8  January,  1656.  {^^gn^A)        Isaack  van  Beeck. 

Paulus  Timmermak. 


564 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Memoir  of  the  English  encroacJimenta  on  New  Ndherland. 

[FroiD  the  MS.  In  Itaa  Bojal  ArchlrH  al  Uw  Bigot;  Fllr  Wngtlj:iul.  ] 

Memoir,  diawn  up  from  clivers  letters,  papers  nnd  documents  comprising  the 
situation  of  New  Netherlan  ',  who  its  first  discoverers  and  possessors  were, 
together  with  the  unreasonable  and  violent  usurpations  committed  by  the 
Englisli  there  on  the  lands  lying  within  the  limits  of  the  Incorporated 
West  India  Company.     Appendix,  received  2  January,  1656. 

New  Netiiekland  is  situate  on  the  North  coast  of  Amerira,  in  latitude  38  to  41 J  degrees 
or  thereabouts  along  the  coast,  being  bounded  on  the  Northeast  by  the  countries  now  called 
New  England,  and  on  the  Southwest  by  Virginia. 

This  district  or  country,  which  is  right  good  and  salubrious,  was  first  discovered  and  found, 
in  the  year  1C09,  by  the  Netherlanders,  as  its  name  imports  at  their  own  cost  by  means  of 
on.  Hendrick  Hudson,  Skipper  and  Merchant,  in  the  ship  the /k/i-eM/tne  sailing  in  the  service 
of  the  Incorporated  East  India  Company;  for  the  Natives  or  Indians  on  his  first  arriving 
there,  regarded  the  ship  with  mighty  wonder  and  looked  upon  it  as  a  Sea  monster,  declaring 
that  such  a  ship  or  people  had  never  before  been  there. 

That  this  country  was  first  of  all  discovered  and  founl  out  by  Netherlanders,  appears  also 
f'om  the  fact  that  all  the  islands,  bays,  harbors,  rivers  and  places,  even  a  great  way  on  either 
side  of  Cape  Cod,  cal!<!d  by  our  people  New  Holland,  have  Dutch  names  which  were  given  by 
Dutch  navigators  and  traders. 

In  the  year  1610,  some  merchants  again  sent  a  ship  thither  from  this  country  and  obtained 
afterwards  from  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  a  grant  to  resort  and  trade 
exclusively  to  those  parts,  io  which  end  they,  likewise,  in  the  year  1615,  built  on  the  North 
River,  about  the  Manhattans,  a  redoubt  or  l'"*lle  fort,  wherein  was  left  a  small  garrison,  some 
people  usually  remaining  there  to  carry  on  trcda  with  the  Natives  or  Indians.  This  was 
continued  and  maintained  until  their  High  Mightinesses  did,  in  the  year  1622,  include  this 
country  of  New  Netherland  in  the  Charter  of  the  West  India  Company. 

This  Province  of  New  Netherland  "-as,  then,  immediately  occupied  and  taken  possession 
of  by  the  said  Company,  as  circumstances  permitted,  as  is  the  case  in  all  new  undertakings. 
For  which  purpose  they  caused  to  be  buUt  there,  since  the  year  1623,  four  forts,  to  wit :  two 
on  the  North  I'.iver,  namely,  Amsterdam  and  Orange;  one  tn  the  South  River, called  Nussouw, 
and  the  last  on  the  Fresh  River  called  the  Hope.  From  the  beginning  a  garrison  has  been 
always  stationed  and  maintained  in  all  these  forts. 

The  aforesaid  Company  had  erected  these  forts  both  Southward  and  Northward,  not  only 
for  the  purpose  of  closing  and  appropriating  the  aforesaid  rivers,  but  likewise  the  lands  around 
thera  and  within  their  borders,  (being  then  about  sixty  leagues  along  the  coast,)  and  on  the 
other  side  of  the  rivers  so  far  as  title  by  occupation  tends  to  possession,  to  declare  as  their  own 
Ond  tp  preserve  them  against  all  foreign  or  don.estic  nations  who  would  endeavor  to  usurp  the 
grtuic  contrary  to  the  Company's  will  and  pleasure. 

And  for  greater  quiet  and  security  and  in  order  lawfully  to  confirm  their  possession,  the 
Company  caused  their  ser/'ints  to  purchase  front  the  Natives  there,  many  and  divers  lands 
situated  on  various  places,  the  deeds  and  conveyances  whereof  remain  with  the  Directors  in 


i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VII. 


ses 


which  „„.  M..>e,  I.ri„..„  „,.V  ,i„rcol.^de7    '^  '        ''°''"'  "  """"«  ''°"-'"  »' 

unlawfullv,  Lean..  Ih.  P™1  .  """"■"••  ^ I""  ''"""«  remained  in  po.M.eion,  though 
the  Engli'i;.  ''°"""'""  ■""""   ""«  "»■  ""l-o^'d  .0  .how  .„y  |,„.,i|i,y  ^„ 

po..e..i„„  had  been  J.n  o't ,  hty!  r  eat?.; ,  'r "''  "'"T ""^  ""'"'"  '"''•  '«"""'''• 
of  Haeriem  „„  eh.  ,.,a„d  Que.  „  .  .n^  „  Z't tr  d  W?::!  p'  ""!  *""''""  ""r'"'™ 
pre.end  .0  have  conouerad  hv  f»,™  „(■         ° ''°"'  °'  '»"■  hay,  and  Peqna.oo.  river  which  Ihey 

.nhjng...d  .hat  NaZ  '  "°"  '"""  ""  °"'""'  '"""•""I'  «■  »"y  "-e  wholly 

NIt,LT«lu.:^r;it'd^.etl'''°'■"*  "'t"™"  '^°"«"  ■""••  "'"•'"  "•=  "«- 

oa,l,n.  (l„n.™„c;  a.  al    .h.  land,  .h^  »lr  "•  T"  ""'■  ™»""?  '»  ""  '«"  •' 

and  a  J...  a  „n,.l.nde'  of  pr'.irLrd^dtcZVT.ritX^V'r^^^^^    """","' 

or  ever  made  any  c  aim  to  U  taken "1'"''  ""Tu^'T  ''^  ^°^"^^  ^^^"^  '»"y  P'«*-«i-' 
of  Amersfoort.  Heem  t^de  Flu  in.  T  ^'°^  .''^  ''"'  ''"'•=''  ^^  P'«"^'"^  '''^  villages 
bouweries  and' ptrot  U  a^^^^^^^^^^  -"J  «  ^-^'^  "-^er^f 

Mightinessaes  and  of  the  Company  "^        '"'^  '"""''  "'"  '''^'^  "'s'^ 

Southampton  and  Southotd     - "  '  '"'   °'   '""«  ^^''^"'^   '"''   ""'«   -"««-   "amed 

usirpefjhaTi;r,ldVa';:aft:^^  ^"  ^"'^"'^  -^  •■"  ^-^  ^«-«^>  "-  they 

for  tEe  Cod  fishery.  "'''  "'""'^  ''^'""^^  '°  ^^""^  '«'«»''•  «"<»  ''«"  very  convenient 

prIL^ded3d7yrd";lllV;-n'u*'''  ""  .'^'^^'  """^  P^^^^'^' ^"'  that  the  English 

ly  further  enrachme„t     o  thl  Di    T  7'«^'«''"»  "«»^P»"-«  'here,  wrote,  in  order  to 

roacnment.  to  their  Director  Stuy  vesant  whom  they  authorized  to  agree  on  a 


'  8U.  Now  N«r«g«nML 


'  Sprin({fi.ld,  founded  by  Mr.  Pyncbcon.  —  Er 


Ui 


566 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Provisional  Boundary  witli  the  English.  He,  accordingly,  repaired  to  a  certain  meeting  of 
Commissioners  summoned  by  the  English  at  Hartford,  where  they  mutually  agreed  and 
concluded  on  a  Provisional  Foundary  subject  to  the  ratification  of  the  principals  on  both  sidesi 
ns  can  be  more  fully  seen  by  the  letter  dated  20  November,  1050,  of  the  aforesaid  Director  with 
whom  the  agreement  thereof  remains. 

Yet  the  aforesaid  English  cannot  respect  this  Provisional  Boundary  which  was  concluded  at 
such  a  sacrifice  and  to  such  prejudice  of  the  Company's  established  right,  obtained  by  prior 
possession  and  purchase  of  the  lands,  as  already  stated ;  for  sometime  afterwards,  and  now 
lately,  they  have  not  hesitated  to  commit  fresh  usurpation  on  the  lands  situate  within  the 
aforesaid  Provisional  Boundary,  purchased  from  the  natives  or  owners  and  paid  for  by 
the  said  Director  some  years  before,  as  can  be  seen  by  his  letter  dated  the  27""  July,  1064. 
All  which  insufferable  usurpations  by  neighbors  and  allies,  are  in  every  part  a  violation  of  the 
law  of  nations,  and  consequently  ought  not  and  cannot  be  longer  endured,  unless  by  wantonly 
abandoning  and  giving  up  this  Noble  Province  of  New  Netherland,  which  is  of  such  great 
importance  to  this  State.  As  such  abandonment  would  be  highly  disreputable  to  this  country 
and  detrimental  to  its  inhabitants,  we  will  trust  that  their  High  Mightinesses  will  maintain  the 
Company  in  their  good  right,  and  moreover  take  care  that  a  mutual  Boundary  between 
the  nations  in  those  parts  shall  at  once  be  concluded  and  determined.  The  sooner  this  is 
effected  the  better,  ere  the  rupture  become  irremediable. 

In  this  manner,  tlien,  have  the  English  by  unrighteous  usurpations,  made  themselves  masters 
of  all  the  beforementioned  places,  aud  especially  of  the  beautiful  Fresh  river.  They  well 
knew  that  the  Company  had  not  only  ratified  the  possession  of  the  aforesaid  river  by  the 
construction  of  its  fort  and  some  bouweries  besides,  but  that  it  hud,  particularly  in  the  year 
1032,  purchased  from  the  natives  and  proprietors  many  lands  thereabout,  which  were 
accordingly  conveyed  to  it,  long  before  the  coming  thither  of  any  English,  who  first  arrived 
there  in  the  year  1030. 

Neither  is  it  unknown  to  them  that  the  Company  did,  about  the  same  time,  cause  to  be 
purchased  by  one  Hans  van  der  Sluys,  a  certain  place  called  Kivitshoeck,  as  their  High 
Mightinesses'  arms  were  affixed  to  a  tree,  at  that  place,  in  token  of  possession;  the  English  not 
only  pulled  them  down,  but  even  carved  a  buffoon's  face  in  their  stead,  in  gross  contemiit  and 
disrespect  of  their  High  Mightinesses ;  and  although  satisfaction  was  repeatedly  demanded  for 
this,  nought  has  resulted  or  could  be  obtained.  Subsequently,  and  about  the  time  the  troublea 
between  the  King  and  his  Parliament  broke  out  in  England  in  acts  of  hostility,  the  English 
who  have  so  unlawfully  usurped  the  aforesaid  Fresh  river,  made  an  offer  to  the  Company's 
servants  in  those  parts  to  pay  a  yearly  acknowledgment  or  buy  them  out,  for  which  purpose 
they  also  sent  hither  one  Mr.  Hugh  Peters,  a  minister  at  Salem,  whom  they  empowered  and 
authorized  to  agree  with  the  Company  about  this  matter;  which,  indeed,  is  a  sure  sign  and 
proof  that  they  are  conscious  of  occupying  not  their  own,  but  tlw  Company's  lawful  lands. 

In  like  manner  did  the  English  usurpers  of  Rhode  Island,  when  at  loggerheads  with  those 
of  the  Bay,  also  apply  to  the  Company's  servants  there  to  permit  them  to  hide,  and  even  to 
settle  among  the  Dutch,  of  all  which  the  pieces  and  documents  remain  with  the  Directors  of 
New  Netherland. 

But  since  the  change  occurred  in  the  government  of  England,  they  have,  in  order  to  gloze 
over  their  actions,  had  recourse  to  divers  subterfuges,  circumstances,  forged  pretenses  and  false 
arguments,   to  obscure  and  overthrow  the  Company's  lawful  claims  and  just  right,  so  that 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VII. 


507 


VroyZnrl'T"''  '"'  ""f  """""  '"'•'"'"^^  "'"^  ^'-^  ""  ""«  "-''.  and  (before  the 

Proposals  of  Mr.  Peters'  to  the  Amsterdam  West  India  Company.  1641 

penon.,  if  „ny  ,„cl,  c.n„  be  r„.„,l  *  '""  "'™'"'  ''=  ■"««»"8«'«<l  by  i"<lire«„, 

„i?^  T'  "'"  ""■""■'"'  '"  "  """  °"  """  f'»"'"'»».  if  "■«?  I.»ve  an,  ,„„„,io.  ,„  p,„ 

4°  What  conditions   would   the   Company   reouirp   if  nn^  Vn  f  u 
dis„lc,  to  ,h.  W...  l„Ji.  c„„,i„.„,,  bd4  proved   h..fo'„iK,r"  "'"'°"'     "'"  "'" 
a.,1  ordinance  „hi„,,  ,„«  Co.npan,  ,l,„„|dfr,„i,l,T  '"""  ""''"  "'"'" 

.i.  ..n,.ei„;..d.  „e  H:p.:::i:x,rr,:;d -jrar,  i  t:r  :r 

a.  minuter  to  an  English  congregation  It  Uotterdam  He  ^  ee  ,ed  oTw^  7"'  k  ""f "  '"  """""'''  '"^^  *"=  '''«<='''""1 
of  the  churel,  at  Salem,  and  offleiated  afterward,  in  the!  7  r  ^  -^  '"  "''^"''  """^  ""'  ">"«  '^'^'"'d  "•'"i-t" 
repuution  and  wa.  much  respeete/ A        a Tetd    ,    "^^  '"  ''-""'•'"-'-•"  .'•«->■«  enjoyed  a  high 

Amba«ad.,r  to  the  Parliame  .t  of  K„,„„„  for  '"•-:«  r  .  ?""  '""'■  '"  ""  ""'  ''^  ""^  •""»"'"  "»  ^^eir 
mercial  privileges.  On  his  arrival,  heV  d  e  ivirj  r T  iLh^r  VZ  T,7'  "'"  *"  "'"""  """"  '"-"'"«  «""■ 
••^e»l  whieh  overwhelmned  his  judgment"  He  vi  Lril,  ,1  i7,l  '  """''","  '".'"""  '"  '""  ''"'-™e"tari«n.  with  a 
violently  against  Charle,  r.  that  th'o  English  IJb  d  r  t^/^  IZTl^  """'  "'  ^f'  -""'^^  "«  V>e..U.l  so 
SUtes  General.     lU  delivered  a  series  of  discourse,  to  the  K     :  7  """*"^  °'  coraplnini.g  of  him  to  the 

of  exciting  the  Catholic,  of  Ireland  aga  n  t  C  orwo  I  an,  '  «""';''"«'.-«»"°"  "'  ^^""'-''•-.  -  -'»'''  >■«  accused  the  king 
that  crowds  of  women,  it  is  said,  gave  ttrZLrlj  T"; '""'"'  ™"''''y''  -"l  »-'-'^-"'«'l  tbese  sermo,,.! 
connived  at  the  whole  of  these  pr^c^el^  I^™  :rs:Cue:{lv  L  1  f  l'  T'""'^""  """  '""'^  '^"«  ^'"=" 
thorough  a  partisan,  that  he  gave  God  thVnk,  forThl  Dro!.    ,  ^  ^^  "'""""  '"  ^™"'"''"'  "^  *'""»  '"  "«»  «» 

were  put  to  death  in  col,,  blood.  ,„  th  a"  h  „  ^-^  oLurT'  '"''^V'^''^""'  "'"^  ""'  ''"  """"""^  P^P'- 
r»«ion,  and  ho  is  represented  a,  having  uttered    he  1     w  ,     '"'.T  ■"""""'  "■"  ^'"•■•''«'- »'  "■«  W'terist 

sermon  which  he  preached  before  his  ma  esty  ,  v^.  rh  /  'lio'  "'"."rrrr  T'V"'  ""'"^'"""'*  "'°"''"''  '-  »"' 
with  fetter,  of  iron."  were  the  words  which  he  is  said  to  hlv        ^    f      .  ^""  '""*''  "'"'  "''"""•  »"''  J""'  ""l''" 

.nd  the  red.coa.s  to  saviour,  and  sainU  ^    V   "l  t  rw"    ""  ,"  !"',  """"  ''"  """"""•*''  ^"»^'-  '»  «"-"">"'. 

in  this  particular  the  accusation  is  ove;chart  rL^  ::;":;::  'n'™"''  "'''f'  ""'  "  "  ^  ^^  '^V"^  «.; 
preacher."  that  it  was  at  the  request  of  Ilu'h  Vete  s  that  Dr  J  In  ,  "''I'r  T"f  '"  "'*  '""'"'  "'  "-'^  f-"'''-' 
Charles  preparat.,r,  to  hi,  dea.i:  A^er  the'.JtiaUo  t L  U;v  re:,'  ^  i'C  ^r  "'  "',  '""''  '"'""'''  '"  '''-'  - 
.  «ene  of  fl„gr8nt  injustice.     He  was  allowed  no  coun.el  I„     J  .         ,        T      "°"""'  ""  "  ""«'"'*'"■     "•'»  '""'  *<» 

.ubstantiate  the  charge,  on  which  he  wasl-ondcm,  ed  7        '■  '"".    '"  '''"•  "'""^''  ""'  ''''^•'  """""-  <"J  ""t 

gallows,  the  mo,t  indomitable  coL;  •  ^ou  m  -lo  v"  rT"  1  •"'  T  l"  "".'  '""''"'''  ''''•  ''''''''"'^-  -^  «'  "'<> 
With  these  word^  "the  first  freen.a  .  of  Ma,  cZt  wZ  1  t  ,  TT  "  "  -'''••- to  his  unfeeling  cxecutiouer;  ,„, 
eternity.     Hi,  course  and  hi,  churac  er  LveTee       iff  re  H  '"'. ''^•',   "■•  "^'"""i""  "•  '""""rchy.- was  launched   iuto 

.sper,e.  according  a,  bias  ha,  ..    v  ,  dZnt     W     '"'''^T    f    '""'''  ""''  "'''"''''     ^"""  ^"'^  ""^  '"- 

UniUd  S,a,r>.  I..  ;,8.3  ,  U.    32  •  ^,L,.a   11    9  «     l'      «  '    T-"'       """"'  *"  "  J""  '"'"<""'''"'>.  '""r  consult  2(<..,«r„//'s 

•The  population  of  the  Engl.h  C.lon.ea,  ,„  ,06o,  wa.  est,.at.d  to  bo  eighty  thousand,  //o.,..  AnnaU. 


568 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


and  furnish  ub  with  an  excerpt  of  such  government  as  they,  on  our  uniting  with  them  there 
would  desire. 

G"  That  the  Compfiny  may  be  pleased  in  all  things  to  consider  the  inhabitants  of  New 
England,  who  number  about  40,000,  as  a  people  covetous  on  (heir  side  of  peace  and  of 
the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  above  all  worldly  things,  and  no  ways  desirous  of  causing  the 
Company  either  trouble  or  loss. 

Authority  to  the  Reverend  Mr.  Peters  to  treat  with  the  West  India  Company. 

Whereas  Mr.  Hugh  Peters,  Minister  of  Salem,  the  bearer  hereof,  is  sent  at  the  public  request 
to  England,  to  negotiate  with  the  present  Parliament  respecting  such  matters  as  concern  us 
which  we  confide  to  his  care  and  fidelity, 

This  is  to  authorize  him,  if  occasion  permit  him  to  go  to  the  Netherlands,  to  treat  with  the 
West  India  Company  there,  concerning  a  peaceable  neighborhood  between  us  and  those  of 
New  Netherland,  and  whatever  he  shall  further  think  proper  touching  the  West  Indies,  to  the 
end  that  we  may  have  union  and  intercourse  with  one  another,  God  willing,  in  a  matter  of 
such  greiit  importance  the  details  to  be  negotiatecTare  referred  to  such  propositions  as  shall  be 
presented  on  meeting  together. 

(Signed)        John  Winthrop,* 

The.lO"'  October,  1641  Governor  of  Massachusett. 

In  the  bay  of  Massachusetts  John  Haynes,' 

in  New  England.  Governor  of  Connecticutt. 


liesdution  of  tlie  Staks  General  on  tJie  Treaty  at  Hartford. 

[Vtnm  lbs  Hii(M*r  of  WmI  lailla  AITaln,  1W3  — l«ea,  In  lb*  Boftl  ArchlTH^I  lb<  Bfgo*'] 

Saturday,  2  January,  1655. 

roiioiw.  Received  a  letter  from  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at 

Amsterdam,  dated  the  SO"*  ultimo,  together  with  some  inclosures,  in  answer  to  their  High 

'  JniiN  WiNTitltor,  fint  Governor  of  MaiMrhuietU,  wu  born  at  Qmton,  in  Aiiffolk  county,  Jinuary  12,  1887,  nnd  WMbrcd 
to  the  law.  Ilavlig  convcrtnl  a  fin«  ettate  uf  A  or  700/.  |i«r  annum  into  moiie/,  he  eiubarkwl  for  Aniirioa,  in  th«  43<l  y«ar 
of  hia  age,  aa  liie  luailvr  of  Uioae  iH'nonn  who  aettleil  thi;  coh>n;  uf  Maaaachuictta,  an<l  with  a  conmiliaion  aa  (ioreriior.  Ha 
nrrivail  al  Siiloin  June  12,  IfiSi),  ami  himih  reniovaJ  to  ('h»rln»town,  ami  aft«rwarila  rroaaril  the  rl»ar  to  .Hliawmut  or  lloaton. 
In  the  thrFp  fulUiwin);  y*'ara  he  wni  rechoaen  (ievernor,  fur  whicit  oftice  he  waa  eminently  i|(ialifii<il.  lie  wm  rePlectud  In 
1A87,  1038  and  lOaO,  and  in  lUI'i,  ln4.1,  1A4)I,  1647  and  ll)4H.  Ha  died,  worn  out  \iy  toiUtnd  drprcued  by  a!Hictioua,  March 
36,  lfi4V,  af;rd  (il.  He  kojit  .tn  etart  aceiiunt  of  ni'ourreniiea  and  tranaaotiona  in  the  colony  down  to  the  year  1048,  whiidi  waa 
of  great  aervice  to  Hubbard,  Mathir  and  I'rince.  Il  waa  not  publiahed  till  the  year  17yo,  when  it  waa  printed  in  Kvo.  A 
iiianuaiript  of  the  third  vulump  nf  Winthmp'a  hi»t<iry  waa  found  in  1816,  in  the  New  Kiigland  librjry,  Li'pl  in  the  tower  of 
the  old  Mouth  church.  Mr.  Jauiea  SiivaKe  tranorrilitd  it,  and,  adding  nutea  to  thia  and  the  w<irk  already  printed,  publithed  ■ 
Uuw  adilion  in  2  Tola.  8vii.,  li.'Zfi.    Allm. 

*  JuuN  Hatnu,  (iovcriior  of  Mumnihueetta  and  of  Connecticut,  waa  a  nttiv*  of  V*kx,  in  Kngland,  and  arrired  at  Doaton 
in  company  irith  Mr.  Ilouker  in  lASII.  II'!  waa  aoon  chosen  an  aaaiotant,  and  in  lA3fi,  (iurernor,  Tlie  neit  year  he  waa 
auci'ceded  by  Mr.  VaTn.  In  lii.ltl  he  reinuved  to  CoiitH'ciicut,  of  which  colony  nc  waa  one  of  the  principal  founderi  He 
waa  elected  it*  lirnt  (lovcrnor  il  April,  liUit),  and  wna  replaced  in  Ibia  olHce  cTery  aMond  y*«r,  which  waa  M  oflan  aa  the 
touatituliun  would  |>vruiil,  till  liia  death  in  1604.  Alttn.  —  Kw, 


I 


r 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VII. 


569 


BJZT  .^;8^*'"«»-«'  ^««P^"=h  of  the  9-  of  the  same  month,  ar-.  consequently 
x7u"l  u  •  '"'°'"'"*"°"  "-espectin^  the  situation  and  constitiuion  of  affairs  in  New  Nelherland. 
Which  bemg  considered,  ir,  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  copies  of  the  aforesaid  despatch  an.« 
.nclosures  shall  be  transmitted  to  Mr.  Nieupoort.  their  High  Mightinesses'  Extraordinary 
Ambassador  in  England,  with  a  request  that  he  will  so  manage  the  matter  that  the  New 
ISetherland  Boundary  in  question  may  be  adopted  agreeably  and  in  conformity  to  the 
.  rov.8,onal  agreement  concluded  at  Hartford  in  the  year  1660.  and  in  case  this  abovementioned 
plan  could  not  be  accomplished,  that  it  may  then  be  agreed  that  the  aforesaid  Boundary  be 
arranged  in  New  Netherland,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  principals  on  both  sides.  Mess" 
the  Deputies  from  Friesland  renew  their  former  frequently  made  remark  respecting  the 
employment  of  the  Ambassadors. 


Slates  General  to  Amba^ddor  Mettpoort. 

FroB.  the  B^ULr  ol  UUg^an,  M««  „f  ,h,  suto.  Oen,r.l,  In  Ih.  EoyU  A,ohl»«  .t  Ih.  Hag,,.  ] 

To  Mr.  Nieupo.     their  High  Mightinesses  Extraordinary  Ambassador  in  England. 

Thb  States,  etc. 

f  .r  «;       T   "•'"°'"''''''  «'°-     Herewith  we  transmit  you  copy  of  the  letter  of  the  Directors 

of  the  West  IndiH  Company.  Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  as  well  as  of  the  inclosures  sent  us 

Sr^r-L"  ^"  ^^*'''^"^'  'OK^'^'er  «'"h  the  accompanying  extract  of  our  resolutions,  all  relating 

to  the    Boundary   in    New   Netherland,   requesting  you   to    regulate    yourself 

aceordmg  to  the  tenor  thereof.     Relying  on  which,  etc.     Done  2  January,  1655. 


^  n  <    ■     » 


Chamfjet'  at  MidMburg  to  the  States  General. 

i  From  th«  O/lglatl  tn  the  B<>r>l  Arohim  tl  lh«  lltru ;  Fll,,  r««  Indlt.  | 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

In  answer  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  despatch  and  resolution,  both  of  the  9*  of  this  month 
of  December,  and  the  inclosures  respecting  the  negotiations  between  your  High  Mightinesses' 
Ambassadors  in  England  and  those  of  that  llepublic  in  relation  to  the  Boundary  in  New 
Nelherland,  we  who  at  present  preside,  can  only  repeat  with  due  submission,  what  we  have 
heretofore  frequently  stated,  that  we  are  wholly  and  entirely  excluded  from  the  superintendence 
of  that  so  notable  and  important  a  province,  included  within  our  Charter;  because  we  are  so 
poor  that  we  cannot  contribute  our  quota  of  the  ineurre-l  expenses.  And,  therefore  the 
supervision  thereof  hath  always  been  unjustly  assumed  and  retained  by  the  Amsterdam 
Chamber,  m  spile  of  us  and  the  other  Chambers.  So  that  we  must  acknowledge,  according  to 
existing  circumstances,  that  we  are  unable  to  advise  your  High  Mightinesses  and  offer  you  such 
opinion  as  we  should  wish;  inasmuch  as  all  the  old  papers  and  documents  in  support  both  of 
Vol.  I.  78  '" 


jl 


570 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


our  first  occupation  of  those  countries  and  the  successive  purchases  of  grounds,  and  further 
particular  contracts  there  entered  into  and  performed,  remain  in  the  office  of  those  of 
Amsterdam,  to  whom  we  must  refer.  But  surely  as  Presiding  Chamber,  at  least  as  yet,  we  can 
respectfully  submit  so  much  as  our  opinion  to  your  High  Mightinesses,  that  we  have  come  to 
the  conclusion  thai  in  justice  every  reasonable  means  and  argument  ought  to  be  used,  but  in 
case  nothing  is  obtained,  we  think  it  wisest,  then,  to  try  what  is  next  considered  reasonable. 
And  so  consequently  not  for  what  we  desire  and  will,  but  for  what  can  be  effected.  Wherefore, 
with  submission,  we  consider  their  Excellencies'  last  plan  the  best;  namely,  to  refer  these 
conflicting  matters  to  the  respective  representative  chiefs  and  commissioners  at  the  place  in 
dispute,  to  the  end  that  they  may  meet  together  and  arrange  everything  there,  subject  to  the 
approval  of  their  Lords  principals  on  both  sides.  The  country  and  consequently  the  Company 
would  derive  the  greatest  advantage  from  such  a  course.  We  shall  not  hesitate  to  submit  these 
and  other  additional  reasons  concerning  our  confraters  of  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam  and  to 
be  careful  thus  respectfully  to  serve  your  High  Mightinesses  with  uniform  opinions; 
and   shall  further  continually  pray  God  to  bless  your  High  Mightinesses'  government  and 

undertakings.  i 

High  and  Migty  Lords, 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  humble  Servants, 
The  Directors  of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  Chamber  in  Zealand, 
Middelburgh,  28  December,  A°  1G54.  (Signed)        P.  Mortamer. 

Received  4  January,  1C65.  D-  Bant. 


liewlution  of  (he  States  General  on  the  preceding  iMter. 

[  From  lh«  BeKlaKi  of  VTol  Inill*  Affitlra,  IlISi  — 1061,  In  Iha  Ro;al  ArclilTH  >l  the  Haiut.  ] 

Monday,  4""  January,  1655. 
Folio  iw.  Ileceivcd  a  letter  from  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  of 
Zealand,  written  at  Middelburgh  the  28""  December  last,  in  answer  to  their  High  Mightinesses' 
deppatch  of  the  9"  of  this  month,  and  accordingly  with  opinion  respecting  the  Houndary  in 
New  5eih.ri.nd.  i\ew  Nethurhuid  between  the  subjccts  of  England  and  this  Htate.  Which  being 
considered,  reference  is  had  to  what  has  been  already  resolved  in  the  premises  and,  with  that, 
the  matter  was  laid  on  the  table. 


Bcudution  of  the  StiUes  (hneral  in  the  suit  of  Mr.  van  tier  CaptUe. 

[  Frum  tkt  lUglilti'  of  Wr«l  In.llB  Alhln,  imi- 1««0,  In  Iht  Knjrtl  Anhltn  it  Uw  lligue.  ] 

Thursday,  14  January,  1055. 
Folio  146.  Uead  at  the  Meeting,  the  petition  of  Martin  Heekman,  Notary,  attorney  for  Mr. 

Hendrik  van  Uer  Capelle  tiio  Uy«»el,  co-deputy  from  the  province  of  Guilderlond  to  their  High 


i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VII 
-,       .  ■  071 

K"r;e'rw;:u:rr^^^^^  -^y^^^t-^  -^^^^  -vice  .ade  b,hi.  the 

-.«»ic.p.„..  Mr.  vaa  ^er  Caoel  e  and  r  T  '■"""!.'' ^  '''^""  "'^'^  Mightinesses  to  the  said 
D.«.u..„,„„„.  sociirLoect^nrJl  .  ^T  '""  ^'  ^°"'^''  '"^^^''""^  ^'  Amsterdam  cum 
in  New  Nether"'  Z  r  ther  S^iTh  '""°"""'  .'^  '^'"^  ''"y^^^^"^'  ^'-'- 
matter  of  the  ship  nam  d  the  J^LT  ,  ^T  T"""'  "''  "PP^"""'  '^""^  «"'"•  '»  '^e 
agricultural  impiementrail  tt  eS  tlj  trtf'r',  r"'  ^'"'^^  "'''^  P««P'«  ^^^ 
but  on  the  contrary  defaut  be  InlV  Win  hK-^  .  '^  ""'  '"'  "P  ""^  appearance, 
that  the  petition  afore  id  be  "feted  ttlesr  ""  o"'' '' ''  ""'^^''  ^"'^  ^°"'='"'^«''- 
Mightinesses'  Deputies  for  the  af^^i^  t  e  W  s  ndrclTa"^"t  "'  °^'"  ^'^'^  "'^'^ 
report  thereupon.  ^  Company,  to  mspect,  examine  and 


Hesohuion  of  t/^  State.  General  in  the  srnt  of  Mr.  van  der  CapelU. 

tF«».  .h.  B.gU..ror  W«.  !„<,..  A^Ur.,  ,«,-,M3.  ,„  U.,  Eo,.,  Arch.™  ...he  H.g„e.] 

Saturday,  a-"  April,  1655. 

jzz^.  pu"r,' :^  ''ifrr"^'.?  '^f  °  "^"""^  °'  "^^^^  ^""  ^^^  C"p«i'«  tho  Ryssd. 

1653,  obtained  fClirHtS  ""'  ''""  '"'""'^''  "•^'' ""  '^'^  ^0'^  Apri 

I'etrus  Htuyvesa„t,;irt:r!;;f:e::,^    'ZTe:htl\r:';l'tt;t^^  ''''^'  "«^'"^' 

8.u„e„„,.  on    the  aforesaid  S.nv.         *       ^'^einerianU,  and  that  the  said  wiit  was  served 

whereofatlaww      steTonll    :        *"^^  ^'^''"'    ''  '^^ '^^^   ''-   prosecution 


/iV*o?«//o«  0/  /;^,  Si4itea  General  in  favor  of  Mr.  Gahry. 

Saturday,  the  24"'  April,  1055. 
On  the  petition  of  Carel  Gahry,  merchant  and  resident  at  Amsterdam,  it  is  on 
ronsKa-rnlion  resolved  and  concluded  to  hereby  allow  and  grant  the  Petitioner 
letters   to  I  ,rector.(;en..ral    Stuvesandt    in    New    Netherland.   for    tho    promo   on   oT 
business  he  hath  outstanding  there.  ,  promouon   oi    me 


Vollo  1«9. 
0»r«l  (Ubry. 


572 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


States  General  to  Director  Stuyvesant. 


[  From  Uie  BegUler  of  VUgegant  BHmi.  of  lb«  8l«te«  Ocn«»l,  In  (be  Roy«l  Arehi™  »t  lh»  Hague.  ] 

The  States,  etc. 
Mo  90.  Honorable,  etc.     Carel  Gabry,  merchnnt   and    resident  at  Amsterdam,  hath 

Carol  Q»bry.  represented  to  us  that  he  proposes  to  visit  New  Netherhind,  in  order  to  obtain 

payment  from  Bevera!  of  his  debtors  there;  we  have,  therefore,  resolved  hereby  to  recommend 
and  order  you  to  afford  him  a  helping  hand,  to  the  end  that  he  may  meet  with  good,  quick, 
prompr  redress,  and  full  justice  in  the  matters  he  haa  outstanding  there.  Whereon  relying, 
&c.     Done  24"'  April,  1C55. 


Tarif  of  1655. 

[ rwm  the  Boodle  enUUod  VtrKMdt  StuJtJtm  raktadtdt  OokmU  wn  Simw  NtitrUindl,  Id  lh«  Xad  /Tuy.,  Anutenlam,  No.  81.  ] 

Holland Dooomonu,  The  Import  duties  according  to  following  list  corrected  on  the  first  of  May,  1666, 
^^'•"'  are  as  follow,  to  wit : 

Pdtry.  Beavers,  Otters,  Bears  skins,  etc.     One  stiver  on  the  value  of  six  guilders 

and  one-third  advance;  together  per  pound  Flemisii A        1-  6i 

Elk  hides.  Four  stivers  each  and  one-third  advance;  in  all  per  piece, 2.103 

TuImicco.  Six  stivers  on  the  value  of  six  guilders  and  one-third  advance;  together 

Q 

per  pound  Flemish, ' 

Ox  hidfs  and  Diy  hides.  Three  stivers  each  and  one-third  advance  ;  together,  each,  4. 

Wheat.  Two  guilders  the  last  and  one-third  advance;  together  per  last 2.13.  Ci 

Bark\i.  One  guilder  and  five  stivers  per  last   and   one-third  advance ;  together 

per  last •.•••-       l^^.   «* 

Pta*  and   Umns.  One  guilder  and  five  stivers  the  last,  and  one-third  advance ; 

together  per  last ^■^^-   ^* 

Liiiisfid.  Two  guilders  and  eight  stivers  tlie  last  and  one-third  advance;  together 

per  last ^-  *•  ^ 

Riive  md  and  Htinp  seed.  One  guilder  per  last,  and  one-third  advance;  together 

ferlast '•   ^i^"* 

Flax.  Four  stivers  per  hundred  pounds  and   one-third   advance;  together   per 

100  lbs., ''■  ^^ 

limp.  Nine  stivers  per  300  lbs.  weight  and  one-third  advance;   together  per 

19 
300  lbs., ^*  *. 

PuMsh.  Six  itiveri  per  hundred   pounds  and   one-third   advance;  together  per  ♦ 

100  lb *• ® • 

Timlxr  from  Sweden  and  Surway.  Eight  stivers  pef  last  and  one-third  advance ; 
together  per  last 10.10| 


r 


» 
HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    VII. 

^plrhunf;er'''  ^""'^'"    '"'■   ^""'''"^   ""'^    °""''^''^    "'^^"""''    '°6^*''" 

P*>e«a.«,.  Two  stivers  per  one  Vu'ndrVd  ^Vd  VweVty-tw;'p;eVe;\;nd";Ve-thi;d    ^ 
advance ;  together  per  122  pieces, 

Oak  plunk  of  30  (^  .0  feet.  Two  8tivers'p;;"26"  feeV  ;;.d  ■on'e-t'hi;d"  ad^^n^;"; 
together  each  twenty  feet "UYain.e  , 

Firewood.  Three  stivers  for  six  guild;;8%;i'u;";Vd''o"nV/thiVd";d;;„VeVtogeVh"e; 
per  pound  Flemish, lugcmcr 

P;^j;  single  bound.  One  guildeVfiJ^^Uv^Vs' p;;^Vs;Vf'i2';ma'll 't^tis'Vnd 'o'nel 
third  advance  ;  togetlier  per  last, 

Pi>.A;  double  bound.  Two  guilders  ten  sti;;;;  VeVla'st'  'Jnd  "Jn'^-'thiVd  "adVa;;;";       ' 
together  per  last, ' 

Tar   One  guilder  per  last  and  one-third"  adVanceV iogeVhVr'peV  laVt,"  "'. i 

O,/  from  round  and  flat  seed.  One  guilder  and  five  stivers  per  tierce  faemj  a'nd"  on^el 
third  advance ;  together  per  tierce, 

''"pt Too ibt!" .'"!'!" '""'"'  p-n'jV a;d";;v-t'hi;d';d;;;.;;\"og"eVh;;  '■ 

Barrel  beef.  Four  stivers  fo^  VhV  VaVu;";rsVx"g"u;idVr;';t;d"  one^t'hi'rd"  ad'van'c;"- 
together  per  pound  Flemish, 'ruuuvance, 


578 


4 

• 

2 

■m 

2 

m 

4 

.13. 

H 

6. 

m 

6. 

los 

13. 

64 

12. 

5. 

5* 

Chamber  at  Amsterdam  to  the  States  Genera?. 

I  From  Ih.  Rognier  of  Ingacomen  J},-Urm,  Id  ih.  Eoj.l  A«hlve.  .1  tb.  H.go..  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

r..m.  We  have  been  for  some  months  in  daily  expectation  that  Mr.  Nieupoort 
m  IT  ^"''T'"'"'"  y"''  "'S''  Mightinesses  near  the  Lord  Protector  0^3  ad' 
th  tofVhistr  ^"r"f«;"  "-  -""-  or  the  Boundary  in  New  Netherland  betwe  ' 
And   n! ?h  '  ""1     ""'""  "''"^""''  '"'  ""  ''"^«  "«'  -  yet  learned  anything  teTeo, 

And   as  the   aforesaid   matter  demands   dispatch   and   cannot  he    postponed  without  reat 
prejud.ce  and  injury  to  the  Company,  we  have  therefore  resolved  humbly  toT'uet  vou 
H.gh  Mightinesses  hereby,  to  be  pleased,  pursuant  to  the  order  hereinbefore  „ade  "Id  fo 
reasons  above  set  forth   again  seriously  to  recommend  the  forwarding  of    rmler  Lfls    . 
to  the  abovement.oned  Ambassador,  so  that  the   aforesaid   Boundary  may  be   determin 
wuhout  any  onger  delay ;  or  in  case  what  is  above  stated  cannot  be  'effected,   hen  tlaTo 
ma  ter  may  be  so  ordered,  that  the  Governors  or  Servants  on  both  sides  in  those  pa    s„v 
be  commissioned  and  authorized  thereunto.     Wherewith  ending,  we  pray  OorAlmStv  tZ 
He  would  be  pleased  to  bless  your  High  Mightinesses'  persons  and  governmeiU  ;  iTZln 

High  and  Mijjhty  Lords, 

^''^'"^  '•'«>!  Mightin-»s8ps'  humble  servants 
Amsterdam.  20-^  May   )"  """'""  "'""'"'"  '"""  Company  Chamber  at  Amsterdam. 

Received  24-  May.  '^'''  ^  ^'«""*^^         ^^•^      '  ''— 

■^        '  Jacob  ibr  jkns.  M'' 


I "  .<  f 


i 


574 


new-york:  colonial  manuscripts. 


Resolution  of  tlie  States  Oem-al  on  tlie  preceding  Letter. 

[  From  the  E«gl»ler  of  WmI  India  Alfclre,  1052  —  1 668,  In  the  Eoy«l  Arel  \yn  «l  the  Hagno  ] 

Monday,  24'"  May,  1655. 
Folio  165.  Received  a  letter  from  the  Directors  of  tlie  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at 

Amsterdam,  dated  the  20"-  instant,  stating  in  substance  that  they  have  been  for  some  months 
of  Now  '»  '^-'^''y  expectation  that  Mr.  Nieupoort,  their  High  Mightinesses'  Extraordinary 
NaheriaJj"  ""  Anibassador  to  the  Protector  in  England  might  have  effected  something  there 
in  the  matter  of  the  Boundary  in  New  Netlierland  between  those  of  this  State  and 
England,  but  that  they  had  not  yet  heard  anything  concerning  it.  Which  being  considered, 
and  it  being  observed  that  the  aforesaid  matter  demands  dispatch  and  cannot  b-:  delayed 
without  great  prejudice  and  injury  to  the  aforesaid  West  India  Company,  it  is  resolved  and 
concluded,  that  the  said  Ambassador  Nieupoort  shall  be  again  written  to,  that  he  still  duly 
perform  all  good  and  effectual  duties  and  offices,  pursuant  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  previous 
orders,  to  the  end  that  the  aforesaid  Boundary  may  be  determined  there  without  further  delay, 
or  in  case  the  abovementioned  should  not  be  effected,  that  then  the  matter  may  be  so  directed 
that  the  Governors  or  Servants  in  New  Netherland  aforesaid  may  be  commissioned  and 
authorized  thereunto  on  both  sides. 


States  Oer^ral  to  AmLassador  Nieupoort. 

t  From  the  Beglsler  of  V'Igegane  nriettn  of  Ihc  Slaloa  General,  In  ihe  Kojral  irchlrea  at  tbe  Hacae.  ] 

Tub  States,  etc. 
Polio  no.  Honorable,  etc.     We  herewith  send  you  both  the  accompanying  extracts  of  our 

MX^rTSd!"  ^"'  Resolutions,  as  well  respecting  the  Boundary  between  those  of  England  and  those 
of  this  State,  in  New  Netherland,  as  regarding  the  superscription  or  placing  the  name  of  the 
Lord  Protector  upon  the  letters  which  His  Highness  should  write  to  us ;  together  with  some 
accompanying  authentic  copies  of  a  few  letters  written  to  us  at  the  time  by  the  King  of 
England ;  requesting  you  to  regulate  yourself  precisely  in  strict  accordance  with  the  tenor 
of  both  the  aforesaid  our  resolutions.     Whereupon  relying,  etc.    Done  24'"  May,  1655. 


Cliamlter  at  Amsterdam  to  the  States  Oeneral. 

[  From  the  Original,  In  the  Bogral  ArchlTta  at  tbe  Uague ;  File,  HM  /mffa.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords!  ^ 

Whereas,  we  have  learned  since  writing  on >■  Inst  to  your  Higli  Mighlinpsses,  on  the  20' 
instant,  for  the  dispatch  of  the  Boundary  in  iScw  Netherland,  that  some  Commissioners  are 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    MI.  -. 

::n::::piro:^r:!f  rt^L!::: '  dt„t  •  n  t  '-'' :'-'-'-' ''--' '-  ^^«  --'^---on 

we.  therefore,  could  Tt  Zu  't  thi«  n  ^"""'''  ^''"''"  '^'^  ^'"^'^  ''"'^  '^'^  highness. 
Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  wrL  a    H    'T"  v-^   """'   '"'"''^   ^•^''"^^''"S  J'"'^'  High 

which  remain  open,  and  to  have  th«  I  ZZ  .  ,  '^ftherland  along  with  the  other  points 
authorized  there  fu  ly  to  d  spose  of  and  f --f  «'=*-'f ---'oners,  who  are  coming  here, 
ardently  desire.     Herewith,    '^  "  '""'"'""''  '^'  ^^'^  ^"""''^^y  ^ere.  which  we 

High  and  Mighty  Lords,  we  shall  pray  Almight"  God    fnr  th.      a    ■ 
H.gh  Mightinesses'  prosperous  Governmen';.  and  remai^     '  "  '"'"""«  "^"^"  °^  ^'^' 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  humble  servants 

Amsterdam.  29  May.  7'  ''""'°"  °' '''  "^"^  '"'^'^  ^""^P""^'  ^^amber  at  Amsterdam, 
deceived  31  May.     M655.  (Signed)        Eduakd  Man. 

Jacob  Pergens. 


<">■■» 


/.•^..^..^ebn  0/  ^/,.  S'tofe.  General  on  the  preeediug  Letter. 

t  From  U..  1^^,  of  We.,  I„m,  AB„r^  ,„,  _,o«3,  la  .b.  Boy.,  A,chW«  M  ,h,  n.gu..  ] 

Monday,  the  31  May.  1656. 
tlLir  1.81  or  the   20.'  „r  ,1  "'»""(!"'  •"bsCance  .hnl  they  hnd  learned  .inc.  writh.g 

J..,  .-II  B':„dL/LN;°s. ;.'"';,"""  "'?;""••"■  ^"  "■'  "'"■»"•'■  °f "» 

B-.d.„.  »»"?  I"   "ew  Aetherland,  tlmt  .om.  Corumi.jioner.  from    EoEland   ar» 

resolved  and  concluded,  that  Mr.  Nieupoort  be  written  I  for  the  end  afordafd  '  '  " 


States  General  to  Amhasm^r  Nieupoort. 

Thk    tSxATES,   ETC. 

w«.Z:;;i,..  Rir'''^':  .'"^^  ri'  ^"'  '"^^''^  *"«  accompanying  extract  of  „ur 

N„.„..;u.  ^'  "  nb  r  at  Amsterdam,  dated  the  SO^^  instant,  with  requ.a  that  you  regulaf^ 

yourself  accordingly.     Wherewith  ending,  etc.     Uoue  31  May,  1666.  ^ 


41 


r' 


« 
is  ft" 


576 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  a  Letter  from  tJie  Spanish  Ainhasmdor. 

[  From  the  Regliler  of  Wet  India  AflWri,  165«-ie«8,  l«  th.  Eo,.l  ArchlTW  >t  the  H.gu.. ) 

Saturday,  10""  July,  1655. 
folio  m.  Read  at  the  Assembly,  a  certain  Memorial  from   the  Spanish  Ambassador, 

Bp.ni.h  A,„bM«-  requesting  that  the  Magistrate  of  the  city  of  Amsterdam  be  written  to,  to  apprehend 
8:L.,.n  R.ef.  and  seize  the  goods  of  Sebastian  Raef.  a  Captain  or  privateer  committing  piracies 
in  the  West  Indies  on  the  subjects  of  the  Most  Illustrious  King,  aid  who  is  at  present 
soiourning  at  Amsterdam,  aforesaid;  also,  that  the  Government  of  New  Nether  land  be 
instructed  to  arrest  in  their  harbors  Joan  van  Kampen,  his  lieutenant,  together  with  his  ship 
and  ettects,  that  law  and  justice  be  administered  to  the  one  and  the  other,  for  the  behoof  of 
the  interested,  with  infliction  of  exemplary  punishment  for  the  piracies  they  have  committed. 
Which  being  considered,  it  is  hereby  resolved  and  concluded  to  request  the  Lords  of  Holland 
to  recommend  to  the  said  Magistrate  to  a^  minister  good,  brief  and  prompt  justice  m  the 
premises  aforesaid  ;  also,  to  afford  the  interested  full  justice. 


Resolution  of  the  States  Oenet-al  on  a  Letter  from  the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam. 

[  From  the  B«gi.ler  of  Wa.1  lodl.  AlWn,  t85J  -  1068,  in  th.  Eoyal  ArohlTM  at  th.  Hague.  ] 

Wednesday,  the  28""  July,  1655. 
Folio  ,76.  Received  a  letter  from  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at 

Amsterdam,  dated  the  26'"  instant,  together  with  some  inr losures,  relating  to  the 
KXid!"  •""  Boundary  in  New  Netherland,  between  the  English  and  this  State.  Which  being 
considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded,  that  the  aforesaid  letter  and  inclosures  be  placed  in 
the  hands  of  Messrs.  van  der  Capelle  to  Ryssel,  and  the  other  their  High  Mightinesses  Deputies, 
for  the  affairs  of  the  abovenamed  West  India  Company  to  inspect,  examine.and  report  thereon. 


Don  Esteva.>  de  Gamarra  y  Contreras  to  the  States  General. 

t  From  th.  Original,  in  th.  Rojal  ArchlTM  at  th.  Uagu. ;  File,  Spanje.  ] 
[TBANBLATED    FROM   THE   FRENCH.] 

The  undersigned  Ambassador  of  Spain,  represents  to  Messrs.  the  States  General,  that 
notwithstanding  their  Lordships  were  pleased,  on  the  request  he  had  made  in  his  Me"^"""  "^ 
the  10'-  of  July  last,  to  order  the  M..,istrate  of  the  city  of  Amsterdam,  to  apprehend  he 
person  and  effects  o^  Captain  Sebastian  de  Raeff.  who,  on  his  own  confession,  (exlub.  ed 
at  the  same  time  to  their  Lordships  in   an   authenticated    form.)   acknowledged    having 


i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VII 
.      ^  577 

...  .1.0  .Nation,  of  ir™r .  ."tm  tr  .:^^  'Jurca";*"/"""'""^'  "°»'^^"« 

Lucar  de  Barrameda    and  nilnf  nf  <.„i^    u  Gailardo  ferara,  a  native  of  St. 

lost.  exclusivaTft  rlr     les  of    lld'\7';"'"^  '"  «^"^  prize,  having 

thirty-«ix  others.  ^  p^op    tJ  of  A„^o^    o^^  T  "'^""'  ''^  ''""  P^^P^^'^'  ^^ 

Lordships'just  resolution  wis  of  „ol  T"'  "^^^  ^"'  ""'^'""  '^'«  '='^^«-     ^et  their 

by  the  Magistrate  oAmstlrr'an    fro^       '"  V""!  "''  '"'"''''  '^^^'"^  »'-"  -'-««d 

months  on'his  own  sworerrUy  Ztr    vT:,  T  "' m  '^  '''  '^^"  '^""'^"^'^  ^"^  *  ^  ' 
of  his  Majesty's  Consul,  resiS'at  AmJ    .  "I       ""''  ""'^'"^standing  the  objections 

and  crime    he  confess  d  he  hdcomlitf'"'  7'-''"'  '"^  P-i«hment  for  the  robberies 
.oubtiess  ^r  the  P^^^^hrr^lllil^r^L  -iTuir  hL^^Ie^ '^  ^^^^ 

annexed,  fro.  SieurO:andLuetorZ:i';L^  '"^"  ""  ^"'  ^P^  ^^^-^ - 

when  the  Pirate  will  return  thither     R      h  V^'  P'"'"""''  '"  ''""''  J''^'''^''  ^°"«  ''''"• 

friends  of  this  promise     ewilLt've^  L  J  "  "''''''  '''P"^""^'  '^  ^'^  ^'^^  ^ 

aaid  Gailardo  has  been  in  vli  wai  inTfevera  ZltZ  '"h"'"?  '°  ''^  '^°^'"^^«'  ^^^^« 
Lordships  are  most  earnestly  entrelVrXl  :i      \o?e'::Lr  -'^^'^ 

letters  in  favor  of  said  Juan  Gailardo.  addressed  t„  fhl  r  to  dispatch  requ.sitory 

New  Netherland.  to  arrest  said  Capta  Seb't  n  de  Raeff  T'L"""  'T'''''  °'  '''  '^'^ 
Ins  Lieutenant  Jan  van  Campen,  o'  their  ar"7at  the  nor  f"  .  "  »-'-~).  with 
they  ordinarily  retire  with  thei  nlunde  /„  «  if  '!^\P°''°^  «""^  ^°""'^y.  where  'tis  stated 
and  indemnification  of  s  id  G    i'r  .;d     ,        r    Tr  '^'"^  '"'^  ^ff^^ts  for  the  satisfaction 

prizes,  and  afterwards  tt  send  t'h  e  itl  rriso^^ttr'^T^  '^''T'  ^"  ''''' 
exe«,plary  punishment  as  disturbers  of  the  nub  tn  u    V  ^'•"^'"'^e^  ^^r  trial  and 

not  be  fouVd  there,  to  can      to  be "«  /„  « '^^^^^^  "^      "    ' '^''  "  "'" '''  "^'"'^  ''"" 

justice  dictate,  leaving  to  the  purcha  er  etT  cou  e  aX:  t^  e  p'"  t^^^'I'r  °'  ^ "  ''^"  ^"'' 
and  all  the  others  he  will  recognize  there  be  onXlT        ^  "''^  Ins  nme  Negroes, 

the  property  of  Antonio  de  Ui'v  "  d  volved  o  fs  mT  '""'  "'^"'^'"'^  '""^  ""^'y-«'^ 
intestate,  having  been  killed  with  sev  a  others  n  tl  Ct';"  ^"""r^"  °'  """^  ''^'"^ 
furnish  said  GaMardo  with  the  1^10  pI^      h"     !  °"  '""*  ®P""''''  «^'P'  ""''  '° 

and  to  the  disturbance  of  the  public  tranquillity.  ^^  '"'""'^  '^  '^°'""'<^^''«' 

Done  at  the  Hague,  the  11*  December.  165«. 

(Signed)        Gamarra. 


Vol.  !. 


73 


il^^'1 


1 1 


678 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


fipHiiish 
Badnr, 


liesohUion  of  the  States  General  on,  the  Spanish  Amhasmdor'a  Letter. 

t  Krom  the  Beglaler  of  West  India  Affairs,  1652  —  1663,  In  lh«  Bajal  Areblvea  tl  th«  Uagae.  ] 

Saturday,  the  ll""  December,  1656. 
Folio  m.  Kt*;i.l   at  the   meeting   a    certain    Memoir  from    the   Ambassador   of  Spain, 

Araba^  Complaining  of  and  against  one  Captain  Sebastian  Ilaeft'and  his  Lieutenant  Jan 


van  Campen,  for  committing  piracies  in  the  West  Indies  on  the  inhabitants  and 
Captain Baoir.  subjects  of  the  King  of  Spain,  and  especially  for  having  robbed  and  plundered 
Jan  Gallardo  Ferrara,  at  sea,  of  some  Negroes  and  other  goods  on  his  voyage  to  Spain  from  the 
Indies.  Which  being consid^^-i'  -t  '  •  resolved  and  concluded,  that  the  aforesaid  memorial  be 
placed  in  the  hands  of  vlessrs.  fiuygens  and  others,  their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  for 
conferring  with  the  abovementioned  Ambassador,  to  inspect,  examine  and  report  thereupon. 


Ambassador  Nieiipom't  to  Oie  States  General. 

[  From  the  Original  in  the  Royal  ArchlTea  at  the  Hague ;  File,  Bngetand.  ] 

High  ana  Mighty  Lords. 

My  Lords. 

I  saw  a  letter  a  few  days  since  which  was  written  in  Plymouth  the  22""  instant,  stating  that 
three  Dutch  ships,  coming  on  private  account  from  New  Netherland,  were  obliged  by  stress  of 
weather  to  run  into  that  port,  and  that  in  them  arrived  Mr.  John  Risen  with  several  Swedish 
soldiers,  who  report  that  three  forts  and  whatever  they  possessed  thereabouts  had  been  seized 
by  the  Dutch  in  those  parts ;  that  the  Savages  or  Indians  had,  at  the  same  time,  made  a  descent 
on  the  Duttli  Colonies,  but  were  repulsed,  tind  thnt  they  killed  only  about  30  Dutchmen  and 
burnt  some  few  mean  farm-houses.  The  aforesaid  Itisen  had  given  out  that  it  is  his  intention 
to  apply  to  the  Swedish  Ambassador  here,  ^nt  has  not  yet  made  his  appearance.  Those 
three  ships  which  are  homeward  bound,  will  be  able  to  give  the  most  correct  information  of  what 
has  occurred.  Letters  have  also  been  received  from  the  city  announcing  the  arrival  of  a  frigate 
called  the  Namptivich,  which,  with  a  manof-war  named  the  Assurunce,  had,  after  conveying  some 
merchantmen  as  far  as  the  Latitude  of  the  river  of  Lisbon,  captured  three  French  ships-of-war 
coming  from  the  bay  of  Cnscais.  The  \amptwich  frigate  being  the  best  sailer,  engaged  the 
flagship  of  30  guns,  commanded  by  Collieit,  who,  previous  to  this,  had  been  in  the  service  of 
the  King  of  Spain,  at  Dunkirk;  and  the  Assurance,  not  being  as  good  a  sailer  as  the  other  two 
French  ships,  and  knowing  that  the  other  frigate  would  have  a  difficult  task,  came  to  its 
assistance,  whereupon  Coliaert  being  unwilling  to  surrender,  the  English  sunk  the  ship,  but  he 
and  6  or  7  men  were  saved  and  brought  to  I'lymouth.  The  ship  the  Assumure  having  lost  her 
bowsprit  and  foremast,  went  into  Lisbon  lor  repairs.  The  above  engagement  took  place  before 
the  publication  of  the  Treaty,  and  consequently  before  the  cessation  of  hostilities.  A  man-of- 
war  of  10  guns,  commanded  by  one  Captain  Turner,  under  a  commission  from  the  Duke  of 
York,  was  brought  into  the  same  harbor  by  one  of  the  frigates  belonging  to  this  Slate.     With 


i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS;    VIII. 
.0  b.  or  gr.„  co„.equence.     1  „.„„„,  ,.a„  ,   ,,  anything  it  ^e    a JihIS.m'T"! 

.».  «r:r::";,t  :tfi"  fr.-::  .r^r.  :::r  r,s;r  :7  ^'t,  • 

abov™.n,.a  Simpson    afte,»a„l,    ciin  Wa    in  o   ^      'l,        .        f" '^ '''°"«''' "^ '  "" 

.H.whoi.or,,i.:™onaeoo.ai.,c:'i™„r.o  ii7r;,::ir,la:s;::H  f"'-'' 

he  was  ihereupou  arrested,  but  the  other  is  not  to  be  fn-L     i        7lr  J     ?     ^     "^  '^°'"'""' 
...a  a  ,„„.  .,„.a  p.o„.„  .n  Wi„a  J-^l^/rtr.i"^::  T^-J^t 

High  and  Mighty  Lords, 

Westminster,  v«.,    u-  i  »r-  .   . 

,.,    ,,        „..  Your  High  Mightinesses' 
the  last  day  of  the  year  1655.  .„„„f  i,      x^   o 

n       •      1  ...1,  T  most  humbe  Servant, 

Received  G""  January,  1G5G.  /c-       .v         ,^.        " 

■^'  (signed)         Will-"  NjEUPooRT. 


F.ilio  188. 
Mteupuort. 


litmhdion  of  the  States  General  on  the  pve^eding  Letter. 

I  From  the  RegUUir  of  W«.  Indl.  Aifcl,.,  ms-im,  1,.  ,l,o  Boyl  Archl,«  ,t  Uie  ll.g„„.  ] 

Thursday,  C""  January,  1656. 

Received  a  despatch  from  Mr.  Nieupoort,  their  High  MightinesP.s'  Extraordinary 

Ambassador  in  England,  written  at  Westminster  the  ;)1  December  last  toffether 

^.t  h  two  letters  from  him  of  the  same  date  to  Secretary  Ruysch.  along  tth  ::iMi:u: 

K.wT„r.  ;^''^'«'"8  «'n°"g  other  things  that  some  Swedish  Soldiers  had  arrived  in  England 

from  New  Netherland,  who  were  expelled  thence  by  those  of  this  nation.     Which 

being  cons,  ered   it  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  the  Presiding  Chamber  of  tl  West  I  da 


580 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


States  Oeneral  to  tlie  Chamber  at  Amstei-dam. 


[  From  the  Kegliter  of  UUgtgan*  BrUvm  of  tht  aialet  OenenI,  Id  the  Bo;al  Arthlrat  at  Ui«  Htgae.] 

To  the  Presiding  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company  residing  at  Amsterdam. 

The  States,  etc. 
P„i,„  ^  Honorable,  etc.     We   transmit  you   herewith   the  accompanying  extract  of 

*""''!"';„.. *"''f'™  Ambassador  Nieupoort's  despatch,  dated  31"  December  last,  concerning  the 
New N«iiirimi.i.  gwedlsh  soldiers  who  have  come  over  from  New  Netherland,  requesting  and 
requiring  you,  without  delay  to  convey  to  us  your  information  thereupon.  Wherewith 
ending,  etc.     Done,  G""  January,  1G56. 


Don  Estevan  Je  Gamarra  y  Contreras  to  the  States  Oeneral. 

[  From  th«  OrlglntI  In  Iba  Rojtl  ArehlTM  at  th«  Ilagii* ;  File,  Spartjt,  ] 
[TKAMSLATED    FROM    THE    FRENCH,] 

The  undersigned,  Ambassador  of  Spain,  not  having  yet  received  any  answer  from  Messrs. 

the  States  General  to  a  Memoir  he  presented  on  the  U""  December  last,  requesting  your 

Lordships  to  be  pleased  to  dispatch  requisitory  letters  in  favor  of  Juan  Gallardo,  a  Spanish 

I'ilot,  addressed  to  the  Governor  or  Magistrate  of  New  Netherland  to  arrest  Captain  Sebastiaeri 

de  Raeff  and  his  Lieutenant,  Jan  van  Campen,  when  they  will  arrive  at  the  ports  of  said 

country,  where  they  usually  repair  with  their  prizes,  and  to  seize  their  ships  and  effects  for  the 

indemnification  of  the  said  Juan  Gallardo  and  the  other  his  Miijcsty's  subjects  interested  in 

their  robberies,  with  orders  to  send  them  prisoners  to  these  Provinces  for  trial  and  exemplary 

punishment;  and  in  case  the  said  two  pirates  be  not  found,  that  he  cause  free  restitution  to 

be  made  to  said  Gallardo,  of  his  nine  Negroes  and  of  all  the  others  he  will  recognize  belonging 

to  the  same  prize,  principally  the  thirty-six  of  (Antonio  de  Rivera,  devolved  to  his  Majesty  by 

the  decease  of  said  Uivera  intestate,  leaving  to  the  purchasers  their  recourse  against  the 

pirates ;    he   finds   himself  under  the  necessity  of  renewing  his  urgent  entreaties   to  your 

Lordships  to  be  pleased  to  accede  to  that  request,  which  is  founded  on  all  justice  and  equity, 

the  more  especially  as  the  Magistrate  of  Amsterdam,  having  set  the  said  Captain  de  Raeff  at 

liberty  on   simple   security  under  oath,  contrary  to  all  form  of  justice,  has  deprived   said 

Gallardo  and  the  other  interested  parties  of  the  means  of  prosecuting  their  right  against  him 

and  of  thereby  obtaining  satisfaction,  in  consequence  of  iiis  fleeing  these  Provinces,  and  as 

this   poor   man   having  exhausted    his   means   in  expenses,  has  not  wherewithal  to  subsist 

much  longer. 

Done  at  the  Hague,  the  G""  January,  1656. 

(Signed)         Gamakra. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIII. 


581 


Besolutiom  of  the  State,  Omeral  on  the  SIpanM  Amiassador^,  Letter. 


tFron,  Ih.  B»gi.l«,  of  W«.  India  Aaiilr.,  ma-lOM,  In  the  Eo,.J  A«h.T..  «„1..  n.g«e.] 

Thursday,  the  6"-  January,  1666. 

F.,10  m  Read  at  the  Assembly,  a  certain  additional  Memoir  of  the  Snanish  Amhno»,^ 

SoT""  ^—  touching  the  case  of  Johan  Gaiiiardo.  a  Spanish  pi  otarain^t  p"  m  ^"'^'^      ' 

.o..„  o.,„..      Uaeph  and  his  Lieutenant  Jan  van  Camp'Twho  1  '   o      sa7d  G^liitd"    h"" 

ah,p  and  some  Negroes  and  repaired  to  Ne.  Netherlan'd/from  whith  7c  a  g     fh     a^la^y 

;::^;:n::^^:Ke^r^^^^ 


Folio  11. 
OiilUrdo 


Kaotr. 


oontr*, 


[  F«>m  ,b,  E.g«„  or  UMoIutlon.  of  ih.  BtaU*  Doner.!,  I.  ,he  B«,.l  Archlre.  ..  the  ILguo.  ] 

Monday,  the  lo"-  January,  1656. 
The  additional  Memorial  of  the  Ambassador  of  Spain,  presented  to  their  Hiirh 
M  ght,„esses  on  the  6-^  instant,  respecting  the  case  of  Johan  Gaiiiardo.  ala^i^h 
pilot,  against  Captain  Sebastiaen  Uaeff  and  his  Lieutenant  Tin  vn„  r 
who  took  from  the  abovenamed  Gaiiiardo  his  shin  and  ^nm^  L  ^  Campen, 

Netherland.  whereof  the  abovementioned  R  eff  XhaZ  a^C  d      '""''''^'  '°  '''^" 
again   brought  before   the  Assembly;   and   th     s  m      fe  1^^^^^  ^""' '« 

concluded  hereby  to  request  and  commission  M  .    ^Is  ng     to    ^  "'^b     A    TY  ""' 
the   said  Captain   was  duly  and  legally  discharged^u'^;ttl:m^c         tr^^ti:^! 
Memo.r  and  o    that  presented  to  their  High  Mightinesses  on  the  same  su^ct  on    he  n 
December,  shal    be  transmuted  to  Director-General  Stuyvesant  with  orders.'in  case     efind 
on  due  inquiry,  the  matter  to  be  as  narrated  in  the  aforesaid  Memorial  to  send  Vl  IT  J 

Jan  van  Campen  hither,  ,eJe  ligato,  and,  moreover,  to  allow  those  rnterestedilbf'T"".' 
slaves,  to  obtain  good,  brief,  prompt  and  full  justice.  ""  '''^"'"''^ 


AMARRA. 


States  General  to  Director  Stuyvesant. 

[  From  the  EegUU,  of  Vit^^a^  BH«^  of  U,o  8..U»  Qencl.  in  the  Eo,.l  Archirc.  ..  .io  H.g...  ] 

To  Director-General  Stuyvesant,  in  New  Netherland. 

The  States,  etc. 

F.,.o5  Honorable,  etc.    We   herewith   send  you   the   accompanying  copies  of  the 

Memorials  presente    to  us  by  the  Spanish  Ambassador  on  the  H-^  Decemb'erU::nl  on  the 

s'^iULpr""""  '    °'  ''"«  7"th.  respecting  the  case  of  Johan  Gaiiiardo.  a  Spanish  pilot,  against 

Captain  Sebastiaen  Raeff'  and  his  Lieutenant  Jan  van  Campen.  and  we   ransmit 

you,  besides,  the  annexed  extract  of  our  resolutions  adopted  on  the  aforesaTd  Mem^iairwUh 


582 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


order  and  command,  that  you  regulate   yourself  i;reci3ely  according  to   the  tenor  thereof, 
without  in  any  wise  failing  therein.     Relying  whereupon,  etc.     Done  10  January,  1C5G. 


Ambasmdor  Nieupowt  to  the  States  General. 

(From  Iho  Original  in  the  Boyal  Arclilvm  nl  Ibo  llnEUo;  File,  Bngrlanit.  | 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

My  Lords 

A  certain  merchant  here  in  London,  attending  to  the  husiness  of  the  West  India  Company, 
communicated  to  me,  a  few  days  ago,  a  letter  from  Mr.  Stuyvesandt,  Director-General  of  New 
Netherland,  handed  to  him  hy  Mr.  Johan  Rising,  late  Governor  for  the  Crown  of  Sweden,  on 
the  South  River  of  New  Netherland  aforesaid,  wherein  the  ubovenomed  Stuyvesandt  writes 
that  lie  had,  on  the  express  order  and -instructions  of  the  Director?  of  the  Incorporated  West 
India  Company,  lately  reduced  the  said  South  River,  under  that  Company's  obedience;  with 
a  formal  Capitulation,  wherehy  it  was  stipulated,  that  the  skipper  with  whotn  the  abovenamed 
Johan  Rising  and  the  factor  Heurick  Klswyck,  should  sail,  was  instructed  to  land  them  in 
France  or  in  England,  and  that  Director-General  Stuyvesandt  was  to  loan  or  furnish  the  former 
exchange  for  the  sum  of  three  hundred  pounds  Flemish,  for  the  prosecution  of  his  voyage, 
&c.,  which  the  abovenamed  Rising  coming  here  to  London  from  Plymouth,  at  once  demanded 
from  the  said  merchant. 

No  news  has  been  received  here  from  sea  since  my  last,  from  any  quarter,  nor  from  Scotland 
o"-  Ireland,  and  nothing  worth  mentioning  has  occurred  since  Christmas  day.  Vice-Admiral 
df  Ruyter'  is  highly  praised  for  having  befriended  the  ships  of  this  nation,  and  so  valiantly 
attacked  the  enemies  of  all  Christendom.  Tiie  Lord  Protector  with  the  Council  held  a  special 
day  of  Fasting  and  Thanksgiving  on  the  day  before  yesterday,  and  I  am  a8s.-re(i  that  about  forty 
first  class  ships  will  he  ready  for  sea  within  a  month,  among  whicii  will  be  the  large  frigate 
the  Naseby  and  the  ship  Itrsotulion,  each  carrying  over  eighty  guns  and  five  hundred  men.  1 
am  informed  that  (ieneral  Illake  will  go  in  the  first,  and  Vice-Admirr.l.Lawson  in  the  second  ; 
Major  Bourne  is  to  be  employed  as  Rear-Admiral  of  the  aforesaid  tieet.     I  am,  moreover, 

'  MicUAM.  Ai'RiABNsA  ''"I'"-'  '1"  Itujtor,  l.ii'iitiniinl-A'liiiiral  (iciiirnl  of  llic  I  uittil  rrcvlmin,  wn-  liorn  ill  Flimliinn,  in  1(507. 
Jli'  cnteriMl  tlio  imvy  at  llii>  riirly  B^e  of  II,  siiil  fmm  Ufiriu  a  common  sailor  ro«'  to  llii'  I16111I  of  lii»  profimion.  Wliilsit  only 
I'nptttin  111'  ilifiMiili"!  Dulilin  H((miwt  Iho  Iritli ;  nimlo  wvcrnl  voy»(r<"!i  to  tlo-  Wt-nl  InJieiuinl  Braxil,  hihI  bting  Ui'iirAilii.ir«I,  w«i 
m>nl  in  lrt41,  to  niO  I'ortiiiiBl  riKiiinst  S|iiiiii,  wln'ro  ho  no.iuittpil  himsi'lf  with  much  dill incli.in.  Ilo  nut  ilrfculpil  the  lUrlmry 
pii«liK  at  Salon,  nu.l  in  liifiS,  ooniinaii.loi)  iimlor  Van  Tronip,  tho  Itiiloh  Itopt,  with  wliioli  li«  throe  linio«  eiiKaijod  tho  Kn^linh. 
In  I1I.J.'),  Ipo  prooooKJ  to  Iho  Mo.litorranoaii,  wluro  ho  oaptiiroil  «u.l  hui:^  Ihu  famoun  rcniyailo,  Amanil  ilo  |)i»«.  In  IrtftU, 
lio  acrvoil  njjaiimt  Swo.lon  in  tho  wnr  liBlwion  that  prwor  an  I  Iioninark,  an.l  •o  hi^hly  ilici  llio  Ullor  Slaio  appnoial* 
Do  |{uytor'i»i«rvioo«,  tlnilit  oonforrod  a  piii.iiim  on  him,  ami  oiinohlnl  hinuoll'tii'l  all  lin  family.  In  lUrtl,  ho  oHpluro.l  aTania 
vc»«ol,  aii'l  lihornlo.l  eighty  Chniliim  Slavi  «  whom  ho  foiin.l  ou  hoaril ;  no  hijth  ilid  ho  ttanJ  in  lilrtft,  'hat  ho  wan  rlectoj 
ljoiil«n»iil-Ailniir«l,  and  in  Itlfii'.,  ullor  h.ivinrf  Riiiiio.l  a  ;iroiil  violory  ovor  tho  Knulisli,  wa^  pruiooteJ  lo  l.o  l.ioulonanlAJiuiral- 
Oono'-al.  llio  hifthMt  rank  ho  oouM  ronoh,  Iho  (Mivornor  of  llollaml  having  hoon  o«  i.lRiio  Admrial  of  tho  Dutch  Na»y,  Ilo 
L'untinuixl  to  JintinKiiiiib  liimwlf  liy  many  hrilliant  aolioni  until  lil7rt,  whon  liti  waa  loorlally  woiin.loj  in  an  eunagomont  with 
til*  Krcuoh  off  Sioily.  Uii  roiiiaiut  ware  coovcytd  lo  Aiuitardam,  where  the  State*  ckUMtl  »  iU[>erb  luonumeut  to  be  erected 
to  hit  memory.  Moriri.  —  Ki>. 


i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:     VIII  ego 

shillings  sterling  a  day.     The  L-'eufprnnt  nf  th»  f  u   j  ""uwni  a  i    r\ ant  and  four 

=:'-".;::.:  '=-  x- SS  HnHf Sf~ 

whereby  .any  h  ..ve  been  brought  into  great  dm.:U^es'l^l:^''Z.      l^^t^T' 
respecting  the  proposals  of  the  Jews.  °  '  '''"'"  '^°"« 

.wlpr:'nV:^:f:,' "'" """ '"'"  '"«""»"■•■ »"  ^-i-p^--  -■'  ^'-^'-'y  «...i  .h.,, 

High  and  Mighty  Lords, 
Westminster,  7  )  ,  ^""'  ^^'S*"  Mightinesses'  Most  humble  servant. 


Ueceivedia'     j  Jan-'^ry,  I65G. 


(Signed)         WiL-  NiEUPooRT. 


CT^m^  a/  ^?«*/e;vfo»»  to  the  States  General. 

I  From  Iht  OriRln.1  In  the  Roy.)  Ar.l,l,M.,  ,t  ih«  H.^,,, ;  fi,,,  „■„,  ,„,,,,  , 

High  and  ^Fighty  Lords. 

We  yesterday  ......ived  yonr  High  Mightinesses'  letter  of  n-  i„«,„nt  with  the  accompanvln. 

extract  of  Ambassador  .N.eupoorfs  despatch  dated  the  31  December  last.     In  answer  t'^eJS 
we  state,   that  in   the  month    of  May.    10.34.    one     John    Ryssen    who    represented    lim 
a      e.ng  commissioned  by  the  Crown  of  Sweden,  arrived,  with  a  certain  sliip'and  some  pi 
in  th     New  ^etherland  province  of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company  of  this  cm intrv ' 
an     there,  contrary  to  t  e  law  of  nations,  made  himself  master  of  the  aforesaid  Comp     y-J 
fortress  name.1  Casimier,  ■  situate  on  the  South  Klver.  and  thus  dispossessed  us  of  a  place  w  fcl 
we   had  occupied  (or   many   years   in  peace  and    ..uie.ne.s.     H..ing  advised   thereof  by     |1 
Director-Generul.  we  chartered  the  ship  the  m,c,  last  year  from  the  Worshipful  Hurgonias.e 
ofthis  city   and  jient  on  some  soldiers  in  her  to  recover  the  aforesaid  fort  from  the  said  im 
Uysen.  and   to    bring    i,    under   the    Company's   obedience.      This    being   accomplished,  he 
resolved  to  n-pair  hither  with  some  people,  and  embarked  on  board  one  of  the  tHree    hi... 
which  having  sailed  from  New  Netherland   first  ran  into  I'lymouth  in   Kugland   by  cont    ry' 
winds,  an    now  have  arrived  in  the  Texel.      I'he  paper,  and  .locumen.s  were  handed  TZ 
the   I.r.t   lime,  to-day.  so   that   we   have   not   yet    ha.I   any    opoor.unity  to  examine      em 
Notwi.hstandmg.  we  could  not  omit  advising  your  High  Mightinesses  o(  what  precedes  in  order" 
that  pursuant  to  your  request,  the  earliest  informat.on   may  be  furninhed  ,  yet  we  offer  to  b. 
prepared  to  subuilt  to  your  High  Mightinesses  a  full  report  of  what  has  occurred,  should  yo 
consider  it  necessary.     Wherewith.  ' 


N"W,  N.w  ('•ntli-,  iJci. 


■bi. 


584 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


High  and  Mighty  Lords,  we  shall  pray  God  Almighty  for  the  continual  welfare  of  your 
High  Mightinesses'  prosperous  government,  and  remain 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  humble  Servants, 
The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at  Amsterdam. 
Amsterdam,  this  13  ]  ^  (Signed)        J.  Bontemantel. 

Received  16  )  •''»""''""y'  ^^^'^-  Abb.  Wilmerdonx. 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceding  Ldter. 

[From  tba  BsgiKMr  of  Weet  India  Affairs, IBS'!  — 1643, In  the  Rojral  ArcblTM  at  tbe  Hague.] 

Saturday,  the  15""  January,  1G5G. 
Folio iw.  Received  a  letter  from  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at 

Amsterdam,   dated   the    IS""  instant,   in   answer  to   their   High    Mightinesses' 

flwpdPB    In     New  . 

J,  ihcriand.  despatch  of  the  G""  instant,  an  1  consequently  information  relative  to  the  expulsion 

of  some  Swedish  soldiers  from  New  Netherland.     Which  being  considered,  the  Provinces  have 
requested  copy  of  said  letter,  and  the  same  is  hereby  granted  them. 


<■■»«■» 


lie-solution  of  the  States  General  calling  for  a  Report  on  tJie  Impulsion  of  the  Swedes 

from  the  South  Rii'er. 

[  Fn>ai  Iba  Reglttor  nf  Waal  India  Amra,  1U1  —  IM3,  In  the  Rnyal  Arehlrta  al  Iha  Hague.  ] 

Tuesday,  the  IS""  January,  IG/JG. 

Upon   consideration,   it  is  resolved    that    the   Directors   of   the    West   India 
Company,  (Miamber  at  Amsterdam,  shall  be   written  to  immediately  to  draw  up 
Hfiiirriana.  .,„j  transmit  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  the  report  or  relation  respecting  some 

Swedish  soldiers  arrived  from  New  Netherland,  more  fully  mentioned  in  Ihuir  last  letter  of  the 
•    .     .    .  instant. 


Folio  1M. 

|>wMi>»     In     New 


Slatet  General  to  the  C'hai/iUr  at  Avvittrdam. 

I  Fmoi  Ike  Ueglaler  of  fitft'ini  Britrtn  of  Uit  Suiea  Oeneral,  in  Iha  H'lyal  ArcklTee  al  Ike  llaaue.  ] 

To  the  Arasterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company. 

The  States,  etc. 
F.noii.  Honorable,  etc.     We  have  re»olv»,d  hereby  to  request   and  riquire  you   to 

prepare  immediately  and  to  transmit  to  us  tin-  Report  or  Relation  n-specting  Itie  expulsion  of 
Kipuuim  n'  ...me  g„„„.  Swcdlsli  goliliers  from  New  .Netherland,  more  (ully  mentioned  in  your  last 

Il*r4l«tl        »«'Mlera 

jTMm  New  Neihef-  i^ner  seul  lo  ud.     Relying  whereupon,  etc.     Done  IS  January,  1050. 


1 


[SECKSTCASE.] 


WEST  INDIA  COMPANY, 


REPORT 


or   THB 


AMSTERDAM  CHAMBER  OF  THE  WEST  INDIA  COMPANY, 


WITH   THB 


PAPERS  AND  CORROBORATIVE  DOCUMENTS  TIIERELTO  BELONGLNG, 


■CIFECTINO 


THE  SAYEDES 

WHO   HAVE   AUniVED    FROM   SEW   NETIIERLAND, 


Rkcwvbd  Tin  28tii  Jahwaut,  1658. 


(CtMUi.,L<MkHM.,No.«.] 


h   > 


r 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VUL 

Extract  from  tke  I^e^Ur  of  tke  Secret  Jiesolutions  of  tU  IliyU  an,  Mi.Uy  Lor^ 
States  General  of  the  UniUd  Netlwrland^.  H    y     ^as 

Fridfiy,  28  January,  lC5e. 

[  Omitted ;  being  dujilicBta  «f  Rewlntion,  pott,  p  609.  ] 


*■■<■■> 


Clamher  at  Amsterdan.  to  the  Slatet  General 
, -~.^.. .».™ ,. ...  ^.  .„„.. .,  „  „.„., .,_  „  ^  ^  ^^  ^  ^_^^  ^^  ^^^  ^^  ^^  _^ 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

Jn  our  provisional  answer  of  the  13"'  ..f  »hia  ,.„„„„»  xl  . 

despatch  of  (he  G-M-nstant  concern  n/.Lsl?    TT  **"  ^''''  "'^'^  Mightinesses 

offered  to  furnish  a  fur,     r Zo     o?  ;, .      "        I'm        "  T'''"^  '"'"  ^'""  N.therl..d,  we 
with    the    proper   veri,Lt;tfo„rand      ave  ZtStt      '^^ 

Mightinesses  with  an  humhle  request   thron  rTJ  I  .'""T     ''''*^"''''^'   '°    ^''"^    "'S^ 

and  the  reasons  thereunto  npJeZ^i.l^^ul^^^^''^       "'  I""  '^''•^""-'«"-''  ^^  the  case 
it  had  so  far  regarded  the  hoTr  If         W  ^  ""'  '°  '"'''  ''  '"  "'^  ''^«  ^""•P''"^.  'hat 

aHVonts.  injuries  and  dt  g    "  ,    XS  'T  •-''^""'^"'  ^^  ^"^  ^^ --' 

and  that  we  have  provided   a    far  iT  ,r  I  by  the  Swedes  m  the  aforesaid  district, 

usurpation,  of  that'n     otL  nf,    d  d    „  -       ""  '""'  """  '''  ""'^--'^  "^  ""^  hostile 
pleasure,  sin.iiar  invasion    of  th'oomnnv'snor'""        "."?''"'  •'^""'"'"•^''  ^"''  "'  "-> 

taug..  We  .rther  pray  y^^'n:^:!;^:^^!-;::^:^::^^^^ 

the  Company  the  needful  assistance,  so  that  this  nohie  I'rovi..ce  wliU  hat-r.  f       '''"" 

r.«..t  well  i.   :.^ .    and  agriculture,  and  would,  under  other       cu^tace;tv^^^^^^^      ^7^: 

-  -  P--  -  -^a  .our  High  Mi^l^ s^^^Ztd  ^IZI^^Zr  ""'^"^^ 

High  .uid  Mighty  Lords, 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  Humhle  Servants 

Amsterdam,  this  24  )  "'""  "''"  '''"'  ""'"^  ^'?";''"">''  ^"«""-  "'  Amsterdam. 

Received  oy  M^nuary,  1066.  (Signed)         J.  Contemantkl 

Dauid  van  Baehle. 
Secret.  ~ 


pi 

i  fl 


■"f 


588 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


caused  to  be  built,  two  posts  or  fort  eases ;  the  one  and  the  largest  called  Nassau,  16  leagues 
up  the  river  on  the  east  bank,  being  their  southern  frontier;  and  the  other  named  Bevers 
reede,  down  the  river  on  the  west  bank,  about  the  lands  of  the  Schuylkil ;  a  place  wonderfully- 
convenient  and  so.  called  on  account  of  the  Beaver  trade  which  was  prosecuted  there  to  a 
couiiiderable  amount  with  the  natives  and  Indians. 

The  Company  also  bought,  or  caused  to  be  bought  from  the  natives  and  owners,  about 
the  snme  time,  many  lands,  in  order  thus  to  be  able,  as  first  discoverers  and  possessors,  to 
settle  tills  river  more  peaceably,  quietly  and  with  greater  right. 

This  South  River  was  deemed  the  finest,  of  all  North  America,  being  wide,  deep  and 
navigable ;  also  greatly  abounding  in  fish,  especially  in  plenty  of  sturgeon,  from  the  roe  of 
which  caviar  in  vast  quantity  can  be  manufactured. 

The  soil  hereabouts,  and  on  both  sides  of  said  river,  is  very  fertile  and  the  most  part  of  it 
exceedingly  well  adapted  for  tillage  and  grain  ;  it  also  produces  various  descriptions  of  fruits. 

Thousands  ot  Beavers  can  be  bought  here  and  around  the  .Schuylkil,  or  Bevers  reede,  the 
Company's  constructed  Redoubt,  which  are  brought  down  in  great  abundance  by  the  Southern 
Indians  (called  Minquas)  and  by  the  Black  Indians,  so  that  thia  river  has  been  always  held  in 
great  esteem  and  repute  by  the  Company  and  its  Agents,  on  account  of  its  fitness  and  great 
convenience  both  for  Trade  and  Agriculture. 

This  River  had  been  for  many  years  in  the  peaceable  and  quiet  possession  of  the  Company 
until.  P.*.  length,  a  certain  person  named  Pieler  Minuyt,  forgetful  of  the  benefits  conferred  on 
him  b'  \'  '■  Company,  whose  Director  he  had  been  in  New  Nelherland,  cast  his  eye  upon  it. 
But  not  knowing  under  what  pretence  to  go  there,  he  proceeded  to  Sweden  and  having,  as 
'twas  asserted,  obtained  a  Commission  from  that  Crown,  trnnsporled  himself  thence  forthwith  to 
the  South  River  with  one  or  two  ships  and  some  Swedes,  the  most  of  whoi.i  were  banditti,  where 
in  the  year  IG3S.  and  consequently  full  twelve  years  after  the  Company  had  con.e  there,  he 
had  a  fort  erected  called  Christina,  about  five  (a,  six  leagues  below  the  Company's  fort  Nassau, 
notwimstanding  as  first  discoverers  and  possessors  of  the  afoiesaid  river,  the  latter  had  caused 
its  Servants  to  protest  repeatedly  against  them  ;  as  appears  by  divers  letters  *"  their  Director 
Willem  Kieft,  extracts  whereof  are  hereunto  annexed  under  N"  1. 

The  land  named  the  Schuylkil,  where,  as  already  nieulioned,  fort  Bevers  reede  stands,  was 
purchased  from  the  right  owners  and  principal  Indians  in  the  year  1033,. by  Arent  Corssen, 
the  Company's  Servant,  and  conveyed  to  the  Company,  which  conveyance  the  aforesaid  Indian 
Chiefs  did  also,  in  the  year  1C4S,  renew  and  confirm,  as  can  be  seen  by  the  Deed  and 
conveyance  annexed,  iV  2.  The  Swedes,  notwithstanding,  have  erected  a  fort  on  these 
grounds  and  streams  so  indisputably  belonging  to  the  Company,  namely,  on  the  point  of  the 
Sliuylkil  aforesaid,  by  them  called  Klevit's  hook,  and  moreover  built  there  also  a  trading  house 
right  in  front  of  the  gate  of  the  Company's  fortress  Bevers  reede.  not  a  rod  from  the  gale, 
whereby  our  people  were  wholly  shut  out  from  the  sight  cf  the  road,  so  as  the  better  to  deprive 
the  Company  of  the  Beaver  irade,  whereunto  they  direcle.'  all  their  efforts,  and  so  ruined  the 
trade,  that  it  has  become  unprofitalile  to  the  Company,  to  its  serious  damage  and  loss.  And 
Blthough  the  Company  had,  on  account  of  these  intolerable  and  insuflerable  proceedings, 
Buftirient  cause  to  drive  the  Swedes  thence,  which  could  then  have  been  easily  eftected,  yet 
neglecting  so  to  do  for  peace  sake  and  in  order  to  obviate  any  trouble  between  both  nations, 
it  only  protested,  an  bilore. 


r 


7iiHi 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIII  -„„ 

F.I,l,orgh.  o„  thee.*™  Lnk  of     T'h'      T"!  '"'  '"■'"''  """"'  «  ""'"  ""' "•"' 

•hem  „„  Iheir  voyage  b„t  even   ,l7„r         ""'''.  ""^•">'"P"J'»e«'"-i>.ion,  and  oh.lracl.d 

paper,  and  Hoc.e.n.  received  .o.n  Nj/.^LntZi  T  ^  ^^  fT  ^e  Z 
Kemonstrance  presented  there  by  the  «aid  aubjects  to  Petrus  Stuyvesa„rthe  C  ,«pa  v  « 
Director;  copy  whereof  i8  annexed,  N- 3.  yvesan.,  tlie    Company  s 

It  i.  sufficiently  apparent  from  all  these  unheard  of  and  insufferable  proceeding,   th-U  their 
.ntentmn  was  thus  to  dispossess  and  unseat  the  Company  from  th«  entL  ri  e     '  W trl 
Director  .tuyvesant  was  under  ,he  necessity  of  proceeding  thither  in  person  i      hel  r    r^  ' 
for  the   preservation   an.l   protection   of  the  Company's  right  and   jurisdiction    and  7.^?/* 
maintenance  of  its  inhabitants;    where  being  arr  v.d    he    bv  lettJ^nH 
.nown  and  caused  to  be  communicated  to  Uan  V:^i:Vi:::^ alZ^Zl::^ 
Company  had.  by  virtue  of  first  discovery  and  taken  possession,  generairto  thl  2       ^ 
nver.  con  nned  and   rendered  indisputable  by  the  purchase  o    dfJersl;  h^lutL'tt 
Schuy.k,-  district,  which  purchase  and  conveyance  was  effected  mnnv  ve,  !  If'       .i       ^ 

his     nd  were,  consequently,  conveyed  to  them  by  the  natives  and  proprietors.  ^ 

i  he  re«ult   was  only  a  simple   writing,   wherein   the   aforesaid   Governor  uesignated   the 

Swedish  limits  w.,le  an.l  broad  enough;  but  without  nnv  justification  or  nrorer  rr^J 

recourse  to  the  subterfuge  that  the  d.eds  of  the  pnrchal  ^nd  Zvey     c:  fT  L ^ 

!:de;dt:T:  ""  "■  ^""^•'"'  '-  ^^e-Ha„ceryat  Stockholm,  w^re.  he  sa:,.":::;; 

'Twas  shortly  after  made  manifest,  that  these  subterfuges  were  destitute  of  tm.'.   fnr      -a 

Swede,  had  so  long  occupied  the  aluresaid.  his  lands,  partly  against  his  will  and   b;  Lee! 


590 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


without  having  ever  given  him  the  least  satisfaction  ;  as  said  chief  liad  himself,  in  presence  of 
divers  respectahle  persons  declared  both  verbally  and  in  writing  to  Director  Stuyvesant;  to 
whom  he  then  presented,  and  in  due  form  conveyed  for  the  Company,  as  a  perpetual  and 
hereditary  possession,  his  lands  aforesaid,  with  their  kills  and  superficies,  so  unjustly 
and  forcibly  occupied  by  the  Swedes,  situate  both  on  the  east  nnd  west  shores,  and  on  the 
eiist  shore  beginning  from  the  Naricon  creek,  extending  in  a  westerly  direction  down  the  river 
unto  Maetsingsing,  and  on  the  west  shore  beginning  from  a  certain  creek  called  Neckatoesing, 
extending  from  the  river  westward  unto  Settoen  soene,  otherwise  called  the  Minquaas  kill, 
where  the  Swedish  fort  Christina  stands.  All  which  can  be  more  fully  and  clearly  seen  in  the 
aforesaid  written  declaration,  and  in  the  deed  and  conveyance  of  said  lands;  authentic  copy 
whereof  is  annexed  hereunto,  N"  4 

Notwithstanding  all  this,  and  for  still  further  peace  and  security,  the  said  Director  Stuyvesant 
sent  for  all  the  other  Indian  chiefs  yet  dwelling  about  the  aforesaid  river,  and  who  were  owners 
of  the  lands  situate  thereabouts,  nnd  in  presence  of  divers  persons,  according  to  their  annexed 
written  declaration  No.  6,  proposed  to  them  some  questions;  among  the  rest,  he  divers  times 
distinctly  and  in  express  terms,  had  the  question  put  to  them,  Whether  they  had  ever  sold  or 
given  any  lands  there  to  the  Swedes,  as  these  alleged?  All  of  whom  thereupon  unanimously 
and  positively  answered.  No ;  only  the  ground  on  which  the  Swedish  fort  Christina  stood,  nnd  a 
certain  garden  to  plant  tobacco.  Declaring  further,  that  they  gave  the  Company  all  the  land, 
from  the  aforesaid  fort  Christina  down  to  Boomljes  hook,  being  some  leagues,  to  do  therewith 
as  it  pleased.  Politely  thanking  them  therefor,  the  said  Director  preferred  making  them 
satisfaction  and  a  present  in  return,  which  they  also  have  specially  and  as  satisfaction  accepted, 
as  may  be  seen  by  the  deeds  thereof,  executed  in  due  form  under  the  signature  of  their  own 
hands;  copy  of  which  is  hereunto  annnexed,  N"  C, 

This  beinu  thus  done  for  the  prevention  of  further  trouble  and  for  the  removal  of  all  possible 
pretexts  ihe^Swedes  might  set  up.  Director  Stuyvesant  found  it  necessary  for  the  greater 
security  of  tiie  Company's  jurisdiction  and  the  protection  of  its  people,  to  build  nnother  fort  on 
the  said  river,  nnd  to  raze  Fort  Nassau,  which  lay  too  hij,.i  up  and  at  too  inconvenient  a 
distance.  And  selecting  for  that  purpose  a  tolerably  suitable  spot  on  the  Company's  own 
land,  conveyed  by  deed  as  aforesaid,  about  a  league  from  the  Swe.'.ish  fort  Christina,  and 
having  completed  the  fort  which  he  called  Casiiidr,  anil  provided  it  with  a  garri?on  and  munitions 
of  war,  according  to  circumstances,  tlie  aforesaid  Director  before  his  departure,  had  divers 
verbal  conferences  with  Johan  Printz,  the  Swedish  Govern  )r,  and  they  mutually  promised 
not  to  commit  any  hostile  or  vexatious  acts  against  one  another,  but  to  maintain  together  all 
nei!{li!)orly  friendship  and  correspondence,  as  good  friends  and  allies  are  bound  to  do. 

Afterwards,  this  Swedish  (ioveruor  l.eing  gone,  and  the  alfairs  of  the  Swedes  llfere  going 
to  decay,  in  consequence  of  not  having  received  any  assistance,  'hose  who  were  still 
remaining  in  thore  parts  caused  application  to  be  made  to  Director  Stuyvesant  that  the 
Company  would  protect  and  take  them  under  its  care  and  guardianship,  otfering  for  that 
purpose  to  behave  as  inhabitants  and  8ubje3tB  of  this  State;  as  is  to  be  seen  by  the  annexed 
extract  of  said  Director's  despatch,  dated  O'"  (Jctober,  1053,  N"  7.  And  although  many  would 
liave  seized  that  opportunity  thus  to  be  rid  of  them  and  to  be  master  of  those  who,  by  force 
and  contrary  to  repented  protests,  had  settled  there,  nnd  at  whose  hands  they  had,  in  addition, 
sulfered  so  many  allronts,  injuries  an<l  losses,  yet  such  was  not  done,  but  the  said  Director 
tiveu  did   not  want  and   was  unwilling  to  accept  this   their  ofVcr  of  removing  under  the 


i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIII. 


591 


Company's  obedience,  merely  in  order  to  prevent  and  obviate  all  difficulties  and  complaints 
which  might  be  made  and  put  forth  in  this  country  about  the  matter 

Th.s  civility  and  peaceable  proceeding  done  with  so  good  and  upright  a  meaning  and  intention 
met  wuh  a  very  ,11  return;  for  afterwards  in  the  month  of  May  of  tl,e  year  1054,  can  e  J 
Swe  .sh  s  .p  full  of  people  into  the  aforesaid  South  River,  with  a  new  Governor  w.:!  c.  L; 
to  all  ngh  and  reason,  (orcbly  made  themselves  masters  of  the  Company's  newly  erected  for^ 
Cas,m,rstnpp.d  the  Company's  people  and  soldiers,  who  were  but  few  in  nunLr,  of  thei 
ar...s  and  thrust  them  forth,  and  obliged  and  forced  the  free  men  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to 
the  Swedish  Governor,  as  they  were  not  resolvec  .o  leave  all  their  property  there  ;  as  further 
,s  to  be  seen  by  the  copy  of  the  collected  affidavits  thereof  made,  and  by  the  annexed  extracts 
of  the  letters  of  Director  Stuyvesant  and  Gerrit  Bicker,  late  commandant  of  s.id  fort  Casimir, 

Making  themselves,  in  this  wise,  wholly  masters  of  that  fine  and  navigab.e  river,  to  w'.ich 
they  never  had  any  pretention  nor  right,  innsmuch  a.  the  Company  had,  before  the  arrival 
of  any  Christian  Nation  there,  taken  and  crused  to  be  taken  possession  thereof  full  1^  years 
before  the  com.ng  of  the  Swedes;  which  possession  was  further  confirmed  and  rendered 
indisputabl.  by  prior  and  legal  purchase  of  many  and  divers  lands  ma  1e  over  to  them  bv 
proper  deeds  and  conveyances,  as  already  sufficiently  proved ;  so  that  the  Swedes  cannot  jastH; 
th.s  atrocious  and  unheard  of  action  by  any  just  pretext  or  appearance  in  the  world,  as  the 
new  bwed^sh  Governor  also  seems  sufficiently  to  admit  in  his  letter  which  he  wrote  on  this 
Bubject  to  Director  Stuyvesant;  for  he  says,  that  this  is  a  matter  of  greater  importance  than 
will  be  able  to  be  adjusted  by  servants  who  as  he  observes-and  this  is  to  ba  remarked - 
must  only  obey  orders  ;  excusing  this  his  improper  proceedings  by  the  commands  which  he 
had  hereunto  received  from  the  Crown  of  Sweden;  as  is  to  be  seen  by  the  annexed  extract  of 
said  letter.  N»  9. 

The  Director-General  of  New  Netherland  (who  was.  at  first,  greatly  pained  by  this  affiiir, 
as  he  received  nothing  but  thrt.Hs  in  reply  to  !,is  friendly  demand  for  restitution.)  .bund  it 
expedient  to  resent  th.s  wrong  last  year,  on  receipt  of  the  reinforcement  sent  hence.  And 
thereupon  departed  with  his  supplementary  force  for  the  South  river,  and  with  God's  help, 
reduced,  without  bloodshed,  the  aforesaid  fort  Casimir  again  under  the  obedience  of  this  State 
and  Company,  on  the  U'"  September.  1055.  according  to  the  annexed  Capitulation,  N-  lo." 

And  as  the  Governor  of  Fort  Christina,  named  John  Rising,  so  unjustly  filched  the 
possession  of  the  aforesa.d  fort  in  the  year  1054.  from  this  State  and  the  Company,  as  already 
narrated,  and  as  nothing  was  to  be  expected  but  that  he  would  undertake  a  similar  attempt 
after  the  departure  of  the  aforesaid  Director-General,  the  latter,  therefore,  summoned  xL 
a  oresa.d  Fort  Christina,  and  obtained  possession  thereof  in  like  manner,  without  any 
Woodshed,  on  the  25'^  of  the  same  month,  according  to  the  capitulation  hereunto  annexed. 

And  though  the  aforesaid  action,  according  to  the  law  of  nations  and  for  divers  reasons 
coulu  be  mamtainea  and  defended,  the  Company,  nevertheless,  in  order  to  show  and  to  declare 
before  al  the  world  that  it  does  not  seek  enmity  with  any  one,  nor  ask  might  belonging  to 
another,  but  only  endeavors  to  maintain  and  defend  its  own,  allowed  on  the  same  dny  an  offer 
.n  wr.t.ng  to  he  made,  to  restore  the  said  surrendered  Fort  Christina  to  the  said  John  Itising 
on  honorable  and  re;  sonable  conditions  to  be  sworn  to  and  solemnly  fullilled  by  him  and  his 
ofhcers  as  Agents  on  the  behalf  of  her  Royal  Majesty  cf  Sweden  on  the  one  part,  and  the 


592 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Director-General  and  Council,  as  Agents  of  this  State  and  the  Company,  on  the  other.  But 
this  offer  was  rejected  by  said  John  Rising,  on  pretence  that  the  matter  was  not  within  ;  s 
attribute,  and  he  preferred  to  adhere  to  tiie  Capitulation  which  had  been  concluded. 


Appendix  1.     Received  28  January,  1056.     Secret. 

Extracts  of  divers  letters  written  by  W  'lem  kieft,  late  Director  in  New 
Netherland,  to  the  Managers  of  the  lucorporated  West  India  Company, 
Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  viz':  — 

Of  a  letter  dated  2S' ■  April,  1038. 
The  assistant  of  Fort  Nassau  writes  that  Minuyt  was  at  the  South  river  aid  had  sent  his 
sloop  above  the  fort.  He  would,  nfterw  .rds,  npiin  go  up,  which  our  people  prevented.  And 
Peter  Mey  sailed  down  aboard  of  him  Jemaniiiiig  to  see  his  commission  which  he  refused  to 
exhibit,  saying  he  will  build  r.  fort  tl'  -e,  and  his  Queen  had  as  much  right  there  r.s  the 
Company.  I  have  sent  Jan  Jansen,  the  Commissary  of  the  fort  thither,  d  instructed  him, 
in  case  Minuyt  should  attempt  anything  to  our  prejudice  to  protest  against  im  in  due  form. 
I  hourly  expect  news  from  there,  etc. 

Of  a  letter  dated  31  July,  1638. 

Minuyt  erected  a  fort  on  the  South  River  five  leagues  from  ours ;  attracted  all  the  peltries  to 

himself  by  means  of  liberal  gifts ;  departed  thence  with  liis  two  attendant  ships,  leaving  24  men 

jv;rrrr':ir,r--.     in  the  fort  provided  with  all  sorts  of  goods  and  provisions  ;  had  posts  set  up  with 

C.  R.  S.  these  letters.  Jan  Jansen,  the  Commissary  at  Fort  Nassau  had  protested 
by  my  orders,  to  which  he  gave  an  answer,  copy  v,'hereof  is  annexed  hereunto.  We 
subsequently  sent  from  this  place  thiiher  a  draugiit  of  a  protest  whicli  was  read  to  him, 
whereunto  he  would  not  answer.     This  proceeding  is  highly  prejudicial  to  tlu-  Company,  etc. 

Of  copy  of  a  certain  letter,  without  date. 
In  regard  to  the  South  River,  affairs  remain  in  the  same  position  as  last  year.     Trade  there 
is  of  small  amount,  because  the  Swede,  by  underselling,  had  depressed,  and"  continues  still  to 
keep  down  the  market;  to  behold  this  contentedly,  to  be  thus  hectored,  deprived  of  the  trade 
and  robbed  of  our  land,  is  a  vast  annoyance,  &*. 

Of  a  letter  dated  2  October,  16.'39. 

Pert  Nassau  in  the  South  River  is  a  heavy  charge  to  the  Company ;  both  on  account  of  the 
strong  garrison  and  the  sloop.  We  see  no  means  of  lessening  it  on  account  of  the  Swedes  who 
have  settled  five  leagues  from  there,  within  our  jurisdiction,  though  they  well  know  that  the 
mouth  of  the  river  is  sealed  with  our  blood,  and  that  possession  has  been  taken  of  it,  above 
and  below.  Since  their  arrival  there,  we  have  fallen  short  full  30,000  in  the  trade,  and  still 
daily  suffer  through  their  means.  Should  they  move  off,  which  they  must  soon  do,  if  not 
reinforced,  we  will  never  consent  to,  if  we  are  strong  enough  to  prevent,  the  settlement  of  any 
pne  within  our  limits,  which  ought  to  have  been  the  case  in  this  instance. 


r 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIIL 


593 


Of  a  letter  dated  the  last  of  May,  1640. 

0''«'e"er  dated  the  16*  October,  1640. 

We  shall  treat  the  SweJes  ^^l^tZtl^rTr'  '"'  ""''  °"^  P^^P'"'  *«=• 
hostility,  such  as  forcibly  sailing  up  Pa     ou   foft'  '  1 ,  "    h    ^^  "'  '''«'""'"«  '°  «*»''»"'  -"<=»> 
and  so  forth.  ^  ^   '^  '^      °"'  '^"'''  '''''^'"«'  ^''^e^tening  to  run  off'  with  our  sloop 

Appendix  2.     Iteceived  28  January,  U56.     Sccrcl. 

di:Storc:;n:;^Sz::;:;;^;:tr:;„i'i""^'  ^'"^--  ^-^^-^^  -«-^« 

truly  to  have  sold'to  Arent  Corse  .J  tZZZd  Tv  "  '''.  '^'"^'""'  ''^^'"^•'  ^«"  ^^^ 
were  not  fully  paid  u.  but  as  we  a  e  no" fS  i  eVtl?' "'.  "'t  '°^  ""'^  «°°'^'''  -"''='' 
Sachems,  do  hereby  fully  and  irrevocably    o  1:    „d  ^      7  "e'  T'  '''  '^'"""'^"'^^ 

sale,  and  are  ready  on  all  occasions  to  niainta  n  an  A  f  V  ''  '^""^'•'"'"g  '^e  aforesaid 

to  be  set  up  to  it  by  whomsoever,  t  T  u  done  a„t?  .T"'  ""  ""'^""^  ^"^  '='«- 
us  native.,  in  the  presence  of  the  unde«°: ^el'" 'CTn'f  /  P  '"''  ^'^"^'^  '^ 
South  r.ve^o^New  Netherland.    Signed,  marked  in         man"^,:  t  "er^    ^Z^''^  '"  ''^ 


1 


the  mark  of  Mattehooren. 


-''  the  mark  of  Sinquees ; 
the  mark  of  Alebackinne ; 


Oi^  the  mark  of  Mechecksouivebe  ; 
^  the  mark  of  Quironkehouck  ; 
j/(_  the  mark  of  Kauke  and 
l/^  the  mark  of  Wacpacvack. 


^^::o^r:i::z:z::,;:::^:^-;^^^  signed  Augustyn 

all  cognizant  of  the  first  contract.     Lower  od'  ""Z''"^'''^'  ^a^der  Leendertsen, 

Council,  and  was  signed  L.  van  DinckTaJe  F  .  M     .  '^          n   "'^  "'^  '^'  Committee  of  the 

Honorable  Council. Ld  signed    J   Hudde  U„d        T'     ''""''''''  "''^^   ^^  °^^«^  "^ '^e 

.igned:  Cornelis  van  TienLen.  wf  """  ^^^^^^  "'^^  '''^  «"«'»«'.  «"d 

'     ."tLr  2  ;^;;j\:rt:;  ;^  rtr ;--  --  ^-^ ««-  - 

WestrndiaCompany.beg.nni„gSepte.X:t;S:~:-^--- 


Vol.  I. 


75 


I- 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


l.i 


1^ 

■so 


M    17.5 
las 

^    12.2 


u   mi 

^    1^    12.0 


1.8 


1.25      1.4 

1.6 

^ 6"     — 

—^ 

^^ 


VI 


A 


f> 


^ 


V  > 


/A 


"T 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


33  W8ST  MAIN  STRUT 

WHSTIR.N.Y.  I4S8(I 

(716)  •7a-4303 


'^ 


fi^ 


."  .^ 


Hj^ 


\ 
4 


594 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


»       !, 


Ajipendix  3.     Received  2S  January,  1666.     Secret. 

Extract  of  a  certain  letter  written  from  the  South  River  of  New  Netherland,  hy 
Adriaen  van  Tienhoven  to  Mr.  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  Director-General  of  New 
Netherland,  dated  Fort  Bevers  reede,  9*  November,  1648. 

'Twere  desirable  that  your  Honor  had  once  resolved  to  come  here  in  person,  to  look  once 
into  the  condition  of  this  river,  for  the  Indians'  do  here  whatever  they  please.  The  house 
they  erected  at  Fort  Beversreede,  is  the  greatest  insult  in  the  world  that  can  be  offered  to  the 
Director  of  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  it  has  been  placed  about  12  (S.  13 
feet  from  our  palisades,  and  thereby  shut  us  out  from  the  sight  of  the  water  or  kill.  Secondly, 
they  have  occupied  all  the  land  round  about  us,  whereupon  they  have  this  year  planted  maize; 
so  that  we,  at  present,  have  not,  adjoining  the  fort,  as  much  land  as  will  this  year  make  a  little 
garden ;  'tis  a  shame  for  them  to  act  thus.  I  trust,  Sir,  you  will  provide  agai"st  it.  Symon 
Root  hath  begun  to  build  his  house,  but  'tis  again  thrown  down  under  foot  by  violence  and 
force,  etc. 


To  the  Valiant  Mr.  Peter  Stuyvesant,  Director-General  of  New  Netherland,  Curajao  and 
dependenci'  s  thereof,  etc. 

The  undernamed  good  vassals  and  subjects,  residing  under  the  sovereignty  of  their  High 
Mightinesses  the  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands,  the  patroonship  of  the 
General  incorporatecJ  West  India  Company,  and  the  government  of  the  honorable  and 
valiant  Director-General  Peter  Stuyvesandt,  on  the  Island  Ahrumime  in  the  Sc'iuylkU,  in  the 
South  River  of  New  NetheHand ;  humbly  represent — Whereas,  in  the  month  of  March  last 
we,  by  humble  petition  have  set  forth  to  your  Honor  the  losses  we  have  suffered  by  the 
proceedings  of  the  Swedes,  on  which  petitions  your  Honor  did  not  scruple,  at  great  trouble  to 
repair  hither  for  the  relief  of  us  your  ever  faithful  subjects,  which  affection  and  aa  it  were 
fatherly  care,  we  thankfully  acknowledge.  But  though  we  with  full  confidence  assure 
ourselves  of  being  able  to  dwell  here  on  this  South  river  aforesaid  with  greater  security  in 
future,  to  maintain  our  families  by  our  industry  and  diligence,  yet  we  are,  nevertheless,  up  to 
this  day,  by  open  force  and  general  violence  obstructed  in  your  honored  commission,  chiefly, 
(coming  to  particular  facts):  — 

I,  the  undersigned  Symon  Root,  most  humbly  request  due  indemnity  for  incurred  losses 
and  damages;  first,  for  the  opposition  the  Swedes  offered  to  my  building  at  Wigquakoing'  in 
the  year  1647  ;  inasmuch  as  the  throwing  down  the  Hon""*  Company's  arms,  and  the 
destruction  of  the  building  erected  by  Commissary  Andries  Hudde,  rendered  it  sufficiently 
apparent,  that  further  occupation  there  would  be  prevented  by  '.hem. 

In  like  manner  also,  in  the  ytar  1049,  Lieutenant  Swem  Schoete  and  his  assistants,  by  force 
of  arms,  regardless  of  friendly  remonstrances  and  legal  protests,  utterly  ruined,  broke  in  pieces 
and  entirely  annihilated  the  house  brought  to  the  Mastemaeckers  hook,  of  which  the  foundation 
timbers  were  laid  ar^d  the  ties  set  up. 

'  8it.  Quetrtf  SwtiU: 

■Now,  Wioaooa,    in    riiilBdrlphia.     iltmoiu  of  th»   Pmntyhania    Hiitorieal    Sucitljf,  III.,  pt  i.,  4«,  :  ".      It  ia  —IM 
WiaAfiMMndfr  on  LinttrAm't  tfooa  Rutciv  Oarta,  in  T.  C«mpftniut  Holm'*  N^  SiMrif4  lUi  Amtrita,  »».  IT.  — 1». 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS-    VIII 

co..is IrZuy  a^dlt  ^n'T;'^^:   'T   ^''''   ^°   -"'-  wording  to   .awfu, 

Alao.  in  June  of  fhe  year  1*649    i^^^^^^^^^  Ma8ten,aeckef«  hook, 

violence  the  sloop  calledVele^.^!:;^^^^^^^^^^^  "^-^  -*-^  by 

On  the  last  of  December,  ln\^  vear  if  ^7  h  '"%*^""'''"  ^'^"^i^'  ""'^  Prevented  my  voyage, 
with  force  and  violence,  sei  e  me  Jan  Gerl'J  "t^^i  ^"^^  ^"'''''  ^"^  "^  '"^^  •"«""-. 
yacht,  and  handled  the  good  nan' unehrttanl '."'''  "'  '"i  *^""^'  ^''^  ^'^'^-  ^»''«'^  '"e 
of  me  Jan  Geraet.  turned  theru;ide  dow  '  l^orrr'^  "'^  T"  '""  ^"'^  '^""-«« 
of  about  60  lbs.  of  powder  and  six  uuns  but  on  mv  ^-         "°°'  °^  '^"'■'  "^^''^  ^°"«'«»«'l 

returned  me  some  powder,  abou  Tibs  and  thr  ^  '''"'"'"u^  '°  ""  "'''"  ""'^  "''-'  "^'ig^''. 

Pursuing  the  violence  a  ore  :idf  C    „lJr;  Hudd"':,-^^  T'"'"  '"  '^P'  '"^  '"•"-'• 
petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  Fort  JBevr  ed7n       f  A  ' '"    ^'  ^"''  '''''  ""  "'«  ^^"""ble 
Philip  Jansen,  allow  and  point  Tut    t  a  c    tain  T    '^;   ."'">       ''°""^''^"'  «y"'°«  «°°'  «"<» 
of  ground  to  plant  some  ga'r'en  stuff  n  wh    h  b  i     "  /u"'  """'"  "'^'  "  ^"^"  P'«" 

destroyed  by  an  express  sent  dwn  b;  Mr  Joh    If  T^^^^^  """'^  ""'^  "' «"- 

the  seed  publicly  burnt.  ^  "''"  ^ ""'"'  ""'^  '''^  -^"=«  ^"^  'he  preservation  of 

a;;;i.' «:  tr^w-ig  :;;h:t:ove::m:rcor '^^  r '"'^-  ^^-'  ^^«  ■-'^^•^  «^ 

abovementioned  Island  Harommuny    J   ^  of  thr'sw  d  "'^  '"''""'•""  '"  ""'"^  °".''- 
timbers  and  set  up  the  ties  wE  arrL.        .  ,!  P'^"*"''°"-  «"<»  'aid  the  grotnd 

fire-wood.  ^  '       '"^  "'  destroyed;  yea,  all  the  entire  work  was  cut  up  into 

with  Abraham  Staets  and  GerrrHe^dH  ks  n'  thJl^d"  """!!  u''"'  ""'  Aharommuny. 

on  the  •.>2-«'  May.  to  which  I  San,  ^^,^''-"  '  'J«  '""'^  «"«  measured  by  the  said  Commissary 

was  forcibly  pr;rel':ahou    tt  "ir^T^^^^^^^  ^^  "-  building 

Huygen  and  J„„  Pa^egay,  fully  aLed  ^  "^"""^  '  ''''P"''*'^'  """'^"'^^ 

w:ir;::r::t":;:;7;i:^:::-:7  ^---resorted  to  by  the  swedes,  do 

reparation  for  the  same,  and  ead   Jor     is  rffTr         '°  ^°"'"  """"^  ""'^  •^•""^"'^  '^"« 
also  complain  to  your  lllrTr  ilm  '^r""^"  '""^  '""'     ^"  '"^^  '"-°"'  -« 

Mourise„,'have  been  re"     d^ ;;::'"     .r^redh     7"''  ''""  """^  ""'^  ^°"''"" 
flubjects,  they  need  not  to  pay  us      I„   ik!  '   „  ,'"  j"'?'  °"  "^'  ^^""""^  ^'"'''  ^eing 

have  stated  to  us,  that  the';L":  bltrhidT:^:  r^er'^n^'r '^  '""T^ 
any  way  with  us.  which,  r.lso,  was  manKnst  nn    11  ^°^«rnor.  John  Prmls,  to  trade  in 

declare  all  what  is  above  written    o  be  °"/'ver«  voyages.     We,  the  undersigned   do 

.ame  by  solemn  oa.h  bef  re  11  ^r^  a  .d  i  i:;  TT'  "'  "'  "^"""^^  "'"  '^'^'^"^  '"" 
thi.  in  presence  of  the  undernan  e  w  tn  i  '  Don  i  17  °'  '''  '"''  "°  ''"^«  "«-'' 
Was  signed  8  K    the  mirk  „7^  *''"'";;«•     r>«"e  '"  fort  Bevers  rede,  the  16'*  July.  1661. 

Jeuriae^>,anck,  Ph  i  Tnl:  jTo^r  rr'  "^T'^  ''"'"''"  '"""•  ^''«^"  ^--"•-. 
-bscribi..  witne..e..'ack:o:i;/gran;,l^^^  I'^^.r  """'=  ^«' *"" 

^ach   (or   Imnself  individually,  f„r  so   Ilh  1  ?*"'"*  subscriber,  have  signed. 

Signed.  Marten  Cryger.  A.  Hldd'eTr:  Jalt  ArCsLr  '''''''"    ""''''  "  "^"^ 


taH,f*r;»5 


r 


596 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Appendix  4.     Received  2S  January,  1G56.     Secret. 

We  the  undersigned  hereby  declare  and  testify,  with  offer  to  conlirm  the  same  by  oath  on 
the  requisition  of  the  valiant  and  honorable  Mr.  Peter  Stuyvesant  Director  General  of  Cura§ao 
and  New  Netherland  for  and  on  bel.alf  of  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  and  the 
General  Incorporated  West  India  [Company,]  that  on  the  date  hereof,  in  presence  of  the  said 
Director,  did  come  and  appear  in  proper  person  a  certain  Sachem  or  Chief  well  known  to  us, 
called  Wappanghzewan,  who  hath  declared  to  us,  who  are  well  versed  in  the  Indian  language, 
and  at  the  same  time  besought  us  to  interpret  and  make  known  the  same  to  tiiesaid  General,  that 
ha  Wappanghzewan  about  6  days  ago,  was  sent  for  by  Mr.  John  Prints,  the  Swedish  Governor, 
who  requested  him  to  sell  his  lands,  situate  both  on  the  east  and  west  shores  of  this  South  River, 
described  and  named  as  foiloweth  :  On  the  east  bank  Matit  Conghsingh  beginning  ai  the 
Nuriticon  Kill' and  extending  westerly  down  the  river  unto  Maetzingsingh,  and  on  the  west 
shore  beginning  at  a  certain  little  Kill,  named  Neckatoensingh,  extending  westerly  from  the 
liver  unto  Sittoensaene,  otherwise  called  the  Minquaas  Kill,  where  Fort  Christina  stands;  all 
which  lands  with  their  kills  and  superficies  both  on  the  west  and  on  the  east  shores,  have 
always  been  the  property  of,  and  still  belong  to  him  Wappingzewan,  as  he  declares  and  offers 
to  prove  by  the  Natives;  also,  notwithstanding  partly  occupied  on  the  west  side  by  the  Swedes 
and  without  his,  the  owner's  knowledge  or  consent,  partly  settled,  although  never  purchased, 
nor  attempted  to  be  bought,  except  now  5  or  6  days  ago,  since  we  landed  and  began  to  build 
here.  Which  aforesaid  lands  he,  the  Sachem  now  was  not  inclined  to  sell  nor  to  convey  to  the 
Swedish  Governor  because  said  Governor,  without  acknowledging  liim  as  proprietor,  had 
taken  the  land  and  had,  against  his,  the  Sachem's  will,  and  without  asking  permission,  settled 
it  in  part  without  offering  him  any  satisfaction  ;  but  being  more  favorable  to  the  much  respected 
General,  the  great  Sachem  of  the  Manhattans,  he  is  willing  to  present  him  the  land  and  the 
property  thereof,  as  his  friends  Mattahoorn,  Aquahoorn,  Pemenatta  and  Sinquees  had  done 
with  their  lands,  called  Tamicongh ;  which,  also,  the  aforesaid  Sachem  Wappangzewan 
effectually  and  indeed  hatii  performed,  in  the  presence  of  all  of  us,  giving  and  conveying,  by 
solemn  shaking  of  the  hand  [hnnttastinge)  and  a\gi\alure,lo  the  respected  Mr.  Petrus  Stuyvesant, 
his  lands  aforesaid,  with  all  right  and  title  thereof;  accordingly  substituting  in  our  presence 
the  aforesaid  gentleman  in  his  real  and  actual  possession  by  a  free  donation  and  gift,  in  further 
assurance  promising  before  us  all,  the  aforesaid  donation  and  free  gilt  at  all  tin  es  for  him  and 
for  his  successors,  to  uphold  as  valid  and  to  maintain  against  all  gainsay  and  contradiction,  and, 
according  to  the  deed,  that  he  will  not  transport  nor  sell  to  any  other  Nation  the  lands  aforesaid ; 
in  further  assurance,  in  order  to  prevent  all  misunderstanding  thereof,  he  offers  to  go  himself 
in  person  and  to  point  out  to  those  whom  the  General  may  be  pleased  to  order;  where  the 
aforesaid  lands  lie  ;  where  they  begin  and  how  far  they  extend  ;  all  which  we,  the  subscribers, 
do  certify  to  have  been,  in  the  presence  of  us  all,  before  the  respected  General,  spoken, 
executed,  given  and  conveyed  by  the  aforesaid  Sachem  Wappinghzewan,  without  any  persuasion, 
guile  or  craft;  and  as  a  further  security  by  the  Sachem  himself  confirmed  by  the  subjoined 
mark  nflixed  by  his  own  hand,  at  Tamecongh  this  30  July,  1G61.    Lower  stood  : 


This 


^  is  the  mark  of  the  Sachem  Wappanghzewan  made  by  himself. 


■  Raoooon  Creek.  —  Ro 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIIL  ««- 

by  hi,n.elf.  °'  "'""""  ■"""•""  ""  ^""k  »'  a«-  I-.d.w,cx,  ,„.„. 

(Signed)        Cohnelis  van  Rutven,  Secretary. 


Appends:  5.     Received  28  Janmry,  1656.     5ecre/. 


de  pJuIIXtllnrr^^^  r'"«>-«  «™«'neer.  V.  D.  M.  Cornells 

George  Baxter.  Ens  Z  hanck  Jl  ^o^  ,  «  ,  '  "'"■'^""''  ^"'"'  ^^"'°"'  Captain-lieutenant, 
requisition  of    he  Zl^  Ta  Lt   I^^^  hereby  certify  and  declare  on  ti,e 

Cu^ao.  New  Nether"a!:d  That  Sa  ur^aTTe  !  ^^X  .frr'"''  ^r^T^^"^^^'  °^ 
year  1651.  in  our  presence  and  view,  before  M.esaiioelr  1  ^"""^  '"^^"'  °'^  """  ^^"'"'"'"^ 
came   and  appeared   with   oth^r   „  .',^"''*  ,"«/'^"l  General,  ,„  their  proper  persons,  freely 

Sachems  or  cT.Xby:lMa»eh:rn^^^^^^^^  ^^"'«^'""^'  '»'-«•  ^   "-eJ 

propositions  .ubn  itted  t^th  m  bv  thJ  ^'"'"""r""''  !'"''"«^-  ^''°  '»  °"^  P^eaonce.  on  the 
presence  of  the  un  ernald  Titne's  s  SZ  I  """*'  'n  '"'"''"'"  ^^""^^^  «"y-'  *" 
Indians  on  this  river;  Zely  And  "j  Hd  ""  "    l'""'  "  ''''  '^"«"«8«  °^  '^« 

and  P:eter  flarmensen    "r^^r  fl      h  ,  -^     ' '°'"r''"'^'  ^°''°*^ '^^  «^^«'  ^^^  ^ndriesz. 

Nassau.have:sw\:'..:  J  ;„::,:::'«  Tr'r  °"  ^'^  ""^'  ^^^"^'"« «'  ^--^ 

solemn  Shaking  o,.he  hands  ofte"Lr;3  oT^'st^i^rnT^  ^^"'  ^"-"^  ^'  '^ 

this  riv.^  at  present  partfy  incorp:;l":::a^Tt  7b  l^l  Xt  ^mrntrC:  t^  "'' 
.n  the  na.ne  of  all,  answers,  that  they  were  great  Chfefs  and  Prlp  ietZonh  iTb^  rbT 
ownership  and  by  descent  and  appointment  of  Minquaas  and  Iliver  Indians ;  wherefore    hev 

Secondly  it  being  proposed  and  asked  by  ..he  General,  through  the  Interpreter  what  and 
how  much  land  the  Swedes  had  bought  from  the  Sachems  or  Chfefs  on  this  river' 

Mattahoorn.  the  Sachem,  answered  by  asking  another  question.     Why  was  not  the  Sa.hem 
of  the  Swedes  present  that  they  might  ask  himself,  and  hear  him?     The'cenera  V  r  pt  wa 
that  bemg  invued.  he  was  apparently  unwilling  to  come.  ^^        ' 

The  Chief  Mattehoorn  answered,  secondiy-that  all  Nations  coming  to  the  river  were 
welcome  to    hem   and  that  they  sold  their  land  indiscriminately  to  the  first  who  asked  it. 

rh.rdly.  the  Chief  Mattehoorn  de.Iared  that  the  Dutch  nation  have  been  tb.  earliest  corner, 
and  discoverers  of  the  river,  who  also,  first  of  all,  settled  thereon  among  ih.m  and  ./-at  they 
have  alwys  maintained  good  friendship  and  commerce  with  the  Dutch  ;  adding  the-t^unlo  an 
account  of  presents  which  w«r»  »v,.i.n.w....i  I... .i_         ...     ,,      .    .    .•  A.„i-.    .. 


a ■  •-•..."...p  uiiu  <.uiiiiiiercH  Willi  iiie  uutcn  ',  a^tiing 

account  of  presents  which  were  exchanged  between  them  and  the  Dutch  A«lion.    As  a  further 
evidence  and  dm.Inrn. inn    1...  „i.„  „.i....   ,,    .  ^         ....  .  • 'J'm  on  his  eye 


.  -  B'^"  uii»Tctu  iiiciii  UIIU  iiie  j^uicn  i\ 

evidence  and  declaration,  he  also  added,  that  one  Cornells  with  one  eye.  o 
was  the  first  who  coming  here,  made  bis  dwelling  on  the  river, 


598 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


N.  B.  The  aforesaid  did  not  fully  answer  the  proposition  of  the  General,  who  then,  through 
his  Interpreter,  repeated  and  renewed  the  question  in  the  following  manner;  that  it  was 
neither  his  nor  his  nation's  custom  to  buy  or  occupy  any  lands  which  weie  rightfully  bought 
and  occupied  by  any  other  nation ;  he,  therefore,  requested,  before  proceeding  to  purchase  any 
more  lands,  first  to  know  what  lands  the  Swede  had  bought,  and  of  whom,  and  what  lands 
were  now  free,  and  who  were  the  right  owners.  The  question  thus  put,  the  Sachem 
Mattehoorn  made  the  following  declaration :  That  when  Munuit  came  to  the  country  with  a 
ship,  he  lay  before  the  Minquaas  Kil,  where  he  tho  Sachem  then  had  a  house  and  lived  ;  that 
Minuyt  then  presented  him  with  and  gave  him  a  kettle  and  other  trifles,  requesting  of  him  a? 
much  land  as  Minuyt  could  set  a  house  on,  and  a  plantation  included  between  6  trees,  which 
he,  the  Sachem,  sold  him.  and  Minuyt  promised  him  half  the  tobacco,  that  world  grow  on 
the  plantation,  although  it  was  never  given  to  him.  He  declared  further,  that  neither  the 
Swedes  nor  any  other  nation  had  bought  lands  of  them  as  right  owners,  except  the  patch 
on  which  Fort  Christina  stood,  and  that  all  the  other  houses  of  the  Swedes,  built  at 
Tinnecongh,  Hingeesingh'  in  the  Schuylkil  and  at  other  places  were  set  up  there  against  the 
will  and  consent  of  the  Indians,  and  that  neither  they,  nor  any  other  natives  had  received 
anything  therefor. 

But  that  the  present  Swedish  Governor  had  3  @  4  years  ago,  bought  from  the  Mantas  Indian 
named  Siscohoka,  still  living  and  from  Mechekyralames,  now  dead,  some  land  on  the  west 
shore  and  set  his  fence  thereupon,  to  wit,  from  VVychquahoyngh,*  named  by  our  peoplo 
Creveceur,  unio  about  Mechechasou,*  of  which  lands  they  were  not  Chiefs  nor  Proprietors,  but 
one  Kyckesycken,  in  our  tongue  Live  Turkey.*  It  is  confirmed  by  the  atoresuid  Sachem's 
declaration,  that  the  land  which  the  Swede  at  present  occupies,  was  bought  neither  by  him 
nor  by  any  other  nrtion,  except  where  Fort  Christina  stands  and  the  Schuylkil,  heretofore 
conveyed  to  Arent  Corssen. 

The  General  further  asked  through  the  interpreter  whether  they,  the  Sachems  were,  then, 

right  owners  of  that  land  at  present  occupied  by  the  Swede  on  the  west  shore,  and  further 

westward  to  the  Bay  or  mouth  of  the  river,  and  whether  they  will  sell  the  aforesaid  land  that 

still  reniuins  unsold.     The  answc  of  the  aforesaid  Sachems  was  :  If  we  sell  the  Great  Sachem 

of  the  Manhattans  the  land  from  the  Schuykil  down  to  the  Bay,  where  then  v'll  the  houses  of 

the  Swedes  remain  ?     Will  the  lachem  of  the  Swedes,  then,  not  do  us  harm,  on  that  account, 

or  put  us  in  prison  or  beat  us  ;  thus  maki.ig,  through  fear,  some  scruple  to  sell  the  intermediate 

lands  occupied  by  the  Swede.     Whereupon  the  General  made  answer,  that  they  need  expect 

little  or  no  difficulty  therefrom,  inasmuch  as  the  Schuylkil  lands  were    '"en  and  conveyed  17  @ 

18  years   ago   to  Arent   Corssen,  which   deed    he,  the  Sachem   i    .   renew  and   confirm    in 

the  years  1048,  and  again  confirmed,  so  that  there  was  no  question  on  this  head.     Therefore  the 

aforesaid  Sachems  were  again  informed  by  the  General,  that  he  was  not  disposed  to  make  any 

trouble  nor  to  buy  any  lands  that  were  purchased  by  the  Swede  or  any  other  nation,  but  what 

were  free  and  unsold.     He,  therefore,  had  the  question  once  more  put  to  them,  whether  the 

Inndsirom  iWe  west  point  of  the  .Minquaas  Kill  down  to  the  Bay  or  the  mouth  of  the  river  were 

free  and  unsold,  and  would  they  sell  them  to  the  General  ?     To  which  the  Sacheni  answered  : 

Why,  Sach..,,^  jg  .^^^^  ^^^  ^^^^^  question  so  often?     We  told  you  the  lands  are  not  sold  to 

any  person. 


'  KingMMing.  .  ,     1  ,  ,'?J!,  t«pra,  p.  89*.  '  Compare  not*  I,  mpra,  p.  892. 

'  Tb«  Indian  name  .eemi  o  i^^^    ^    _^^  ^^  ^^^  D.Uw«r.  wordm  .V*«w".  •  Turkey,  and  CKitit,  AIIt^  M.moiri  of 

•Ml.  — Eu. 


i'tn««yl««n<a  IJutorieal  Socitly, 


t 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS ;    VIII.  -q- 

of  .he  Mmqu...  Kil,  rt.r.  For.  Chri.,l„.  .,.„",  clfcdtTL,';;  1,  T  ""!  ""' ''°'"' 

proprietor,  nipulate.  lh.l„h.n,L  mnlT."Z,.merIZr     '  '^' r'!"-  ""  """"« 
nothing,  and  when  he  coma  ,»,„,.  .1.  'h"  ma  Mar  »,th  hisgnn.  it  shall  be  repaired  for 

mark  ofJanAndriesen  made  by  himself.  Lower  stooH  w»  ^k  a  .'"-Y™'  'he  ^ 
our  presence  the  named  witnesses  have  igned  w  th  thetr  own  '^' ^^'^T^^  ''"'""  "^«*  *" 
age  and  credible  witnesses.  Signed  MaftencTeirP  7  .  '"'^  '"  ""  °^  ''"'"P^'*"* 
burghes.  company;  Abraham  S^  ^  aX^Lr  T^nlir wj^ "^^  ""^'-^"™ 
Under  was : 

nZT:^^:::-i::J! '-''  '»  •""  -"'  "••  «'^6ln.l,  da,.d  a„d  .lg„ed  a. 

CoKNKLis  VAN  RuYVEN,  Secretary. 


^     Appendix  6.     Received  28  January,  IG66.     Secret 
We  Amattehooren,  Peminackan.  Ackehoorn  and  Sinquees.  Sachem,  and  right  owners  of  th« 

SlnT:;e'.'"'d'o'm  f"'?"  ""''  '"°'"""°"'  *■"»'••''»»'».  Pon.ln.okan,  Ackehoorn  and 


600 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


and  Tonnahoorn,  Pimadaase  and  Cannowa  Rocquaes,  and  the  undersigned  Christian  witnesses, 
for  the  behoof  and  at  the  request  of  the  Honorable  P.  Stuy  vesant,  for  the  West  India  Company, 
all  actual  and  real  possession,  property,  right  and  jurisdiction,  not  only  for  ourselves,  but  also 
for  all  our  heirs  and  co-heirs,  hereby  surrogating  and  constituting  him  right  Sachem  and 
proprietor  in  our  place,  without  we,  the  grantors,  reserving  any  part,  right  or  jurisdiction  in 
the  aforesaid  lands,  streams,  kills  and  superBcies  thereof,  the  hunting  and  fishing  excepted.  In 
further  assurance  and  testimony  thereof,  we  declare  before  and  in  the  presence  of  the 
undernamed  Christian  witnesses  and  aforesaid  Sachems,  that  we,  the  grantors,  have,  in  full 
satisfaction  and  contentment,  and  as  a  recompense  and  return  for  our  lands  aforesaid. 

Received  twelve  coats  of  duffels,  twelve  kettles,  twelve  axes,  12  adzes,  24  knives,  12  bars  of 
lead,  and  four  guns  with  some  powder,  and  on  condition  and  express  terms  that  we  shall  from 
now  henceforth,  leave  the  aforesaid  landc,  trees,  fruits,  kills  and  rivers,  solely  and  absolutely 
(the  hunting  and  fishing  excepted),  to  the  disposal  and  pleasure  of  the  aforesaid  Sachem  or 
Director,  Peter  Stuyvesant,  or  whomsoever  shall  obtain  his  action  with  express  stipulations 
and  promise  that  we  will  not  hereafter  sell  or  transport  the  aforesaid  lands,  in  whole  or  in 
part,  to  any  other  nation,  nor  plant  corn  thereupon,  except  with  his  consent.  Whereupon 
we  have  received  and  enjoyed  the  aforesaid  cargoes.  All  done  without  any  guile  or  deceit, 
and  signed  with  our  customary  marks,  on  the  land  Camecouck  itself;  this  19  July,  IC56. 
Lower  stood : 

this  mark  is  made  by  Amattehoorn  himself; 


this  mark  is  made  by  Sinquees  himself; 

ivj,  this  mark  xa  made  by  Ackehoorn  himself. 

Uuder  stood:  We,  the  undersingned,  all  of  competent  age,  do  hereby  certify  and  declare, 
that  this  deed  and  conveyance  aforesaid,  was  done  and  executed  and  signed  by  the  abovenamed 
Sachems  ^n  our  presence,  and  thereupon  the  beforementioned  cargoes  were  given  in  payment, 
and  received  by  the  grantors,  and  we  are  ready  to  confirm  the  same  on  oath.  Done  as  above. 
(Signed,)  Cornells  de  Potter,  Abraham  Staes,  Martin  Kriegier,  Gysbert  Opdyck,  Abraham 
Verplanck,  Adriaen  Dircksen  Coen,  Adriaen  van  Thienhoven,  this  is  the  mark  of  iq^ 
Egbert  van  Dorsum,  Peter  Caspersen,  Joost  Michielsen,  Jacob  Janssen  buys,  Wilhelmus^ 
Grasmeer,  clergyman,  Daniel  Michielssen. 

Beneath  was:     Lpon  collation  by  me,  is  found  to  agree  with  the  original,  dated  and  nigned 

as  above,  and  was  „ 

(Signed)        Cornblis  van  Ruyven,  Secretary. 


Appendix  7.     Received  28  January,  165G.     Secret. 

Extract  of  the  letter  written  by  the  Director,  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  Director  General 
of  New  Netherland,  to  Messrs.  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company, 
Chamber  at  Amsterdam.    Dated  6  October,  1653. 

The  Swedes  on  the  South  river  would  be  well  inclined  to  repair  among  us,  in  case  we  will 
take  them  under  our  safeguard.    Hitherto  and  until  we  receive  further  information  from  your 


i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIII.  g^^ 

«rved  ''*I  "^'f "'  '^"'"  '"■°P°'"''  '""'""•'^  "  ''•'  ''""^  "«'  «h«ther  it  would  be  well  or  ill 
received.  only  request  your  Honors  to  take  this  matter  into  your  further  consideraTron  I„d 
to  communicate  to  us  your  opinion  thereupon  by  the  earliest  opportu .  ^.1!  ' 


Ajipendix  8.    Received  28  January,  1666.     Secret. 

Extract  of  the  letter  of  Gerrit  Bicker.  Commandant  of  Fort  Casimier.  to  Petru. 
Stuyvesant.  D.rector  General  in  New  Netherland.  without  date  and  signature! 

Hrr::^:;:';;ix.cr::::j^^  -•--  ■--  -  ^-^«^  -  -  ^.  ^oure„. 
ris:r^:=?^:rsh:.-^^^^^^^ 

up.  I  welcomed  as  friends,  judging  that  if  he'^ird    0  a  tem  rS^^^^^^^^^ 
g.ve  notice.     But  on  the  contrary,  he  made  his  men  come  q    ck/      with  hT  and  attl 
point  of  the  sword,  demanded  the  surrender  of  the  river  and  of  the  fort     ThllhT'        ,        . 
I  could.  With  difficulty  obtain  respite  enough  to  send  two  ^^X^on  Z^P^t^^^^^^^^ 

i.medi«teiy  wee  deprived  ^f  their  side  i::::^ z:x^i:^7:::::r^:. 

they  d,d  not  surrenaer  their  pieces,  which  were  immediately  torn  from  theirshouTders    Z 

Ind  IJ  T\T"  '"  ^°""'  '^'''"^'  ""*^  '''^'  "«  '^'"^  »•'«  commission  on  boar.I  the^h  p 

and  that  we  should  soon  see  its  bullets,  and  the  soldiers  were  forthwith  driven  out  IhS 
fort  and  the.r  property  detained  as  well  as  mine,  and  I  could  scarcely  induce  him  bv 
prayer,  not  to  be  turned  out  naked  with  wife  and  children;  and  all  the  pro      ty  i^'tlU^ 

The  Governor  asserts  that  Her  Majesty  of  Sweden,  hath   permission  from  their  Hi«h 
Mightinesses  to  take  prompt  possession  of  this  river.  * 


^'Tn  ^  'x  IT^'  «;ritlen  by  the  Hon-  Peter  Stuyvesant.  Director-General 
•n  New  Netherland.  to  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company.  Chamber 
at  Amsterdam.    Dated  27'*  July,  1664. 

A  .hip  arrived  last  May.  in  the  South  River  of  New  Netherland,  said  to  belong  to  the  Crown 
of  Sweden,  w.th  some  considerable  reinforcements,  about,  a.  is  stated,  three  hu.,dred  sour 
wth  a  new  Governor,  who  lying  in  front  of  our  Fort  Casimier  fired  two  (&  three  guns  „"« 
.alute^    Whereupon  20  (^  30  armed  soldiers  landed  from  the  ship  and  we^  duly  weTcored 


602 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


on  shore,  in  front  of  the  gate  of  the  fort  by  our  Commandant  there,  named  Gerrit  Bicker; 
thereupon  conducted  through  the  gate,  which  stood  open,  into  the  fort,  where  being  come, 
they  immediately  divided  themselves,  so.ine  to  the  bastions  or  bulwarks  of  the  fort,  others 
overpowered  the  few  men  i)elonging  to  the  Company,  being  at  the  time  10  or  12  soldiers, 
and  in  this  manner  made  'themselves  masters  of  the  fort.  Seven  or  eight  of  the  Company's 
soldiers  have  come  hither  with  Adriaen  van  Tienhoven.  The  remainder,  with  Commandant 
Bicker  and  almost  all  the  freemen,  have  remained  there,  and  taken  the  oath  of  fidelity  to  the 
new  Swedish  Governor. 

The  fuller  details  of  this  scandalous  surrender  of  the  abovementioned  fort,  and  the  trulh 
thereof,  your  Honors  can  deduce  from  the  annexed  copies  of  depositions  and  unsigned  letter 
of  the  abovenamed  Bicker  in  answer  to  mine,  which  we  have  received  overland,  etc. 

Depositions. 
Before  me,  Cornells  van  Ruyven,  admitted  Secretary  in  the  service  of  the  West  India 
Company,  in  New  Netherland,  appeared  Adriaen  van  Tienhoven,  aged  36  years,  a  native  of 
Breuckelen,  late  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  Justice  in  the  South  river,  who  at  the  requisition 
of  Cornelia  van  Tienhoven,  Kiscal,  in  presence  of  and  before  the  Hon"''  Nicasius  de  Sille,  first 
Councillor  of  New  Netherland,  testifies  and  declares,  in  place  and  on  promise  of  a  solemn  oath, 
if  necessary,  that  it  is  true  and  truthful  that  by  him,  the  deponent,  and  other  inhabitants  as 
well  belonging  to  Fort  Casimier  as  freemen  thereabout,  was  seen  on  the  evening  of  Saturday, 
being  the  30'"  May,  a  ship,  without  knowing  whether  it  was  Dutch  or  English,  or  of  other 
nation.     Whereupon  Commandant  Gerrit  Bicker  hoisted  the  Prince's  flag  on  said  fort  and 
commanded  this  deponent  accompanied  by  four  freemen,  namely,  Egbert  Gerritse,  Cornells 
Teunisse,  Cornells  Mauritz  and  Peter  Harmans  to  proceed  to  the  ship  aforesaid,  in  order  to 
ascertain  whence  she  came.     And  on  Sunday  forenoon,  about  8  o'clock,  he,  the  deponent, 
with  the  four  freemen,  returned  ashore,  reporting  that  she  was  a  Swedish  ship,  having  on 
board  a  new  Governor  of  the  Swedes,  and  many  other  people;  also,  that  the  Swedes  intended 
to  surprize  and  capture  said  Fort  Casimier  for  the  Crown  of  Sweden.     Thereupon,  all  the 
freemen  and  the  Hon"*'*  Company'c  servants  addressed  themselves  to  Commandant  Bicker,  and 
requested  him  to  give  orders  for  defending  the  place.     To  which  Bicker  answered:  What 
should  I  do?  there  is  no  powder.     He  neither  gave  nor  issued  any  order,  and  a'bout  eleven 
o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  the  Swedes  landed  armed,  to  the  number  of  about  30  men,  whereupon 
Bicker  went  to    meet  them,  saluting   and   welcoming  them  and  led  them  into  the  fort,  of 
which  tlii-y  immediately  took  possession,  stripping  the  soldiers  of  all  their  arms  induding  their 
side    arms.      He,    the    deponent,    seeing    that   Commandant    Bicker    stood    still,   not    once 
demanding  or  asking  for   their  Commission  or  order   for   such    proceeding,   turned   to   the 
Captain  of  the  Swedes,  named  Swens  Schoote,  and  inquired  of  him,  where  his  Commission 
or  order  was?     To  which  he,  deponent,  received  for  answer:    I  have   nothing  to  do  with 
you;   let   your  commander   speak.     Further,  he,  the  deponent,  asked  Gerrit   Bicker  there 
present,  whether  he  may  not  go  aboard  to  see  whether  he  might  not  get  a  sight  of  the  Governor 
John  Rysingh's  Commission  or  order ;  which  Bicker  allowed  him  to  do.     Thereupon  went  he, 
the  deponent,  accompanied  by  Peter  Ebel,  Burgher  Serjeant,  on  board  and  requested  of  the 
new  Swedish  Governor  copy  of  any  Commission  or  order  he  might  have  to  take  forcible 
possession  of  Fort  Casimier,  situate  in  the  South  river  of  New  Netherland,  and  the  land* 


r 


wmmm 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIIL 


603 


belonging  to  the  Hon-  West  India  Company.  Whereunto  he  received  for  answer  from  the 
Swedish  Governor,  that  he  did  so  by  orders  from  Her  Mnjesty  in  Sweden,  who.  said  he  h  d 
8ent  Ambassadors  to  their  High  Migiuinesses.  to  ascertain  whether  their  High  Mighinessea 
had  given  orders  and  instructions  to  build  Fort  Casimier  on  this  place,  and  to  uLp  tSe  bound 
of  the  territory  belonging  ,o  the  Crown;  whereunto.  as  the  Governor  stated,  their  High 
Mightinesses  had  answered  that  Her  Majesty  must  inquire  of  the  Hon-  West  India  Company 
about  .  ;  the  Directors  of  which  had  also  given  for  answer,  that  they  had  not  issued  any 

aZ  r^'T'Tl^  '*''  ^"^'^'^'^  ''°"'"^^'  •""'^^  '«»«  '''  "^^  "^<^"on  of  Fort  Casilier^ 
and  that  they  had  further  told  the  Swedish  Ambassadors:  If  our  people  are  in  your  w";  i  re' 
drive    hem  off.     Thereupon,  the  Governor  slapped  him.  deponent,  on  the  bre'ast.  „  d  said :' 

llTtJT^rT- 1  «•    ?L'''  '^P""^"*'  '^°'"'"«  «'"'°^«  -'">  "•«  --P""'-.  Peter  E  el 
found  the  f.rt  beset  with  Swedish  sentinels,  as  well  near  the  guns  as  on  the  walls  and  conlH 

not  enter  the  fort  without  their  consent.     All  which  he.  the  deponent,  declares  to  be  and 

A    ,^?  ^"^^  "*  '"'"'  °"  °''^'  ^'''"^^'"  "^*=^"«^y  »"<^  o"  being  required.     Ady.  H.^June 
NLZ-de's-r "^''^'^""'  ''-^  ""'''''-'■    <^'«-^>  ^^^'-'  -  TienhoverUr; 

In  Court.  Adriaen  van  Tienhoven  late  Clerk  of  the  South  river  of  New  Netherland  beine 
legally  summoned  by  the  Fiscal,  and  the  above  written  his  declaration  dated  U'^  j„„,  .? 
1064  being  distinctly  read  to  him.  word  for  word,  and  being  asked,  on  the  requisition  of  the 
I  iscal.  If  the  aforesaid  his  deposition  is.  in  all  its  parts  true  and  truthful.  nnJ  whether  he  ia 
prepared  to  confirm  it.  with  a  good  conscience,  by  solemn  oath.  Thereupon  Adriaen  van 
Tienhoven.  .n  presence  of  the  Fiscal  Cornells  van  Tienhoven  answered:  So  truly  help  me 
God  Almighty.  Done  Amsterdam  in  New  Netherland.  ady  16-  March  A-  1065.  Lower 
stood.    lo  my  presence.  ^^uwcr 

(Signed)         CoRNELis  van  Ruyven.  Secretary. 

BeforemcCornelisvan  Ruyven.  Secretary  of  New  Netherland  residing  in  Fort  Amsterdam  in 
New  Ne  herland.  appeared  the  worthy  Peter  Ebel  of  Meckelenburch  freeman,  nged  about  40 
years,  who.  on  the  requisition  of  Cornells  van  Tienhoven.  Fiscal  of  New  Netherland,  in  presence 
and  before  the  Hon""  Mr.  Nicasius  de  Sille.  first  Councillor,  testifies  and  declares  in  pLe  ana 
on  promise  of  a  solemn  oath,  if  necessary,  that  it  is  true  and  certain  that  by  him.  the  deponent 
and  other  inhabitants  both  of  Fort  Casimier  and  freemen  thereabout  was  seen  on  Saturday 
evening,  being  the  30-  of  May.  a  ship  without  knowing  whether  she  was  Dutch,  English,  or  of 
some  other  Nation.     Whereupon  the  Commandant  Gerrit  Bicker  had  the  flag  of  said  fort 
hoisted,  and  commandeed  Adriaen  van  Tienhoven,  accompanied  by  four  freemen  to  proceed 
to  the  ship,  to  ascertain  whence  she  came.     The  abovenamed   commanded  person  returned 
from  on  board  on  Sunday  forenoon,  about  eight  o'clock,  and  reported  that  it  was  a  Swedish 
ship  on  board  which  was  a  new  Governor  of  .he  Swedes  and  many  other  people  ;  also,  that 
the  Swedes  intended  to  surprize  and  capture  the  aforesaid  Fort  Casimier  for  the  Crown  of 
Sweden.     Thereupon   all    the  freemen   and   the   Hon-   Company's  servants,  or  at   least    a 
nriajority  of  them.  (he.  the  deponent,  especially,  being  Sergeant  of  the  burghers)  addres^'ed 
themselves  to  the  Commandant  and  requested  that  he  would  give  orders  for  defence      To 
which   Bicker  answered:  What  should  I   do?     He  did  not  give  nor  issue  any   order*:    the 
deponent  requested  the  Commandant  to  allow  the  gates  to  be  locked,  which  he  did   not 
About  eleven  o  clock  in  the  forenoon,  the  Swedes,  with  about  30  men  armed,  landed  from  on 


1 1 


604 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCIIIPTS. 


board  the  ship  which  fired  shotted  guns  over  th«  fort.  Although  advised  of  the  designs  of  the 
Swedes,  and  seeing  the  armed  soldiers  land  with  a  Captain  and  Lieutenant,  the  Commandant, 
without  giving  any  orderu  to  the  soldiers,  nor  directing  them  to  see  to  their  arms,  nor 
providing  them  with  powder,  which  he  said  he  had  not,  went  out  of  the  fort  to  welcome, 
receive  and  conduct  the  Swedes  into  the  fort,  of  which  they  immediately  took  possession  and 
disarmed  the  soldiers  to  such  a  degree  that  they  could  not  retain  their  side  arms.  This  being 
accomplished,  the  beforenamed  Commandant  Bicker  commanded  Adriaen  van  Thienhoven, 
and  requested  this  deponent,  to  go  to  the  Swedish  ship  and  the  newly  arrived  Swedish 
Governor  to  inquire  and  ask  the  reasons,  and  by  what  authority  his  men  forcibly  took 
possession  of,  and  invaded  Fort  Casimier,  situiute  on  the  South  river  of  New  Netherland,  for 
and  in  the  name  of  the  Crown  of  Sweden.  The  Swedish  Governor,  whose  name  is  John 
Rysingh,  answered  that  he  did  so  hy  authority  of  her  Mnjpscy  in  Sweden,  who,  he  also  stated, 
had  sent  Ambassadors  to  their  High  Mightinesses  to  aseertuin  if  their  High  Mightinesses  had 
authorized  and  ordered  to  locate  Fort  Casimier  at  this  place,  and  to  encroach  on  the  limits  of 
territory  belonging  to  the  Crown.  To  which,  as  the  Governor  alleged,  their  High  Mightinesses 
answered.  No.  Also,  that  her  Majesty  had  addressed  the  West  India  Company,  whose 
Directors  had  given  for  answer,  that  they  had  not  authorized  the  encroachment  on  the 
Swedish  limits,  much  less  the  building  of  Fort  Casimier  in  the  South  river,  and  that  they  had 
further  told  the  Swedish  Ambassadors:  If  our  people  are  in  your  way  there,  drive  them  off. 
Moreover,  the  Governor,  thereupon,  slapped  Adriaen  van  Tienhoven  on  the  breast  with  his 
his  hand  and  said  :  Go  your  way  and  tell  your  Governor  that.  Adriaen  van  Tienhoven  and 
he,  the  deponent,  coming  ashore,  found  the  fort  occupied,  Swedish  sentinels  by  the  guns  on 
the  walls,  without  whose  permission  they  could  not  enter  the  fort.  This,  the  deponent 
declares  to  be  true  and  certain,  offering  to  verify  the  same  by  an  oath  if  necessary  and  when 
required.  Ady.  ll»*May  A»  1654;  New  Amsterdam.  Lower  stood  :  This  is  the  mark  P.  E  of 
Peter  Ebel  made  by  himself  in  presence  of  the  subscribing  persons.     Lower :  Nicasius  de  Sille. 

Before,  etc.,  appeared  Corcelis  Jansen  Coelen,  skipper  of  the  yacht  '<  VtUgende  hart,  who 
deposelh  and  declareth  the  same  as  Peter  Ebel,  except  that  he  does  not  know  that  Bicker  waB 
requested  to  give  orders,  and  that  he  did  not  hear  the  conversation  Adriaen  van  Tienhoven 
had  with  the  Swedish  Governor.  A'Iso,  he  heard  the  Swedish  officers  say  ;  if  the  soldiers  will 
not  willinttly  surrender  their  arms,  fire  on  them.  All  which  he  declares  to  be  true,  and 
promises  to  verily  the  same  on  oath,  if  necessary.  Ady  12'*  June,  1654.  New  Amsterdam. 
Signed,  Cornells  Janse  Coelen.     Lower:  Nicasius  de  Sille. 

Before  me,  Cornelis  van  Ruyvcn,  etc.,  appeared  Elias  Emmens  of  Swol,  aged  37  years,  who, 
on  the  requisition  of  the  Fiscal,  Cornelis  van  Tienhoven,  and  in  presence  of  the  Hon"'*  Nicasius 
de  Sille,  first  Councillor,  deposed  and  declared,  that  he  and  another  did,  on  the  30'*  of  May 
last,  see  a  ship,  not  knowing  what  ship  she  was,  and  that,  by  orders  of  the  Commandant 
Bicker,  one  Adriaen  van  Tienhoven  and  some  free  men,  were  sent  thither  to  inquire  what 
vessel  it  was;  who,  returning,  related  that  she  was  a  Swedish  ship,  and  that  she  had  come  to 
seize  fort  Casimier,  situate  on  ihe  South  river  of  New  Netherland,  which  the  Commandant 
learning,  he  left  the  people  with  whom  he  then  was  standing,  consisting  of  some  freemen  and 
servants  of  the  Company,  and  turning  about,  went  away  without  giving  or  causing  to  be  given, 
any  orders  for  the  occasion.  After  the  Commandant  had  surrendered  the  fortress,  he,  the 
deponent,  as  a  servant  of  the  West  India  Company,  requested  his  arms  of  the  Commandant, 


r 


HOLLAND  DOOITMENTS :    VIII. 


605 


Jl  ch  h^  repeatedly  refuseJ.  nnd  »aid.  that  they  had  fallen  to  the  Crown  of  Sweden.    He 
declare,  that  he  doe.  not  know  anything  more,  as  ho  was  at  the  time  without  the  lort  about 
h.s  buamess.    All  which  he  declare,  to  verify  on  oath  when  necessary  and  if  r  qu  ed      Done 
New  Amsterdam    llJune.  A-  1654.     Declare,  further,  that  not  a  handful  of'    e  grain  I    ; 

NicasiuTJetnr"'  "  ^"^  '' '''  '°'^'^-     «'«-'''  ^'^  ^--'  Zwollang.  Tow"! 

I, 
Before  me,  Cornells  van  Ruyven.  admitted  Secretary  in  the  service  of  the  West  India 
Company  m  New  Netherland.  appeared  Corporal  Jan  Adamse.  aged  28  years,  a  nati  e  of 
Worms,  who.  on  the  requisition  of  Cornelia  van  Tienhoven.  Fiscal  of  NeTN^theHand    in 
Ke.n.«  o  and  before  Mr.  Nicasiusde  Sille.  first  Councillor,  testifies  JI^^lLTntetZ 
and  wuh  the  prom.se  of  a  solemn  oath,  that  by  him.  the  deponent  and  others,    o     ,Urbi    nt' 
of  ort  Cas.m,er  and  freemen  thereabout,  was  descried  on   Saturday,  30-  May,   a    hip 
wuhout  knowmg  whether    she  was    Dutch.   English   or  other    nation.     Wh    e  po„   the* 
Commandant,-  Gerr.t  Bicker    had  the  Prince's  flag  hoisted,  and  commanded  Adr  a'en  van 
T.enhoven,  ,n  company  w.th  some  freemen  to  board  said  ship.     Who  returned  and  reported 
that  she  was  a  Swed.sh  ship,  and  that  she  came  to  seize  the  fort  for  the  Crown  of  Sweden, 
whereupon  some  of  the  garrison  repaired  for  orders  to  the  Commandant  for  the  defence  of  Ih 
fort.    To  whom  he  gave  for  answer:  What  shall  I  do?  ther,  is  no  powder:  although    h  re 
was  plenty  of  ammunition,  for  he  on  a  certain  previous  occasion,  hid  heard  Bicker's  wi 
say:  Wherefore  w.ll  peop  e  g,ve  that  fine  powder  to  the  soldiers;  'tis  better  to  barter  it  lb 
Beaver;  and  each  got  only  3  tin  spoonfuls  of  powder.     The  Swedes,  landing,  meanwhile 

fh'e  f::tTff  "'  V  T  '°  '':  '''°"'  •""^  "^"^'""^'^  ^'^^  S-^^-  -»'-  he'  ond  tL  tJ 
the  ort.  ofTermg  them  the  precedence,  which  the  Swedish  Captain  declined,  and  he  Bick  r 
went  before,  conductmg  h.m  into  his  quarters.  And  all  the  posts  and  .guards  were  then 
occup.ed  by  the  Swedes  and  all  the  soldiers  disarmed  to  their  side  arms  inclusive.  Moreover 
Bicker  caused  h.s  own  boy  to  haul  down  the  flag,  and  Bicker,  himself  took  from  Mm,  the 
deponent,  all  hisremammg  ammunition,  and  threw  .t  in  the  garret,  saying :  That  is  now 
:;  H^^H^'r";  ?'"  "^^P-^-^.  Bicker  requested  him.  thj  de'ponent.  not  to  saT 
anytlnng  bad  behmd  h,s  back.    All  which  he  declares  to  be  true.     Signed  Joha„es  Adam, 

Z'LZtJ:'''^''  '"  '"'•    ''  '''  ™"^«'"  '^-^^^  ''  ^"-'  ^«^^-    An,sterdari;' 

Jan  Adamse  late  Corporal  in  the  South  river  of  New  Netherland.  being  legally  summoned 
to  Court,  and  the  annexod  hs  declaration  dated  11  June.  1654.  being  distinctly  read  to  him 
word  for  word,  and  bemg  asked  on  the  requisition  of  the  Fiscal  whether  the  aforesaid  hU 
depos.t.on  .s  true  and  certain  in  all  it,  parts,  and  if  he  be  ready  to  confirm  the  same  on  oath 

t'v'hdo  m'TTA,-  ^^"'T''  ''"  A'^--' -  P--"-  of  the  Fiscal  answer  .-So 
truly  help  me  God  A  m.ghty.  Done.  Amsterdam  in  New  Netherland.  this  16'*  March  A- 
1055.    Lower  stood  :  In  my  presence,  and 

(Signed)        Cornehs  van  Ruvven,  Secretary. 
Appeared,  etc.     Hendrick  Siliacqui,  of  Groeningen.  aged  44  year.;  testifies  to  all  thar  Jan 

th!"ri      r     R        •  "T  '""'  ''  ^'^  ""' ""'''  ^"'^''''  '^'f^  ""y'  '""*  ''  ^"o  better  to  trade 

Iwav'  bv  r[  u"      h  ";    r  ':  """  *'  *°  '''  ''''''"''    ^'^'"'  '^«'  *"«  «™«  ''-e  not  taken 

«f  „1  J  r       ;• .  "'"'"  '"'*'"• ''"'  ""'  '"'°^'''  "'"^  '•'^"^^  '"""'''«"«  of  war.  consisting 

Of  powder,  lead.  ,ron,  etc..  were  sent  and  received  from  time  to  time,  inasmuch  a,  he.  himself! 


t   ^.'-: 


A  Si^ 


t  'f 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

as  soldier  of  the  fort,  did  help  to  bring  it  up  ;  which  the  deponent  declares  to  be  true,  unc^er 
offt^rofoath.  This  llJune,  1654;  New  Amsterdaai.  Signed:  HendrickSiliccques.  Lower: 
Wicasiua  de  Sille. 

Hen.'riclc  Siljaques,  p.  soidier.  beinR  legally  summoned  to  Co'.rt,  to  whom  the  anuexed,  his 
declaration,  dated  ll- June,  1654,  is  distinctly  read,  word  for  word,  and  being  on  the  requisition 
of  the  Fiscal  asked,  if  his  deposition  be,  in  all  its  parts,  true  and  certain,  and  if  he  be  ready 
with  a  good  conscience  to  confirm  H  by  oath?  Thereupon  he.  in  the  presen.  e  of  the  Fiscal 
Cornelis  van  Tienhoven  answers:  So  truly  help  me  God  Almighty.  Tiiis  le'"  March,  A» 
1655.     Amsterdam,  in  New  Netherland.     Lower  stood:  In  my  presence,  and 

(Signed)        Cornelis  van  Ruyven,  Secretary.    - 

B«fore  me,  Cornelis  van  Ruyven,  etc.,  appeared  Godefried  Clceck,  of  Aldernag,  aged  30 
years;  Symon  van  Straten,  of  Nimwegen,  agsd  31  years;  Mathya  Bv.usyne,  of  Calls,  aged 
28  years';  Jan  Hendrickbe,  of  Struckhausen,  aged  25  years;  Hans  Aelbertss,  of  Brunswick, 
aged  24  years,  declaring,  word  for  word,  all  that  Jan  Adamse  hath  declared,  except  that  none 
o'lhcm  hith  heard  Bicker's  wife  say:  'Tis  better  that  such  fine  powder  weie  sold  for  Beaver,  than 
to  be  given  to  the  soldiers,  hem,  that  their  arms  were  nol  taken  by  Dicker,  but  by  the 
Lieutenant  of  the  Swedes.  All  which  they,  the  deponents,  will  verify  by  oath  when  necessary 
and  oa  being  required.  This  U""  June,  1654.  New  Amsterdam.  Signed.  Godefnedt  Clue, 
Symon  van  der  Straten,  Matthys  Bensien,  Jan  Hendrickse,  Hans  Albertss.  Lower  stood: 
Nicasius  de  Sille. 

Matthew  Boucheine.  a  soldier,  being  legally  summoned  t&  Court,  to  whom  the  preceding, 
his  declarilion,  dated  ll'"  June,  A"  1664.  is  distinctiv  read,  word  for  word,  and  being,  on  the 
requisition  of  the  Fisca.  asked,  if  the  aforesaid,  his  deposition,  be  true  and  certain  in  all  ila 
p„rts.  and  if  he  be  ready  with  a  good  conscience  to  confirm  it  by  oath  ?  Thereupon  he.  in  the 
presence  of  th.^  Fiscal  Tienhoven  answers:  So  tru'y  help  me  God  Almighty.  This  lO'" 
Miirch,  A- 165''>.     Amsterd.im  in  New  Netherland.     Lower  stood:     In  my  presence,  and  was 

(Signed)         Corhe lis  van  Ruyven,  Secretary. 


4pi>endix  9.     Ihctived  f!S  January,  ]G56.     Secret. 

Extract  from  the  coj<y  "f  a  letter  written  by  the  Swedish  Governor.  Johan  Rysing, 
to  M'  Petrus  Stuyvesant.  Director-Geutral  in  New  Netherlnnd,  I'ated  27'* 
May,  A°  1664,  in  tiie  Soul!.  rWer. 
1  cannot  noglect  acquainting  your  Honor  that  1.  being  r-^'  ly  arrived  some  days  since  in  the 
Koyal  shin  the  A.en,  with  a  goodly  number  of  people  from  the  Kingdom  of  Swef^en.  have  by 
the  judgment  £.nd  in  the  name  of  Her  Hoynl  Mnjesty  of  Sweden,  my  most  granoun  Queen, 
su-nmon-d  the  fort  erected  at  the  Sa.id  point,  which,  after  exclusion  of  further  delay,  was 
vi.li.ntarilv  surrendered  with  the  adjoining  Co'onists,  who  learning  the  reasonable  conditions 
oflered  thp;^-   together  with  fho  liberty  of  goins'  or  remaining,  repaired  under  the  obedience  jf 
H.-r  Royal  Majesty  aforesaid,  and  afterwards  look  the  oatli  of  allp^iance  and  fi.lelity  at  our 
Iwmds.     As  this  is  a  matter  of  gr^nter  consequence  than  can  be  decided  among  Servants,  who 
must  only  obej  oiders,  the  Sovereigns  on  both  sides  have  to  settle  this  mailer  among  ihemsclves, 
n.:d  agree  among  themselves  about  it,  etc. 


r 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS ;    VIIL 


Appendix  10.     Received  28  January,  1656.     Secret. 


607 


Capitulation  and  Conditions  on  which  Fort  Casimier  is  surrendered  mto  the 
hands  of  the  Hoa-"  Director  Petrus  Stuyvesant  by  the  Commandant 
bwen  Schuts. 

First  Th.  Commandant  shall,  whenever  he  pleases  and  has  an  opportunity  by  the  arrival 
of  Royal  or  pr.vate  sh.ps.  be  at  liberty  to  remove  from  this  Fort  Casimier.  the  guns  belonging 
^ur  ro^lT'  ;  ''  r«  """•  ^;-'«'"'^'«--J'"g  to  the  return  of  the  Commandanl  o^f 
Ine  llrge.  "  ^""'        ''"'"'"  "^"^  ^"'"'"  ""^*^'*>'  ''  ^'''  ^°"^  ■"»«»  «"<» 

Secondly.  As  a  body  guard  to  the  Commandant,  twelve  men  fully  accoutred  and  with  the 
Ro/al  Lnsign,  shall  march  out  of  the  fort,  the  remainder  only  with  their  side  arms  on 
cond.t.on  that  the  guns  and  muskets  belonging  to  the  Crown,  shall  be  and  remain  at'the 
d.sposal  of  the  Commandant,  to  remove,  or  have  them  removed  from  the  fort,  whenever  the 
Commandant  shall  have  an  opportunity. 

tak?''"^''"'  ^?k'  ['"vate  movables  shall  be  delivered  undamaged  to  the  Commandant,  to 

If  all  tZml       ■ "  ^°  ''"  '"™  "™°^^'  ^"^"^^^^  '^  P'--'  '^S^^''-  -^^  '•-  P-PeW 

«^.^rf  M°""Ir"T.^'''- ^°'"'""";'""'  '"""'"'  °"''>'^  ^"y  '-^  '^^l'^"  '"'»  the  hands  of  the 
General  the  Fort  Cas.m.er.  with  all  the  gun,  and  ammunition,  material  and  other  effecti 
belong-ngto  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company.  Done,  concluded  a^d  si  .ed 
by  the  contractmg  part.es  on  the  11-  September.  1066.  On  board  the  ship  the  JVaeg  riding 
at  anchor  near  Fort  Casimier.  °       '"» 


Appendix  1 1.     lUcdced  2S  January,  1G5G.     Secret. 

Capitulation  between  the  IIon«'  Valiant  Johan  Uvsingh,  Governor  of  New 
Sweden  on  the  one  part,  and  the  Hon""  V.lmnt  Petrus  Stuyvesaht. 
Director-General  over  New  Netherland,  on  the  other  part. 

First.  All  guns,  ammunition,  material,  provisio.is  and  other  effects  belonging  to  the  Most 
Illustrious  Crown  of  Sweden  and  the  South  Company,  at  present  in  and  about  Fort  Christina 
shall  be  and  remam  to  the  above  Crown  and  South  Company,  and  it  depend,  on  the  pleasure 
of  the  Governor  to  take  them  with   him  or  to   deliver   them  to   the  said   General  Petrui 
btuy  vesant,  on  condition  they  being  demanded,  shall  be  restored  without  any  delay. 

8. 

Governor  Johan  Rising  together  with  all  superior  and  inferior  officers,  servant,  and 
•oldier.  shall  march  out  with  drum  beating,  life  playing,  colors  (lying,  match  lighting, 
bullet- in  the  mouth,  with  hand  and  side  arms,  first  to  Timber  I,l«nd.' whither  the  people, 
after  they  w,i,  have  left  the  fort,  shall  be  safely  conveyed,  and  lodge  in  the  houses  there  until 
the  departure  in  the  ship  n'.rg  of  the  Governor  who  with  his  suite  and  property  shall  at 
furthest  within  the  space  of  fourteen  days,  be  safely  and  certainly  conveyed  and  b'rought  to 

Iff  amr,g*,  61,  aoJ  la  itmai't  o/  Pnniyhania  UiMoritol  Soatly,  HI.,  ,,|,  i ,  84.  _  Kb, 


eo8 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Sandyhook,  situate  five  leagues  outside  the  Manhatans.  Meanwhile  Governor  Rising  and 
Factor  Elswyck  shall  be  allowed  to  reir.ain  with  four  or  ave  servants,  so  long  in  the  fort,  for 
the  purpose  of  arranging  their  affairs. 

All  writings,  letters,  documents  and  actes  belonging  to  the  Crown  of  Sweden,  the 
Southern  Company  or  to  private  persons,  found  in  Fort  Christina,  remain  untouched, 
undisturbed  and  unexamined  in  the  Governor's  hands,  to  carry  them  awiy  whithersoever 

he  pleases. 

#• 

None  of  the  officers,  soldiers,  servants  or  freemen  of  the  Crown  of  Sweden  or  of  the  Southern 
Company,  shall  be  detained  against  their  will,  but  be  allowed  to  depart  with  the  Governor, 

free  and  unhindered,  if  they  please. 

5. 

All  ministers,  officers,  soldiers  and  freemen  of  the  Crown  of  Sweden  and  Southern  Company, 
■hall  retain  tlieir  proper  movables,  unhindered  and  uninjured. 

6. 

Should  any  servants  or  freemen  be  willing  bfit  not  ready  now,  to  depart  with  the  Governor 
and  his  suite,  they  shall  be  allowed  one  year  and  six  weeks  to  dispose  of  their  real  and 
personal  property,  on  condition  that  they  take  the  proper  oath  of  fidelity  for  the  time  that 
they  remain  on  the  river. 

Should  there  be  any  Swedes  or  Fins  disinclined  to  depart,  Governor  Risingh  shall  be  at 
liberty  to  admonish  them  to  leave,  and  if  inclined  to  accompany  him  on  such  admonition, 
they  shall  not  be  detained  or  prevented  by  the  General,  and  those  who  will,  then,  remain 
here,  and  earn  their  living  in  the  country,  shall  enjoy  the  freedom  of  the  Augsburgh  Confession, 
and  one  person  to  instruct  them  therein. 

Mr.  Johan  Risingh,  Factor  Elswyck  with  other  high  and  low  officers,  soldiers  and  freemen 
who  will  now  depart  with  their  proper  movables,  sholl  be  provided  for  that  purpose  by  the 
General  with  a  proper  ship,  which  shall  receive  them  at  Sandyhook  from  the  coming  vessel 
and  convoy  them  to  the  Texel,  and  thence  directly  with  a  hoy,  sloop  or  other  suitable  crall,  to 
Gotlenburgh,  without  any  charge  j  but  such  sloop,  or  ship  shall  not  be  detained  at  Oottenburgh, 
for  which  Mr.  Risingh  is  responsible. 

Should  Governor  Risingh,  Factor  Elswyck,  or  any  servants  of  the  Crown  of  Sweden  or  the 
Southern  Company,  have  engaged  themselves  on  behalf  of  said  Crown  or  Company  for  any 
debts,  they  shall  not  be  arrested  therefor  within  the  said  General's  government. 

10. 

Governor  Risingh  shall  be  at  liberty  to  inform  himself  of  the  conduct  of  the  1at« 
Commandant  Schute,  his  officers  and  other  soldiers  in  the  surrender  of  the  fort  on  th« 
Sand  point. 

Provided  the  Governor  engage  himself  to  cause  the  people  under  his  command  to  quit  Fort 
Christina,  and  deliver  it  up  to  the  General  on  this  day,  the  U  of  this  month  of  September. 


r 


HOtLA^N-D  DOCUMENTS;    VIII.  ^^g 

(Sijsned)    Johan  Risinoh. 
P.  Stuyvesant. 

(Signed)    Johan  Risinoh. 
P.  Stuvvbsant. 


Folio  Itl. 


Secret  Rm>lution  of  tU  Statee  Oemral  cm  the  preceding  Papers. 

[F«a.  Ui.  H.gl^  of  8««,  B-oluU«u  of  U..  8UU.  0.a«l.  In  u.,  Eo,.l  Arrtl,«  ..  ft.  Hh«.  ] 

Friday,  28*  January,  1656. 
wjy  ,«.,.  00-     .  ^^''^^^  «  letter  from  the  Director,  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber 

th«  nfnr      '^  ...     ^'"\'''""'^-     ^^ich  being  Considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  to  refer 
tafesaidieter    deduction,  paper,  and  corroborative  documents,  to  Messrs.  Hygensa^ 
o  her  their  H.gh  M.g  itinesse,'  Deputies,  for  the  West  India  Company's  affa  rs    to  in.pe  , 
exam.aa  and  report  thereon.    Secrecy  thereupon  was  most  particularly  fe  o  mm  end  d.      ' 


Jlesdution  of  the  Common  Chuncil  of  the  City  of  Aimtm-<lam. 

irroo  U,.  ««W.rt<„  ««.  ,*.  »o«/«*app.».  A,  p.  M,  I.  tk.  »»i  «»^  A«»UnlM,.  I 

12'»  February,  1686. 
y...n.i.o«.«.u.      Messrs  Spiegel.  Witsen.  Oeelvlnck.  Van  Loon,  Bontemantel  and  Ilasselaar  are 
terj;.-;',"  ;;-q»"ted  and  appointed  a  Comn.itt.e,  on  the  occasion  of  the  present  war    n 
Vl'r:nl'&-    'oland.  to  consider  with  the  Presidents,  how  trade  in  New  Netheril  cou  3 

.nformationan;;"'  ^"'  ''"  ""'''   ""'''  ""^^""^  ^^'^^^^ '   '"^   ^«  -P-  »^«" 
Vol.  I.  77 


610 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS 


Chamber  at  Amsterdam  to  the  States  General. 

[  rnm  Ih*  Orlfinil  in  tb*  Bojtl  AnhlTM  at  tha  Ba|iia ;  File,  ITmI  J-idU.  1 

To  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  States  General  of  the  United  Neth'  rlands. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords ! 

The  Directors  of  the  Incorporated  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  did,  in  the 
year  1654,  call  your  High  Mightinesses'  attention  to  the  necessity  then  existing  to  conclude 
and  ratify  in  the  countries  of  New  Netherland  a  certain  and  assured  Boundary  between 
those  of  New  England  and  this  State.  And  as  the  Directors  aforesaid  are  content  that  certain 
Provisional  Boundary  concluded,  yonder,  in  the  year  1660,  be  included  therein,  they 
accordingly  requested  your  High  Mightinesses'  Ambassadors  then  in  England,  may  be 
instructed  to  apply  to  the  Lord  Protector  either  that  the  aforesaid  Provisional  Boundary  may 
be  approved,  or  the  Directors  on  both  sides  be  authorized  to  agree  on  and  arrange  a  new  one 
subject  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  and  his  Highness'  approval.  If  a  pertinent  proposal  has 
been  drawn  up  by  the  said  Ambassadors  on  this  subject,  it  has  been  without  any  result,  as  far 
as  the  said  Directors  are  advised.  Since  that  lime,  the  case  has  been  that,  in  New  Netherland 
some  private  Englishmen  have  not  hesitated  to  usurp  the  possession  of  some  of  the  Company's 
lands.  Nevertheless,  the  chief  and  principal  men  of  that  nation  give  out  and  declare  to  be 
well  satisfied  with,  and  inclined  to  remain  within  the  limits  of  the  aforesaid  Provisional 
Boundary,  in  case  Director  Stuyvesant  could  obtain  your  High  Mightinesses'  approbation 
thereof,  or  else  a  general  authorization.  Therefore,  the  aforesaid  Directors  have  deemed  it 
necessary  to  apply  again  to  your  High  Mightinesses  and  humbly  to  request  you  to  be  pleased 
to  cause  to  be  isnued  and  handed  to  the  Company,  the  aforesaid  Acte  of  approbation,  and 
authorization,  that  they  may  use  either  the  one  or  the  other,  as  circumstances  may  direct 
and  the  public  service  may  demand.     Which  doing,  etc. 

Delivered  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf  of  the  Directors  aforesaid,  the  22»*  February,  1666. 

(Signed)        Gtsbbht  RuuoLPHir. 


*  n    »    11    » 


Reaclution  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceding  Letter. 

t  From  tba  BagMar  of  Waal  Isdla  kttin,  \»i  —  IMS.  la  tha  BoTal  ArcblTai  at  tka  Rafaa.  ] 

Tuesday,  the  SQ"*  February,  l<>fi6. 
Folio  MO.  Read    at   the    Meeting   a    certain    Remonstrance   of  the    Directors  of   the 

Incorporated  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at  Amsterdam.  Which  being  considered,  it  is 
Baiittoatioa  of  iba  resolved  and  concluded  to  issue  a  suitable  Aclt  of  Ratification  of  certain  Articles 
NalbiuJd.'  "  of  agreement  made  and  concluded  at  Herford,  in  Cannitticot,  on  the  19'* 
September,  1050,  between  the  arbitrators  of  the  CommisHloners  of  the  United  English  Colonies 
and  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  Direclor-(Jenernl  of  the  Netherlands  Colonies,  rtHpecling  a  Provisional 
Boundary  there.  The  abovenamed  Directors  have  to  take  care  that  a  similar  Acte  of 
Ratification  of  the  aforesaid  Articles  be  also  issued  by  the  Lord  Protector  of  England,  Scotland 
and  Ireland. 


r 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VHI. 


«: 


611 


Ratification  of  the  Treaty  of  Hartford  by  the  States  General. 

I  Fro.  th.  AcU-BoA  „f  u,,  suta.  a«c«l.  la  th.  ^^  A,rf.lr»  .t  tb,  Hv.  ] 

Act  of  approbation  of  the  therein  inserted  Extract  of  an  Agreement  made  and 

unto  us  h,  order  of  the  Directors  ^f  the^  .L^^^red  Z'^cXZ  U^C^t 

atTrtr^i    ConuZ^r^  ^t' "^^  .^r  ""^"^  '''''''''  ««'  '^^^''^^'^  and  co^Med 
at  HartfoM  m  ConUticot.  the  n:neteenth  of  September,  XVI'  and  fifty,  relating  as  well  to  the 

trw:L"=„r^"^"   New  Netherland    and   New  England  I,   to   oth^er^' lILrs. t 
Conitticot.  the  19^^  September,  1660,  between  the  Arbitrators  of  the  Hon^- 

ProTil'oTNel  Nelh'  .^"h"'"'  ""  '']"""  *''  """''^"^  ^"8"^^  C°'-'"'  -«1  the  Dutch 
1  rovince  of  New  Netherland,  we  agree  and  conclude  as  follows  • 

In  \r^l  °>'  Long  Inland,  a  line  drawn  from  the  westernmost  part  of  Oyster  bay,  and  thence 
In  a  d.rect  and  straight  course  to  the  sea  shore,  shall  be  the  Boundary  between  the  Dutch  anJ 
Knghs^,  on  Long  Island  ,  the  Eastern  part  for  the  English,  and  the  wL^ern    I  t  or  ^he  D„  ."h' 

2.  The  boundary  on  the  Mainland  shall  begin  on  the  west  side  of  Greenwich  bay   bdn. 
about  four  m.les  from  Stanford,  and  thence  run  inland  in  a  northerly  course  Twenty  mles 
provded  .t  shall  not  come  within  ten  miles  of  the  North  river;  after  th'at  a,  it  sha7be'a^^ed 
upon  by  te  two  Governors-i.  e..  of  the  Dutch  and  New  Haven ;  and  'tis  agreed  ZThe 
Dutch  sal    not  at  any  time  hereafter  build  any  houses  within  six  miles  of 'the  sad  H 

;i:itroTth:^DZ^'^'^ '-  '^™""  -'' '-''-  -'-  -^  --^«-^-  -^'-He' 

3.  The  Dutch  shall  hold  and  occupy  the  land  at  Hartford  which  they  now  actually  nosses- 
known  by  .vers  marks  and  tokens,  and  all  the  remaining  lands  on  b'oth  side,  o  Ye  S 
r.ver  to  belong  and  remain  to  the  English  there.  And  it  is  in  like  manner  agreed  that  the 
nforesn.d  Boundary  both  on  the  island  and  mnmland  shall  be  observed  and  kept  invToilL  hl^h 

y  the  United  English  Colonies  and  the  Dutch  Nation,  without  any  furthe  e  teCs^^  oro^^^^^^ 
on  euher  s,de  u.U.1  there  be  a  final  conclusion  determined  upon  in  Europe,  by  the  mu^u  ! 
consent  or  both  the  States  of  England  and  Holland.  ^ 

Respecting  Fugitives. 

.nV.'l  T!Vv  I,''''  '"T  """'^"^  '*^""  '"'  '^"''"'^  '"'''^•'•'"  the  United  English  Colonie. 
and  tlu-  n.,t,.h  Nation  ,„  thi.  country  of  New  Netherland,  agreeably  to  the  eighth  Ar^cle  of 
the  confederaM.,„  between  the  United  English  Colonies,  in  that  case  provided 


M 


m 


612 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Concerning  the  proposition  of  a  closer  union  and  friendship  between  the  English  and  the 
Dutch  Nation  in  these  parts,  especially  against  a  common  enemy:  We  judge  it  to  be  worthy 
of  good  consideration  by  the  United  Colonies,  and  in  like  mRnner,  desire  it  may  be  communicated 
and  recommended  lo  them,  that  a  resolution  therein  may  be  taken  at  the  next  annual  meeting  of 
the  Commissioners.  And  in  testimony  of  our  unanimous  consent  to  the  foregoing  several 
conclusions,  have  we  sigpe  1  these  with  our  own  hands,  this  nineteenth  September,  Anno  XVI* 
and  fifty. 

Lower  stood:  Stmon  Bboadstrketk.         Tomas  Willbt. 

Thomas  Prbncb.  Gkorqk  Baxter. 

Therefore  have  we,  after  mature  deliberation  approved  and  ratified,  as  we  do  hereby  approve 
and  ratify  the  Articles  mentioned  in  the  foregoing  extract ;  requiring  and  ordering,  that  the 
contents  thereof  shall  take  effect  according  to  its  form,  and  be  observed  and  maintained  by  all 
and  every  residing  within  our  jurisdiction  whom  it  may  in  any  wise  concern,  without  doing  or 
suffering  anything  to  be  done  to  the  contrary,  on  pain  of  incurring  our  highest  displeasure. 
For  such  we  have  found  to  be  for  the  greatest  advantage  of  the  country-  Given  at  the  Hague 
under  our  seal,  paraph  and  the  signature  of  our  Clerk  on  the  two  and  twentieth  of  February, 
XVI'  and  fifty-six. 


<   n    »   «.  » 


f 


Committee  nf  the  West  India  Company  to  the  Committee  of  the  City  of  Amsterdam. 

[  From  Uw  Basdl*  endoiMd  Vftohtidt  Stutlttn  rakmd«  dt  (MimU  nan  jn«uu  Xtdtrlandl,  Mot.  9, 8,  Id  th«  Slad  /fttf/t,  Anittordim.  ] 

To  the  Honorable  the  Committee  of  the  City  of  Amsterdam  for  the  affairs  of  the  West 
India  Company. 

Honorable  gentlemen. 

HoiiuHiDoniiiHmi*,      "^^^  auswcrs  of  the  Committee  of  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  in 
XV.,  isi.  yesterday's  Conference  to  the  questions  proposed  by  you,  are  in  substance  briefly 

as  follows : 

First.  Concerning  the  acquisition  in  New  Netherland. 

That  as  the  superintendence  of  that  district  is  left  by  the  respective  Chambers  exclusively 
to  the  management  of  vhe  Directors  here,  the  occasion  fitly  presents  itself  to  attach  and  affix 
that  land  to  this  City. 

That  the  Directors  aforesbld  will  willingly  undertake  to  communicate  to  the  Regents  here 
the  orden  which  might  be  successively  made  for  the  prosperity  of  the  aforesaid  Country,  and 
to  do  nothing  without  their  knowledge. 

That  the  climate  there  is  very  mild  and  healthy,  entirely  agreeable  to  the  constitutions  of 
the  inhabitants  of  this  country,  also  by  nature  adapted  to  the  production  of  all  sorts  of  Eastern 
fruits  and  crops,  besides  the  conveniency  of  Trade  which  daily  increases,  in  divers  respects, 
both  with  the  Natives  of  those  parts  and  the  neighboring  English. 

That  in  order  to  maintain  the  aforesaid  acquisition  and  to  reap  the  fruits  thereof  in  their 
time,  what  is  particularly,  yea  solely  required  is,  that  it  be  properly  peopled. 


r 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VUL 


618 


That  such  population  cannot  be  sufficiently  promoted  by  the  Company  on  account  of  its 
unfavorable  c-cumstances  and  it  is  consequently  desirable  that  the  government  othsCiy 
could  be.nduced  to  expend  annually  for  some  time  a  certain  amount  of  money  in  the  conveying 
over  and  transportation  of  people.  i^oiiveying 

That  such  people  should  be  provided,  exclusive  of  passage,  with  one  year's  support,  (the 
voyage  included)  aaer  which  they  would  be  in  a  conditio.,  to  maintain  themselves 

That  the  Company  will  assign  to  such  people  sufficient  and  suitable  land;  and'in  case  the 
Regentsof  the  City  conclude  that  those  people  should  settle  on  the  South  river,  where  the  soi^ 
.s  richest  but  the  population  smallest.  Fort  Caaimier  can  be  placed  provisionally  in  the  hand 
of  the  City  for  belter  defence  and  security. 

.ho^'^llrTT  '"  T  •"'^""^^'"  '^'  transportation  and  support  of  the  aforesaid  people, 
should,  after  the  lapse  of  a  certain  time,  be  made  good  by  them  in  installments,  or  else  by  the 
payment  annually  of  a  reasonable  tax.  ' 

For  the  payment  whereof,  the  land  assigned  to  each  shall  be  mortgaged  to  the  City,  and  no 
one  shal   be  allowed  to  leave  the  country  except  on  payment  of  what  he  had  received 

That  the  a  oresaid  expenses  of  transportation  may  be  provisionally  somewhat  diminished 
.n  case  it  could  be  resolved  to  chrrter  the  ships  hence  thither,  and  on  arriving  there  to  set 
them  up  for  freight  and  loading,  with  which  they  might  return  here. 

Secondly.  Concerning  the  improvement  of  fa  Company  in  general 

Divers  points  on  that  subject  were,  in  the  year  1664.  submitted  to  the  Supreme  Government 
of  this  country,  copy  whereof  is  hereunto  annexed,  to  the  end  that  your  Honors  may  seeTiow 
far  existing  circumstances  will  permit  the  undertaking  of  the  one  or  the  other 

That  in  addition  to  the  abovementioned  points,  the  reduction  of  the  Island  of  St.  James  is 
highly    important;  this  can    be  accomplished  with  a  very  small  force;  such  is  al  o  p  o" 
in  orderto  bring  the  entire  Coast  of  Guinea,  again,  under  this  City  ^^^    ' 

It  would  be  equally  advantageous  that  the  Company  be  relieved  of  the  Train  h»n  i       u-  u 
have  served  with  the  Military  in  Brasil.  and  consequently  that  orders  be  iWd  that  t^ 
and  the  other  be  paid  by  the  country.  °'  '"*  °"« 

Finally  and  lastly  that  the  respite  provisionally  allowed  by  .he  State  until  the  eighth  day 
of  their-Great  Mightinesses'  present  term,  may  be  continued  for  some  time,  as  otherwile  t  e 
Directors  would  be  put  to  such  inconvenience  in  their  administration,  that  they,  inThe  lot 
run,  cannot  resist.  •'^'  '""8 


Point,  drawn  up  by  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX..  to  be  submitted  to  the  Supreme 
Government  of  this  country.     [1664.]  o"Freme 

5o,u..n,ca™„u.      1.  As  the  King  of  Pcrtucai  hath,  by  the  unjust  seizure  of  the  countries  of 
K..»  •  «    ,T  °^  ^  '"'"""'^  diminished  your  High  Mightinesses'  glory  and  respect 

but  even  inflicted  on  your  inhabitants  great  and  incalculable  damage,  your  High  M  ghtTnesse- 
are  again  requested  to  consider  of  the  means  whereby  said  King  could  be  brought  to  rea"" 
and  especially  to  examine  what  satisfaction  he  ought  to  give  the  Company  ' 

2.  In  like  manner,  as  the  State  is  in  arrears  to  the  aforesaid  Company,  a  considerable  sum 
of  money  in  the  matter  aforesaid  in  unpaid  subsidies,  and  that  the  said  C;mp„ny  h  oV  he 
other  hand,  incurred  great  debts  in  consequence,  your  High  Mightinesses  are.  thirefore 


ii 


614 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


requested  to  issue  orders  that  the  account  may  once  for  all  be  liquidated,  satisfied  and  paid 
on  moderate  terms. 

3.  Thirdly,  your  High  Mightinesses  are  requested  to  alter  the  ordinary  letters  of  reprisal 
according  to  the  circumstances  of  the  times,  and  to  the  actual  condition  of  affairs,  in  the  form 
thereof  drawn  up. 

4.  Finally;  your  High  Mightinesses  are  requested  to  grant  or  allow  to  the  Company, 
provisionally  or  until  its  circumstances  shall  be  improved,  the  import  duty  on  all  sugars  and 
other  products  which  shall  be  brought  hither  by  another  route  from  Brasil,  in  regard  that  they 
are  products  of  the  Company's  district,  and  the  Board  of  Admiralty  ought  not  to  derive  any 
profit  from  the  misfortune  that  hath  overtaken  the  Company  there. 


I' 


Resolution  of  the  Common  Council  of  the  City  of  Amsterdam. 

I  From  th*  Raotuttm  tan  dt  Vrotdmiappm,  A,,  p.  T(,  la  the  atad  Huy,  Amilcrdun.  ] 

S""  March,  1666. 
^  The  Burgomasters  have  also  further  represented,  that  the  Committee  appointed 

*v..  a.  and  requested  on  the  12""  of  February  'ast,  to  consider  what  should  be  done  for 

the  promotion  of  the  affairs  in  New  Netherland,  had  first  consulted  thereupon  with  some 
Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  only,  and  secondly  with  them  in  presence  of  their 
Honors,  who  request,  as  some  of  the  committee  must  leave  the  city  and  as  their  Honors  had  full 
knowledge  of  the  matter,  to  report  thereon  in  their  name,  and  the  Burgomasters  have 
therefore  reported  : 

That,  in  brief,  it  had  been  proposed  and  as  it  were  concluded  in  the  Conference,  that  in 
case  people  enough  were  sent  from  this  country  thither,  all  the  products  that  come  at  present 
from  the  Baltic,  masts  inclusive,  could  be  found  and  raised  in  New  Netherland. 

That  all  the  lands  the  Company  possess  there  had  been  purchased  from  the  Indians  or 
Inhabitants,  under  proper  and  voluntary  conveyance  executed  before  the  Supreme  Magistrates 
there,  according  to  the  Deeds  thereof  remaining  with  them,  so  that  they  owned  ihose  lands 
juito  titulo,  both  as  regards  the  aforesaid  Indians  and  all  other  circumjacent  Europeans. 

That,  also,  the  administration  of  New  Netherland,  as  far  as  the  possessions  of  the  West  India 
Company  and  the  alienation  thereof  are  concerned,  was,  with  the  knowledge  and  approbation 
of  their  High  Mightinesses,  fully  and  specially  assigned,  to  wit,  by  the  Assembly  of  the  19,  to 
the  Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  which  might  properly  resolve  to  sell  a  parcel  of  land  to  the  City. 

The  Council  having  heard  the  aforesaid  report  and  judging  it  highly  expedient  to  promote 
the  trade  in  New  Netherland,  in  the  present  conjuncture,  in  order  not  to  be  always  dependent 
exclusively  on  the  Baltic,  authorizes  the  Burgomasters  and  Treasurers  to  negotiate  with  the 
T«  boT  inme  iind  Said  Dircctors  of  this  Chamber  for  the  purchase  of  a  certain  tract  of  Laud  in  New 
i» Hew  Nei*«KIi°'  Netherland  whereof  the  Company  is  lawfully  possessed  titulo  emptionis,  and  the 
agreement  respecting  the  same  being  made,  to  bring  it  into  this  Assembly;  further,  to  dispose 
thereof,  and  to  appoint  Commissioners  from  themselves,  to  manage  and  to  improve  that  country 
with  requisite  Colonies  and  whatever  is  demanded  for  the  encouragement  of  commerce. 


r 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIIL 


615 


Resolution  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the   West  India  Company. 


I  From  Um  Bonill*  udoned  VtrteMiU  SuttM^  -ni-^^^  j.  n.i    j 

Thursday,  16""  March,  1656 
St-Sr—'-  .^r"  *'*;"'  Wilmerdoncx  and  Van  Beeck  having  made  a  report  at  length  of  the 

the  .1..  Februa^  ::t::^hTe:i7ttth?r  ^^^^ 

and  Treasurers  la„  deT^P^ItrirtX  a^Slt^r^Ptre'r^  '^^"^''? 

circumstances  of  New  NetheHanH  tha  .!ti      r   u     r^"'"'"'"^^  "'  ^"e  Council,  respecting  the 

•Ke  good.  ..p.  Jhiitt,:!?,:  i°v.';':„^ ;:  r  ':^T"  tr"  "t'  °" 

Agrees  with  the  Register  aforesaid.    In  absence  of  the  Advocate. 

(Signed)    E.  van  Seventbk. 


Ambassador  HaroU  Appelboom  to  the  States  General. 

I  Fron.  tb.  Orl,I..I  1,  u..  Eoj.l  Archlr-  „  u,,  H.^.;  FU.,  DuiUMani  ] 

c™p,„y  „coupyi.g  .heSoolh  river  or  Florid.  „„.,  o„expe«"dT  '   d    °i.H  r  r 

...z.d  o.  i,.  foru,,  drove  out  the  i„habl,.«„,  and  iU,  y,i.ZT^!ZZt  H  Tr     """' 
of  ts  distnVtn      >Ti<i  ♦,„-.  „»j  u         J  J.  "'v  "'^P°*sessea  the  bwedish  Comoanv 

Indi...,l,eJ.I,e/,;2,ghVcl       ,S"y 


616  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

profound  wisdom,  whereby  the  abovementioned  Swedish  Company  may  be  indemnified.    Aa 

for  the  rest,  the  aforesaid  Resident  wishes  your  High  Mightinesses  a  fortunate  and  prosperous 

government.    At  the  Hague  tlie  22  March,  Anno  1066. 

'^  "  (Signed)        H.  Appelboom. 


Eisolution  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceding  Letter. 

[  rroffl  Um  BegUter  of  VMi  lodlt  Affiiln,  l«Si  —  IMS,  In  th*  Boytl  ArohlfM  >t  the  Hague.  ] 

Wednesday,  22^  March,  1666. 
folio**  Rend  in  the  Assembly  a  certain  Memorial  of  Mr.  Appelboom,  Resident  from  the 

ipfiboom.  King  of  Sweden,  complaining   that  the  Commanders  in  New  Netheriand  of 

the  West  India  Company  of  this  country  had  last  summer  attacked  the  Swedish  Company 
inhabiting  the  South  river  of  Florida,  most  unexpectedly  and  with  force  of  arms,  reduced  their 
forts,  expelled  the  inhabitants  and  wholly  dispossessed  the  above  named  Swedish  Company 
from  its  district ;  requesting,  therefore,  that  prompt  order  may  be  issued  for  the  redress  of  the 
aforesaid  proceeding,  and  that  the  said  Swedish  Com  any  may  be  indemnified.  Which  being 
considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  to  examine  further  the  information  on  the  same 
subject,  heretofore  sent  in  by  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  of  this  country  to  their 
High  Mightinesses,  in  order  when  such  is  examined,  further  resolution  may  be  adopted  in  the 
matter  aforesaid,  as  shall  be  deemed  proper. 


Eesolution  of  the  States  of  Holland,  ttc,  on  Mr.  AppcV)Oom's  Memorial. 

Resolution  of   the  States  of   Holland  and   Westfriesland,  dated  83  and  24* 
March,  1656. 

Rend  in  the  Assembly,  a  certain  Memorial  presented  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  by  Mr. 
Appelboom,  Resident  of  the  King  of  Sweden,  to  the  efiect  that  he,  the  Resident  aforesaid,  • 
lound  himself  ooliged  by  express  command,  to  represent  to  their  High  Mightinesses,  that  the 
the  Commanders  in  New  Netheriand  of  the  West  India  Company  of  this  country 
^^^TiIr'ToTT!!'^  bad,  last  summer,  attacked  unexpectedly  and  with  force  of  arms  the  Swedish 
!nN«SMh.ri.nd.  Qo^p^ny  dwelling  in  the  South  river  of  Florida,  seized  its  forts,  expelled  the 
inhabitants  and  thus  wholly  dispossessed  the  said  Swedish  Company  of  its  districts ;  requesting 
their  High  Mightinesses,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  the  aforesaid  Memorial,  to  be  pleased  to 
issue,  for  the  redress  of  such  indecent  proceedings  of  the  aforesaid  West  India  Company  of 
this  country,  such  prompt  order  as  equity,  justice  and  mutual  friendship  between  both  Nations 
and  the  importance  of  the  matter  itself,  demand. 


r 


K»wassrfaai-Bia»j.i;,*w>i»«iM 


■'mm  ma 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIIL 


617 


Which  being  considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  the  aforesaid  Memorial,  together 
with  certain  ample  information  heretofore  furnished  by  the  said  West  India  Company  of  this 
country  on  the  foregoing  subject,  and  the  documents  thereunto  belonging,  be  further  examined 
and  investigated  by  a  Committee  of  their  Great  Mightinesses  and  a  draft  of  an  answer  to  the 
aforesaid  Memorial  be  by  them  prepared,  and  a  report  thereof,  and  of  their  opinions  regarding 
the  said  subject,  be  made  as  soon  as  possible  to  the  Asssembly  here;  to  which  end  the 
geutibmen  from  Amsterdam,  Rotterdam  and  Hooru  are  requested  and  appointed,  as  they  are 
hereby  requested  and  commissioned. 


Sulacription  of  the  City  of  Amsterdam  to  the  fund  for  the  Waldenaea. 

[  From  Uw  Oroat  MmoHatl,  Put  IT.,  p.  M ;  la  Ui»  Slad  Buy;  Anutardun.  ] 

H^mdD<««n%      The  Burgomasters  and  Regents  of  the  City  of  Amsterdam  authorize  Messrs. 
the  Commissioners  of  «he  Exchange  Banli,  to  pay  to  Mr.  Johan  Berkel,  Receiver- 
Mowj^fc,  *.w.i.  General  of  Holland,  the  sum  of  Fiay  Thousand  Guilders,  towards  the  fund  collected 
for  the  distressed  Waldenses.    Done  March  29,  1666. 

By  order  of  their  Worships. 

(Signed)        J.  Cortbb. 


Councii  of  Amsterdam  to  Director  StuyveaanL 

[  From  th*  Ommom  X-Umt,  IT.,  In  Ui*  Stad  tt»y;  AmtUrdan.  ] 

To  the  Governor  and  other  officers  of  Justice  in  New  Netherland,  on  the  part  of  this  State. 
27  April,  1666. 

iiniiuidDoran>iitt,  Honorable,  Wise,  prudent,  right  discreet  Gentlemen. 

■•'**•  Jan  Gaillardo  ferrara,  a  native  of  Saint  Lucas  of  Barameda,  a  subject  of  his 

Royal  Majesty  of  Spain,  hath  represented  to  us  that  he,  some  years  ago,  sued  for  the  restitution 
of  several  slaves  and  other  property,  taken  frcm  him  by  a  certain  privateer  and  brought  into 
New  Netherland  without  his  being  able,  up  to  this  time,  to  procure  satisfaction  therefor, 
requesting  our  letters  recom.nendatory  thereunto ;  wherefore  we  have  consented  to  recommend 
the  matter  hereby  to  your  Honors,  to  the  end  that  you  may  render  prompt  and  expeditious 
justice  to  the  abovenamed  Gaillardo.  Which  will  insure  our  friendship,  and  we  shall  be 
always  ready  to  reciprocate. 

Herewith,  etc. 


Vol.  \. 


78 


u» 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Order  in  favor  of  the  Waldenset. 


XV.,  118. 


[nrom  lb*  Onot  MmorltuI,  Vtti  ir.,  IM ;  la  Ui*  Slad  1/itg;  AmtlerdMi.  ] 

Burgomasters  and  Regentu  of  Amsterdam,  hereby  authorize  the  Commissioners 
M(Hi.r>  eoii««t«d  of  the  Exchange  Bank  in  the  said  city,  to  give  and  pny  to  Mr.  John  van  Berckel, 
"***  Receiver-General  of  Holland  and  West  Friesland,  the  sum  of  seventeen  thousand, 
five  hundred  and  sixty-six  guilders,  eleven  stivers  and  eight  pence,  say  fl.l7,666:ll:8,  which 
sum,  on  producing  receipt  therefor,  shall  be  allowed  said  Commissioners  in  rendering  their 
account  of  the  moneys  collected  within  this  city  for  and  on  the  behalf  of  the  Waldenses. 
Done  the  30'^  June,  1656. 


r 


u 


Jiesdution  of  the  Council  of  Amsterdam  on  a  Plan  to  colonize  New  N'ethalaad. 

[  From  Um  AMohiMm  van  cU  VntdtoSappm,  A.,  p.  118,  la  tha  Stad  Huy;  Aatstardam.  ] 

4  July,  1656. 

n.ji.n<iD«.n..ni.,      ^  Certain  draft  of  a  plan  for  the  encouragement  of  the  trade  in  New  Netherland, 

'^"rCWh!  '*  ""eferred  to  Messrs.  van  Polsbroeck,  Witsen,  Valckenier,  van  Hoorn  and  Burgh, 


Inula 

crlanil    nttmi  to 

OomiBUIaa. 


for  examination,  and  to  report  to  the  Council  their  opinion  and  advice. 


Reaolution  of  the  OouncU  of  Armterdam  on  the  Conditions  for  the  ^Encouragement 

of  Emigration  to  New  Netherland. 

[  From  Iha  i2«w<tiMm  vofi  d«  rro«iiM»anMiS  ^  P- 1>1>  >B  tha  Aad  iTiiy*,  Anuterdam.  ] 


HnnandDoeaimnta, 
XV., «. 


18*  July,  1666. 
The  Committee  appointed  on  the  4*  July  of  this  year,  from  the  body  of  this 
£^?  bltt«l!^  Council,  to  examine  the  Conditions  to  be  agreed  upon  between  this  City  and  the 
i',!di.'a4«*^  ^^'^  '"'^'*  Company  respecting  Trade  and  Colonies  in  New  Netherland,  and  to 
^oi^i  'rrVw  look  into  a  certain  draft  connected  therewith,  caused  the  said  draft  prepared  by 

•iboran  .  ^j^^^  ^^^  enreglstcred  in  the  Muniment  Regitfer,  ??  .  r» 

Council.     Which  being  considered,  the>  ti^entlemen  of  the  Comma > 
trouble,  and  the  draft  thus  prepared  is  approved. 


j.8,  et  leq.  to  be  read  in 
Hi%'  thanked  f?r  their 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIII. 


619 


Draft  of  CondUicms  offered  hy  the  aty  of  Amsterdam  to  Emigranta  to  Niw  mtherland. 

SviT^..  """"'^      ^"l"''"  ?'  ^"f'^^'ONs  to  be  Remarks  of  the  Directors  of  the  West 

India  Company  on  the  opposite  Draft 


offered  to  those  who  may 
be  sent  as  Colonists  to 
New  Netheriand. 


of  Conditions. 


1-  1. 

That  the  Colonists  should  go  thither  in  Fiat.  Provided  it  be  in  ships  that  sail  with 

suitable  ships  with   their  families,  requisite  the  Company',  permit, 
household  furniture  and  additional  necessaries. 


9. 

The  City  of  Amsterdam  may  make  the  best 
bargain  it  can  with  the  skippers  for  the  trans- 
portation of  both  people  and  goods. 


9. 


Fiat 


Said  City  is  to  advance  the  passage  money 
on  condition  that  it  be  hereafter  repaid  to  the 
City  in  manner  hereinafter  mentioned. 

4. 
To  the  end  that  the  said  Colonists  may  gain 
their  livelihood  there    safely,   honestly  and 
propperously,  the  City  aforesaid  doth  before- 
hand guarantee  as  follows : 

6. 

First.  Said  City  shall  provide  ani  assign  a 
fruitful  soil  in  a  healthy  and  temperate  climate, 
watered  by  and  situated  on  a  fresh  water  river, 
which  can  be  navigated  by  large  ships. 


Fiat. 


6. 
Here  the  City  shall  lay  out  a  proper  piece 
of  land  on  a  river  side  for  a  safe  habitation 
nnd  residence  of  the  Colonists,  and  fortify  it 
with  a  ditch  without  and  a  wall  within  ;  and 
divide  the  inclosed  land  into  streets,  a  market 
and  lots  suitable  for  the  use  as  well  of  traders 
and  mechanics  as  of  farmers,  and  all  this  at 
the  expense  of  the  City. 


Fiat. 


6. 
Fiat.  Provided  it  be  not  any  place  or  lands 
still  belonging  to  the  Indians  or  natives,  which 
if  selected,  the  fact  shall  be  made  known  to 
the  Director  and  Council  there,  in  order  that 
the  lands  may  be  received  from  their  hands, 
after  the  Indians  are  satisfied. 


6. 


Fiat. 


6?0 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  'lANUSCRIPTS. 


'   ; 


7. 

Said  City  shall  cause  to  be  erected  about  the 
Market  or  in  a  more  convenient  place,  a  public 
building  suitable  for  Divine  service ;  item, 
also  a  house  for  a  School  which  can  likewise  be 
occupied  by  the  person  who  will  hereafter 
be  Sexton,  Psalm^etter  and  Schoolmaster ; 
the  City  shall,  besides  have  a  house  built  for  the 
Minister. 

8. 

The  City  aforesaid  sliall  provisionally  pro- 
vide and  pay  the  salary  of  a  Minister  and 
Schoolmaster,  unless  their  High  Mightinesses 
or  the  Company  think  otherwise. 

9. 

The  City  of  Amsterdam  shall  cause  to  be 
erected  at  the  pince  aforesaid,  a  large  magazine 
or  warehouse,  wherein  it  shall  keep  all  sorts  of 
articles  both  for  clothing  and  the  subsistence 
of  the  people  and  supply  them  with  seed  grain. 
I  shall  likewise  keep  a  Factor  there,  who  shall 
furnish  everything  necessary  for  clothing, 
housekeeping  and  farming,  and  sell  these,  at 
the  same  prices  they  are  sold  here,  the  Com- 
pany's  custom  excepted. 

Conceruing  the  Company's  custom,  the  City 
shall  agree  therefor  as  favorably  as  possible, 
and  especially  that  the  duty  to  be  paid  in  New 
Nethetland  shall  be  employed  in  building  and 
maintaining  public  works. 

11. 

The  said  fortified  place  allotted  for  the 
residence  of  the  Colonists,  whether  called  a 
city  or  town,  shall  be  regulated  in  matters  of 
police  or  justice  in  the  same  manner  as  here  in 
Holland. 


7. 


Fiat. 


8. 


Fiat. 


9. 

The  City  of  Amsterdam  might  provide  the 
Colonists  here,  before  their  departure,  with 
clothing  and  jther  subsistence  for  a  year ; 
and  further  hav<»  built  at  the  place  aforesaid  a 
magazine  or  warehouse  wherein  it  will  keep 
every  sort  of  article  necessary  for  agriculture, 
together  with  all  sorts  of  seed  grain,  to  be  sold 
by  its  factor  there  at  the  price  aforesaid. 


10. 

Fiat.  Except  the  custom  or  duty  payable  to 
the  Company  there  from  peltries,  and  pro- 
vided it  be  done  by  the  person  or  government 
appointed  there  by  the  Company. 


11. 

Fiat.  With  this  addition  :  And  in  regard  to 
descents,  specially  to  observe  the  law  of 
Aatdom^  and  in  justice,  the  practice  and 
custom  of  the  City  of  Amsterdam. 


■  Iiilj»riUnfe,  In  »•«  of  IntMUcy,  hu  b««ii  from  olJ  liiuoi  iii  Hollind  of  two  kln<1i;  either  aoeordinit  to  the  Uw  of 
Aatd"m  or  Schepmdom.  Th*  rnle  of  tli<  fir»t  in,  "tin  nt«t  of  blooJ  ioharita  tlit  goodt  or  propertjj "  of  th*  Moonii,  "tb« 
pr<)|i»rty  niu<t  revert  to  the  eourne  from  whun'e  it  came."  (  uh  <fcr  Lituitn't  Ini4ilulu  of  tkt  /.am  of  IIMand,  1B7.  He* 
■liu,  Van  L-Hitn'i  Cvmmtntuiu  on  Ikt  Roman  DuUk  Lar,  pp.  Sgg,  l«7,  for  a  full  eiplanation  of  Iha  Atiiom-rtfikt  and  iu 
iaaideota.  —  Ed. 


r 


By»HP.W«mill,lll|MHym 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIIL 


18. 


621 


IS. 


They  shall  first  have  one  Schout  or  officer        Fiat. 
as  the  head  of  Justice,  instructed  ai  is  the 
custom  here. 

13. 

Who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Benuties  of        Ha  .h,ii  u  •       ,  . 

the  C.ty  of  Amsterdam  or  by  the  West    ndia    Call  .^  "^^"'"''^  ^'  '^'  ^"*  '"'^'« 

Company  in  the  name  of  th'e Ir  H^^h  M^ght    ne3"^  "  "'"  "^""^  '''  '''"  "'8''  ^''«'^^'- 
nesses. 


13. 


U. 
There  shall  be  three  Burgomasters  to  be        Fiat 
■ppointed  by  the  common  Burghers,  from  the 
honestest  and  fittest. 

15. 

And  6  or  7  Schepens  to  be  chosen  by  the 
Burghers,  or  else  a  double  number  to  be 
named,  in  order  that  the  selection  be  made 
therefrom  by  the  Commissioners  of  the  City 
of  Amsterdam. 

16. 
The  City  or  town  being  increased  to  200 
families  or  upwards,  they  shall  choose  a 
Common  Council  of  21  persons,  who  shall 
meet  with  the  Burgomasters  and  Schepens 
and  resolre  together  on  ail  matters  relating  to 
the  City  government. 

17. 

The  Schepens  shall  give  judgments  for  all 
sums  under  one  hundred  guilders,  but  in  cases 
exceeding  100  Gl.  the  party  aggrieved  shall  be 
allowed  an  appeal  to  the  President  and  court 
o(  Justice  of  New  Netherland. 

18. 
Said  Schepens  shall  also  pronounce  sentence        Fiat, 
in  all  criminal  cases,  but  an  appeal  therefrom 
shall  be  provisionally  allowed. 

19. 

The  City  of  Amsterdam   shall,  also,   pro-        Fiul. 
visionally  ciiuse  to  be  built  3  houses  or  resi- 
dencesi  namely,  I  for  a  smith,  1  for  a  wheel. 
Wright  and  one  house  for  a  carpenter. 


14. 


Ifi. 


And  a  double  number  to  be  named  by  the 
Burghers  for  6  or  7  Schepens,  in  order  that 
the  selection  be  made  therefrom  by  the  Director 
General  and  Council. 


16. 
Fiat.  With  this  addition  :  Which  Commoir 
Council  shall,  also,  have  the  absolute  election 
of  Burgomasters  and  Common  Councilmen, 
together  with  the  nomination  of  Schepens.  in 
order  that  the  selection  as  above  may  be  made 
therefrom. 

17. 

Fiat.  To  the  Director-General  and  Council 
of  New  Netherland. 


18. 


19. 


622 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


CO 

o 

UJ 

7^ 

>• 

■< 

"" 

or 

nz 

CD 

o 

cc 

cr> 

■<: 

-£: 

^j^ 

•» 

i-JL_ 

>- 

u_ 

rr: 

«c 

••a: 

q: 

2^ 

en 

I5 

_ 

o 

-J 

-y 

mmmmmm 

20. 
The   City  of   Amsterdam    aforesaid   shall        Fiat, 
divide  all  the  lands  rownd  about  said  town  or 
city  into  suitable  fields  for  plough  land,  pasture 
and  meadow  land,  laid  out  on  proper  roads  for 
going  to,  and  coming  from,  them. 

21. 
Every  person  who  will  follow  farming  shall  Fiat, 
have  in  free,  fast  and  durable  property,  as  many 
morgeru  as  well  of  plough  land  a.  of  pasture  and 
meadow,  as  he  and  his  family  will  be  able  to 
improve  and  will  require  for  grazing,  be  it 
twenty,  thirty  or  more  morgeru,  provided  all 
such  lands,  which  will  be  given  and  conveyed  in 
fee  to  each  of  the  Colonists,  shall  by  them 
in  two  years  from  the  conveyance,  be  brought 
under  cultivation,  on  penalty  of  the  same  being 
taken  from  them  and  given  to  others. 

2i). 

Each  of  the  Colonists  shall  settle  and  use  his 
land  freely,  without  paying  poundage,  horn 
money,  or  salt  tax ;  and  be  exempt  from  tenths 
for  20  years,  to  be  counted  from  the  year  in 
which  the  land  is  first  sown. 


90. 


81 


23. 
The  City  of  Amsterdam  shall  make  arrange- 
ments that  ships  shall  be  continually  and 
consecutively  sent  from  Holland  to  load  and 
bring  over  the  grain,  seed,  timber  and  all  sorts 
of  produce  most  profitable  to  the  Colonists,  who 
shall,  also,  be  at  liberty  to  charter  private 
vessels,  provided  such  be  consigned  to  the 
City  of  Amsterdam. 

24. 

For  which  purpose  the  City  of  Amsterdam  Fiat, 
shall  have  proper  storehouses  here,  for  the 
■torage  of  the  grain  and  other  property  of 
the  Colonists,  which  shnll  be  sold  for  the  benefit 
of  the  same ;  and  shiill  return  the  proceeds 
thereof  in  such  articles  as  the  owners  shall 


ts. 

The  Colonists  shall,  like  others  in  that 
country,  settle  and  use  their  land  freely  and 
be  exempt  from  10'*  for  the  term  of  fifteen 
years,  to  be  counted  with  the  year  that  the 
lands  shall  have  been  first  sowed,  after  the  ex- 
piration of  which  time,  the  Company  shall 
receive  half  the  10'**. 

t3. 

Fiat.  Provided  such  ships  shall  go  agreeably 
to  the  annexed  regulation,  enacted  by  the 
Company  in  the  premises. 


14. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIII. 


623 


direct,  deducting  therefrom  only  two  per  cent 
for  commission  and  one-tenth  of  the  net  pro- 

bvlV"  'wT^r  °'  ^'^  ^'^''-sements  made 
by  the  «a.d  C.ty  for  the  freight  and  passage  of 

he  persons  and  goods  of  the  Colonists  ;a„d 

hat  unt.1  the  aforesaid  disbursement  are 
refunded  and  no  longer. 

S5. 

The  Colonists  in  New  Netherland  shall  be  at  Th   r  ,     •             ^^' 

I'berty  to  take  out  of  the  City's  warehoul  ,u        1°°"*"  '"  ^'"^  Netherland  requiring 

whatever  they  may  require  at  the  Jed  pZ  !"'?'/"  ^"^  '"""^«  "^  '^^   '-^  -  thf 

provided  the  account  thereof  be  transmUteJ  ''      "'''"'"  '°'''"''  ">""'  ''<'- 
w.th   the   Colonists'  goods,    in  order  to   be 
deducted  therefrom. 

26. 

vessels  an7f;rothL'plVpL'es!'r!t*iibttrt;  orJ^^'  ^7"'^'f  '"*  ^'  ^"""^  "S'^^^'^  '«  'h« 

cut  down  in  the  nearest  „„d  most  c  nve  Ut  e In".    T^n'""  ""'"  °^  '»  ''^  '"«'^« 

forests,  as  much  timber  as  they  shall  require  D 'rector-General  and  Councl. 
without  paying  anything  for  it.                ^       ' 

87. 

The  Burgomasters  as  founders,  patroons  and 
possessorsof  the  Juriadiction.  shall  appoint  the 
Secretary,  Messenger  and  other  inferier  officers. 

98. 

Hunting  in  the  woods  and  fishing  in  the 
waters  and  rivers.  &c..  not  heretofore  owned 
by  other  persons,  shall  be  free  to  each  of  the 
Colonists,  under  certain  regulations  to  be  made 
respectng  them,  under  the  authority  of  the 
Company,  or  their  High  Mightinesses. 

29, 
The  City  of  Amsterdam  shall  provide  for 
the  transportation  of  „||  tools  and   farming 
implement,  free  and  without  p„yi„g  any  duty 

80. 

And  in  regard  to  articles  which  go  as  mer-        AnA  ■  .       ^^' 

chandise,  an  agreement  and  firm   re.ulaUon    ..      ,         u**"^  '°  "tide,  which  ^o  a.  mer- 

re.p.cting    them    .h.ll   be  made    rUh    1  "    'I' '''^ ''"'' ^"^ '"'='' ^"^^  "'• -P-^ 

Company.  ""    ""    ^««'  "»  'he  annexed  list.  ^ 


Fiat. 


87. 


28. 
Fiat.  Under  certain  regulation,  made  or  to 
be  made  by  the  Director-General  and  Council. 


Fiat.  Free  of  duty. 


29. 


"4t 


! 


6S4 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Conditions  to  be  agreed   upon  with 
the  West  India  Company. 

I. 

The  West  India  Company  shall  approve, 
and,  as  far  as  lies  in  its  power,  give  effect  to 
tho  accompanying  agreement,  basis  and  regu- 
lation on  which  the  City  of  Amsterdam  is  to 
plant  Colonies  in  New  Netherland. 

9. 


1. 


Fiat. 


Afirm  regulation  shoJld  be  made  respecting        All  fruits  and   P'"'^"'^''  "j",^^/''""  ""^ 
.e^i:yo?theirownproductssentoverbythecuUiv.edb^^ 


Colonists. 


Their  High  Mightinesses  or  the  Company 
should  cede  and  gnmt  to  the  City  of  Amster- 
dam as  founders  and  pliinters  of  the  place, 
high,  middle  and  low  jurisdiction,  in  order  the 
better  to  maintain  the  requisite  authority 
among  their  people. 

4. 
The  City  shall  possess  the  jurisdiction  afore- 
said in  form  of  a  Fief,  successively  appoi^nt- 
ing  to  that  end,  a  person  on  whom  the  Fief 
shall  be  conferred  on  pnyment  of  certain 
Seignorial  dues.  (Heer  gcwuden.) 

0. 

The  Sovereignty  and  supreme  authority,  or 
whatever  else  depends  thereon,  remaining, 
nevertheless,  in  their  High  Mightinesses  or  the 
Company  so  far  as  it  is  authorized  by  the 
Charter. 

And  as  the  government  of  Amsterdam  hath 
no  intention  to  extend  any  authority  or 
power  abroad,  but  merely  designs  to  promote 
commerce,  which  is  the  life  of  this  Cily,  so 
vrill  it  be  content  to  make  over  and  convey 
everything  to  the  Company  aforesaid,  in  case 
their  High  Mightinesses  or  the  Company  afore- 
said be  inclined  to  reimburse,  within  the  first 
ten  years,  to  the  City   of  Amsterdam,  the 


and  on  coming  here  pay  only  the  convoy  to 
the  Company. 

3. 

Fiat. 


Fiat 


«. 


Fiat. 


i 


moneys  disbursed,  with  simple  interest  at  5 
per  cent  yearly,  on  condition  that  the  said 
Company,  in  such  case,  remain  bound  to  mal^e 
good  to  the  Colonists  the  Agreement  heretofore 
drawn  u^and  hereunto  annexed. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VUI, 


625 


Amplificatmn. 

Any  of  the  Colonists  who  by  himself  or  his 
family  or  any  person  in  his  service,  shall 
discover  any  minerals,  crystals,  precious  stones, 
marble,  &c.,  of  whatever  nature  soever  the 
same  may  be,  may  possess  and  keep  them  as 
his  own,  without  paying  any  imposition  or  duly 
for  them,  for  the  term  of  ten  years;  but  after 
the  expiration  thereof,  he  shall  be  bound  to 
pay  the  Company  one-tenth  of  their  proceeds. 


t  mr.  fi...ow.  .  T.H.  of  DutK  which  i.  „„|.u,d.  ..  it  i.  .  I>up,ie.U  of  «,.  T.ble  p.„UJ,  ^  p.  e,4.  ] 


Form  of  Permit  to  sail  to  New  Nethcrhnd. 

H,..nj,.c„.™.,      The  Directors  Of  the  West  India  Company  at  the  Chamber  here  in  Amsterdam 
Skipper  of  the  r"""'^'  """  ZT'  T''  ''''''  """^  '^'  "«-  '""'  ' 

NewNetherlandwithiMhe'limitsofthTcom'nr."'!"'''  ""  ''"'  ""-ier  his  command  to 
entered  into  with  the  afores    d    ki^Lr'       ^     ^  '    /''"'  °"  '°"'"''°"  "'"^  '*-'^"'«  "'«*!«  ""d 

to  bring  all  his  .o::^!::^^: ^Tz^t!:^:  7"i  'r  '-r  '^ '--' 

the  ship  aforesaid)  into  the  said  rom„.„„'  u         7         '  ^  "'"''^  ''"  '"''^»   ^hem   into 

Company's  mark.Ld  t  L  d  Zeo„  toT  C '"  "  '"  ""  "'«P-'«'^- '"-'^ed  with 
Indian  goods  such  as  du.fel  an  Zkets  ^,d  rn'7' '"T'''  'T"  P^^^^ -'"« 
merchandise,  all  according  to  the  true  vaul.'hr,'^  ""'  ""  ""  °"'"  8"°«'«  ""d 
that  he.afterfulfmingher'o  ads  nrfo!/'""^'"^^  ''^  ^'^  "'^''"«-  and  convoys; 
be  obliged  to  come  with  his  s  p  to  t^™^^^^^^  u)  '^'T  '^  '^""  '"'"'^  "'  ""^  P'^^'  «'-" 
of  Manhattans,  in  order,  af.e  leVvery  of Tr  lut  "!  T.  '"  ^'"^'"''""'  ''"  ^''^  ^^'-^^ 
Director  there,  that  the  aforesaid  ho  IvT  Tl  ,  ''^''"'''  "^  ''''  "commission  to  the 
on  board  may  he  brougl  t      t      ,      in  o  tl  Cor      '      "     .""  ""«""''  ""'  '""^"""'"- 

fir 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

bound  to  come  back  with  hi8  said  ship  and  the  full  return  of  the  aforesaid  exported  goods  and 
merchandise,  or  .hould  any  part  of  said  return  be  left  behind,  he  shall  be  bound  to  have  it 
brought  to  this  country  to  the  place  he  snjled  from,  in  order  that  U  be  all  d.scharged  and 
brought  i.-  the  aforesaid  Company's  warehouses  here,  and  to  pay  thereon  to  the  Company 
aforesaid  eight  per  cent  in  kind  or  ad  ralonm,  at  the  choice  of  the  Co-P-y.  and  that  .nh,e 
manner  exclusive  of  the  permits  and  convoy  hereinbefore  mentioned,  and  the  state  duty  of 
"o's  vers  imposed  oneach  beaver.     And  as  regards  the  Tobacco  which  the  aforesa.d  fek.pper 
Tay  have  traded,  or  received  as  freight,  in  ^ew  Nether|and.  English  Virgin.as.  l^^ewEnga^^^ 
or  elsewhere,  it  is  expressly  stipulated  and  by  him  agreed  to  pay  thereof  here  to  the  Company 
30  stivers  per  hundred  pound  of  Virginia,  and  20  stivers  for  the  New  Netherland.  tobacco     The 
Skipper,  moreover,  must  take  on  board  as  many  Soldiers.  Free  persons,  men,  women  and  children 
as  he  can  conveniently  accommodate  in  his  aforesaid  ship  and  as  the  Company  shall  order,  whom 
he  shall  provide  with  meat  and  drink  and  serve  up  the  same  accordmg  to  the  Company  s  Tantt 
of  Rations,  on  condition  of  paying  for  each  head,  to  wit :  For  the  soldiers,  th.rty-s.x  guilder 
:„d  for  the  free  persons  forty  guilders,  those  under  ten  years,  half  that  rate,  -d  children 
the  breast,  nothing,  without  his  being  at  liberty  to  convey  ^^^P^"""  ^'^';!'  '^^  '^^ 
thither,  or  from  there  here,  without  obtaining  therefor  a  special  permit  signed  by  the  Director  . 
or  the  Governor  in  New  Netherland  under  a  penalty  of  fifty  guilders  for  each  person  he  shall 
have  conveyed  from  here  thither,  and  six  hundred  guilders  for  whomsoever  he  may  br.ng 
thence  here'without  special  consent.     And  he.  the  Skipper,  shall  be  furt  er.  bound  to  take  a 
supercargo  on  board  his  ship,  on  the  Company's  wages,  whose  board  and  lodging  m  the  cab m 
sh  11  be !t  the  Skipper's  expense;  all  under  forfeiture  of  the  ^'^'P' ^-'^'«' ^f  l^^;  ["^^^^^ 
and  traded  goods  or  the  value  thereof,  in  case  the  Skipper  or  any  ol  his  people    hal   be  found 
to  have  contravened  these  presents.     He.  the  Skipper,  consenting  under  his  own  b«"d-s.gnature 
hereunto  affixed,  to  subject  himself  to  all  courts  and  judges.     All  agreed  and  undertaken 
rightfufly  and  in  good  faith,  in  Amsterdam,  the 


ResoluUm  of  the  States  General,  on  an  Agreeimnt  between  the  We^t  Lulin  Company 

and  tlve  City  of  Amsterdam. 

I  rrom  Ihe  B«(toW  of  W«i  Io.ll.  AHWr.,  IMS  - 1««8,  In  A.  Eoj.1  ArchW-  .» Ih.  H4t»*  1 

Tuesday.  1  August.  1056. 
,o..„  ,10.  Read  at  the  meeting  the  petition  of  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company 

Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  requesting  the  approval  of  a  certain  agreement  concluded  btwen 
„r™«.  them  and  the  Burgomasters  of  the  City  of  Amsterdam  abovenamed.  lor  he 
P,«...ng  n.-  ooio.  ^j.  p^i^^i^^  i,^  j^^^  Netherland.     Which  being  considered,  it  is  reso  ved 

and  concluded  that  the  aforesaid  petition  and  the  documents  thereunto  belonging,  shall  be 
ransn  tted  to  the  Assembly  of  the  Half-Nineteen.  met  at  Amsterdam    for  '"^o-^""  ""; 
advice.     The  aforesaid  Petition  shall,  however,  without  prejudice  to  it.  be  p  aced  «"  the  hand 
of  Mess"  Van  der  Capelle  to  Ilyssel  and  the  other,  their^ligh  Mightinesses'  deputies  for  the 
atlairs  of  the  said  West  India  Company,  to  inspect,  examine  and  report  Ihereupon. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VKL 
States  Oeneral  to  tU   West  India  Company. 

i  From  th,  KegtaUr  of  TO^von*  ifw««  of  th.  Bltlo.  Q.ner.1,  In  th.  Eoy.l  Arohlr-  .1  Ih.  Uiir>«.  ] 

To  the  Assembly  of  the  Half-Ninetaen,  at  Amsterdam. 


027 


Folio  m. 


The  States,  etc. 
Honorable,  etc.    We  transmit,  herewith,  the  accompanying  petition  of  the 
pVolte  D'>-ectors  of  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  togther  with 
■""-'  ••-•  the  Papers  thereunto  belonging,  requesting  and  requiring  you  to  communicate  to 

U8  your  information  and  advice  as  soon  as  possible.     Whereunto  relying  etc 
Done  first  August,  1656. 


Chamler  at  Amsterdam  to  tlie  States  Oeneral. 

I  From  the  Orlgintl  In  the  Bojrti  ArohirM  ■(  the  Uigne  i  FUe,  W-t  IniU.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

We  have  been  unexpectedly  informed  by  our  brother,  Mr.  Abraham  Wilmerdonx,  that  your 
High  Mightinesses  have  been  pleased  to  send  to  the  Assembly  of  the  Deputies  from  the  respective 
Chambers  in  the  City  of  Amsterdam  the  petition  and  appendices  presented  to  your  High 
Mightinesses  by  this  Chamber  for  the  approval  and  ratification  of  some  Colonies  to  be  planted 
in  New  Netlierlund  by  the  Worshipful  Burgomasters  of  Amsterdam,  which  are  immediately 
and  extren,ely  necessary  for  the  augmentation  of  the  population  and  the  maintenance  and 
security  of  those  countries,  in  order  that  said  Aseembly   may  communicate  to  your  High 
Mightinesses,  without  delay,  its  information  and  advice ;  notwithstanding  that  place  hath  been 
many  years  under  the  particular  disposition  of  the  Amsterdam  Chamber,  and  by  numerous 
resolutions  of  the   Assembly   of  the   XIX..   is   left   to  that  Chamber;  so  that  your  High 
Mightinesses  made  not  the  least  objection  in  the  year  1051,  to  gr.nt  similar  approbation 
and  ratification  to  Mr.  Cornells  van  Werckhoven,  late  Councillor  in  the  Common  Council  and 
ancient  bchepen  of  Utrecht,  deceased,  who  at  that  time  obtained  his  Colonie  only  from  this 
Chamber;  besides  'tis  still  the  practice  that  the  respective  Chambers,  each  in  their  particular, 
but  for  the  common  interest,  may  grant  Colonies  in  places  generally  at  the  disposal  of  the 
respective  Chambers,  as  fully  appears  by  the  granting  of  the  Colonie  at  Tobago  last  year,  by 
the  Zealand  Chamber  to  Mess"  Lampsoens,  which  obtained  your  High  Mightinesses'  approbation 
without  the  least  objection.     Wherefore  we  shall  most  humbly  request  your  High  Mightinesses 
to  accommodate  this  Chamber  with  the  approval  of  the  aforesaid  Colonies   also,  for   the 
postponement  thereof  can  only  enure  to  the  greatest  inconvenience  of  the  Company  and  of 
the  inhabitants  of  New  Netherland,  who  with  heart  and  soul  are  longing  for  such  and  similar 
augmentation  and  increase  of  people  for  their  relief.     Wherewith 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

High  and  Mighty  Lords,  we  shall  pray  God  Almighty  for  the  continual  welfare  of  your 
High  Mightinesses'  prosperous  government  and  remain 

Your  High  Mightinesses'  humble  servants, 

The  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  Chamber  at  Amsterdam. 
Amsterdam,  the  7  August,  1    ^  ^^  ( Signed )         Isaack  van  Beeck. 

Received  10'-  August,         }  ^^^*^-  P^"^"«  Timmerman. 

The  address  was  as  follows : 

High  and  Mighty  Lords  the  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands 

at  the  Hague. 


! 


Resolution  of  the  States  General  on  tJie  preceding  Letter. 

[From  Ihe  Rfgtaler  of  We.1  Indlm  ABWns  1«B3-16«8,  In  lb.  Bojral  Archlw  >l  Ihe  HMpM!.] 

Thursday,  the  lO"*  August,  1G56. 
roiom  Received  a  letter  from  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company.  Chamber  at 

n  ,..  ,o^  Amsterdam,  requesting  approval  of  the  contract  concluded  by  them  with  the 
P„^u,..oo  0,00.0-  ^^^^^^^^^^^^  ;^^^^  f^^  ^,^^  p^„p,i„g  „f  ,„„e   Colonies  in  New   Netherland  ; 

NewN..he„.ad.  which  being  Considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded,  that  the  Assembly  of  the 
Nineteen  at  present  met  at  Amsterdam,  be  again  written  to,  that  they  without  delay,  yea, 
within  8  days  after  the  receipt  of  the  letter,  shall  communicate  to  their  High  Mightinesses 
their  information  md  advice  on  the  Petition  of  said  Directors  respecting  the  subject  aforesaid, 
transmitted  some  days  since  to  them.  The  aforesaid  letter  shall,  without  prejudice,  be  placed 
in  the  hands  of  Mess"  Van  der  Capelle  to  Ryssel.  and  the  other  their  High  Mightinesses 
Deputies  for  the  affairs  of  the  said  West  India  Company,  for  inspection,  examination  ana  report. 


States  General  to  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX. 

[  rrom  the  E«gt««  of  mtQt«ant  iW«M"  of  Ihe  SUlM  aen.r.1.  lo  lh«  Bo,.l  ArchlTM  m»  Ih.  U.^».  ] 

To  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  convened  at  Amsterdam. 

The  States,  etc. 
KoHoui.  Honorable,  etc.     We  have  resolved  again  to  request  and  require  your  Honors, 

hereby,  to  transmit  to  us  on  the  earliest  day ;  yea,  within  eight  days  after  the  receipt  hereof, 
vour  information  and  advice  on  tl  :  petition  presented  to  us,  some  days  ago,  in  the  name  ana 
on  the  behalf  of  the  Director,  of  the  West  India  Company.  Chamber  at  Amsterdam,  on  the 
p:„„,.u.„or.n.,  subject  of  a  certain  contract  concluded  with  the  Burgomasters  of  that  city,  lor 
K'rllnd'"  ^°''  the  population  of  some  Colonies  in  New  Netherland,  which  we  at  the  time 
resolved  to  transmit  to  you  with  the  letter  inclosed.  Wherewith  ending  etc.  Done  10 
August.  IGSG. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIIL 


629 


Assembly  of  the  XIX.  of  the   West  Indh  Company  to  the  States  General 

[  From  t)i«  Original  Id  the  Eoyal  Arohlroa  X  the  n.|pio ;  Hie,  Wtt  Indit.  ] 

High  and  Mighty  Lords. 

Your  Lordship's  despatch  of  the  1st  instant  with  the  annexed  petition  and  papers,  presented 
to  your  High  Mightinesses  by  the  presiding  Chamber  of  Amsterdam,  to  obtain  your  High 
Mightinesses'  app.oval  and  ratification  of  the  Conditions  agreed  upon  by  said  Chamber 
with  the  Right  Worshipful  Burgomasters  of  the  City  of  Amsterdam,  for  founding  of  Colonies 
in  New  Netherland,  was  handed  to  us  in  due  course,  and  read  to  our  Assembly,  and  we  have 
therein  seen  your  High  Mightinesses'  request  and  requisition,  to  communicate  to  your  High 
Mightinesses  thereupon  our  information  and  advice,  which  we  cannot  neglect  to  send 
forthwith,  together  with  our  rescript,  that  we,  after  perusal  and  examination  of  said  Conditions, 
cannot  judge  or  find  the  establishment  of  such  Colonies  on  this  footing  and  conditions  to  be 
otherwicd  than  in  the  highest  degree  profitable  and  advantageous  for  the  Company ;  wherefore, 
we,  also,  mos^  humbly  request  your  High  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  approve  and  ratify  said 
Conditions  (which  are  again  transmitted  herewith),  agreeably  to  the  previous  petition  of  the 
Amsterdam  Chamber,  so  that  a  commencement  of  that  laudable  work  may  be  made  before 
the  winter,  by  the  City  of  Amsterdam,  for  which  the  inhabitants  of  New  Netherland,  who 
will  be  encouraged  thereby,  are  longing  with  heart  and  soul,  particularly  at  this  present 
season  of  difficulty.  Expecting  which,  we  shall  pray  Almighty  God,  High  and  Mighty  Lords, 
for  the  continued  welfare  of  your  High  Mightinesses'  prosperous  Government,  and  remain 
Your  High  Mightinesses'  humble  Servants, 

The  Committee  of  the  respective  Chambers  of  the  Wc^st  India  Company, 
Representing  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  in  Amsterdam. 
(Signed)        D.  Bante. 

Eduard  Man. 

ISAACK    VAN    BkeCK. 

,  ,  ,  N.  Ten  Hove. 

Amsterdam,  the  10""  August,  )  t...  ,.       r 

°      '  (.  16,56.  *'-*^  ^^^  Loosen. 


Received  12  August, 


Gerhart  Swartte. 


Agreement  betiveen  the  West  India  Company  and  the  City  of  Amsterdam  respecting/ 

a  Colonie  on  the  Delaware  River. 

Conditions  to  be  agreed  upon  with  the  West  India  Company.     Received  12 
August,  1656. 

1. 

The  West  India  Company  shall  approve,  and  as  far  as  lies  in  its  power,  give  effect  to  the 
accompanying  Agreement,  basis  and  regulation  on  which  the  City  of  Amsterdam  is  to  plant 
Colonies  in  New  Netherland. 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


9. 


Their  High  Mightinesses  nnd  the  Company  are  to  cede  and  grant  to  the  City' of  Amsterdam, 
as  founder  and  planters  of  the  place,  high,  middle  nnd  low  jurisdiction,  in  order  the  better  to 
maintain  the  requisite  authority  there. 

3. 

The  City  shall  possess  the  jurisdiction  aforesaid,  in  form  of  a  fief,  successively  appointing 
to  that  end  a  person  on  whom  it  shall  be  conferred,  on  payment  of  certain  seignorial 
dues.  (Hecrgctoaden.) 

4. 

The  sovereignty  and  supreme  authority,  with  whatever  depenSs  thereupon,  remaining, 
nevertheless,  in  their  High  Mightinesses  and  in  the  Company,  so  far  as  the  same  is  authorized 
by  the  Charter. 

6. 

And  whilst  the  government  of  Amsterdam  hath  no  intention  to  extend  any  authority  or 
power  abroad,  but  merely  designs  to  promote  commerce,  which  is  the  soul  of  this  city,  so  it 
will  be  content  to  make  over  and  convey  everything  to  the  Company  aforesaid,  in  case  their 
High  Mightinesses  and  the  Company  aforesaid  be  inclined  to  reimburse,  within  the  first  ten 
years,  to  the  City  of  Amsterdam,  the  moneys  disbursed  with  simple  interest  at  6  per  cent 
yearly,  on  condition  that  the  said  Company,  in  such  case,  remain  bound  to  make  good  to  the 
ColonisU  the  Agreement  heretofore  drawn  up  and  hereunto  annexed. 


Conditions  offered  hy  the  City  of  Amsterdam  to  SetOers  on  tlie  Delaware  Biver. 

Draft  of  Conditions  to  be  ofiered  to  those  who  may  be  sent  as  Colonists  to 
New  Netherland.    Received  12  August,  1666. 

1. 

The  Colonists  should  go  thither  in  suitable  ships  with  their  families,  requisite  household 
furniture  and  additional  necessaries ;  for  which  purpose  license  shall  be  applied  for  and  obtained 
from  the  Amsterdam  Chamber  of  the  West  India  Company. 


The  City  of  Amsterdam  may  make  the  best  agreement  it  can  with  the  skippers  for  the 
transportation  of  both  people  and  goods. 

3. 
Said  City  is  to  advance  the  passage  money,  on  condition  that  it  be  hereafter  repaid  to  the 
City  in  manner  hereinafter  mentioned. 

4. 
To  the  end  that  the  said  Colonists  may  gain  their  livelihood  there  safely,  honestly  and 
prosperously,  the  City  aforesaid  doth  beforehand  guarantee  as  follows: 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIII. 


6|]» 


0. 


F.rat   Sa.d  C.ty  shall  provide  and  assign  a  fruitful  soil  in  a  healthj  and  temperate  climate 
w    ered  by  and  situated  upon  a  fresh  water  riv,     which  can  be  naviga^.e^  by  large  shpst; 

JalZT  °",°«7r";-"K'''  '"^  ""^"""'^  "^^'^  -^"^  the  West  India  Com  any  ;«    a 
place  at  its  disposal  and  to  which  no  other  persons  have  any  claim. 

6. 

Hero  the  City  shall  lay  out  a  propel  piece  of  land  on  a  river  side  for  a  safe  habitation  and 
sidence  of  the  Colonists,  and  fortify  it  with  a  ditch  wUhout  and  a  wall  within  ;  an     div  d 

the    nclosed  land  u.to  streets,  a  market,  and  lots  suitable  for  the  use  as  well  of  traders  and 

liiechan.cs  as  of  farmers ;  and  all  this  at  the  expense  of  the  City. 

7. 

read 'tlf  H  I°^'^'"''"''""  "I"""  ''"''  '^''^''  "  ^''''P"  P^"°"  ^°'  Schoolmaster,  who  shall  also 
road  the  Holy  Scriptures  and  set  the  Psalms. 

8. 
of^i^  slltlf'^'"  ''""  '""'""""'  "'  """'  further  opportunity  provide  the  salary 


And  to  the  end  that  the  Colonists  going  thither,  may  be  provided  with  all  proper  necessaries, 
a  far  as  possible,  the  C.ty  of  Amsterdam  shall  furnish  them  for  one  year  with  clothing  and 
all  sorts  of  seed  grain;  and.  moreover,  shall  build,  in  the  place  aforesaid,  a  large  magazine  or 
warehouse,  wherein  it  shall  keep  all  sorts  of  articles,  both  for  clothing  and  the  subsistence  of 
the  people  and  supply  them  with  all  sorts  of  seed  grain ;  it  shall,  likewise,  keep  a  factor  there, 
who  shall  furnish  everything  necessary  for  clothing,  housekeeping  and  farming,  and  sell  these 
at  the  same  prices  they  are  sold  here,  the  Company's  custom  excepted. 

10. 

Concerning  the  Company's  custom,  the  City  shall  agree  therefor  as  favorably  as  possible 

and  especially  that  the  duty  to  be  paid  in  New  Netherland,  shall  be  employed  in  buildL  and 

maintaining  public  works  by  those  thereunto  to  be  authorized  by  the  West  India  Company 

and  the  City.  •^    •' 

11. 

The  said  fortified  place  allotted  for  the  residence  of  the  Colonists,  whether  called  a  city  or 
town,  shall  be  regulated  in  matters  of  Police  and  the  administration  of  justice  in  the  same 
manner  as  here  in  Amsterdam,  whereof  the  practice  and  custom,  particularly  in  regard  to 
descents,  shall  be  adhered  to. 

12. 

They  shall  Grst  have  one  Schout  or  officer  as  the  head  of  Justice,  instructed  as  is  the 
custom  here. 

13. 

The  Schout  shall  be  appointed  in  the  name  of  their  High  Mightinesses  and  the  West  India 
v^ompany.  by  the  Deputies  of  Amsterdam,  who,  for  this  purpose  shall  give  authority  to  the  * 
Director  by  a  power  of  attorney. 


31 


■  1 
'  'i 

'I 

! 


«!• 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


14. 


They  shall,  moreover,  have  three  Burgomasters,  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  common 
Burghers,  from  the  honestest,  fittest  and  richest. 


16. 

And  five  or  seven  Schepens,  to  which  end  the  body  of  the  Burghers  shall  nominate  a  double 
number,  in  order  that  the  Director,  by  power  of  attorney,  as  mentioned  in  Article  13,  may 
make  an  election  from  them. 

16. 

On  the  increase  of  the  city  or  town  to  two  hundred  families  or  upwards,  these  shall 
choose  a  Common  Council  of  XXI.  persons,  who  shall  meet  with  the  Burgomasters,  and 
resolve  together  on  all  matters  relating  to  the  City  government;  but  this  Common  Council, 
once  instituted,  shall  thereafter  have  power,  in  case  of  the  death  of  one  or  more  of  its 
members,  to  fill  vacancies  by  a  new  election,  unanimously,  or  by  plurality  of  votes ;  in  like 
manner  the  said  Common  Council  shall  annually  choose  the  Burgomasters  in  manner  as 
aforesaid,  and  also  have  the  nomination  of  a  double  number  out  of  which  the  Schepens  shall 
be  chosen  in  manner  as  already  mentioned. 

17. 

The  Schepens  shall  give  judgments  for  all  sums  under  one  hundred  guilders :  but  in  cases 
exceeding  one  hundred  guilders,  the  party  aggrieved  shall  be  allowed  an  appeal  to  the 
Director-General  and  Council  of  New  Netherland.  i 

18. 
Said  Schepens  shall  also  pronounce  sentence  in  all  criminal  cases,  but  an  appeal  therefrom 
shall  be  provisionally  allowed. 

19. 
The  City  of  Amsterdam  shall  agree  with  a  smith,  a  wheelwright  and  a  carpenter  to  go  and 
live  there  for  the  convenience  and  service  of  the  Colonists. 

20. 
The  City  of  Amsterdam  aforesaid,  shall  divide  all  the  lands  round  about  said  tojvn  or  city, 
into  suitable  fields  for  plough  land,  pasture  and  meadow  land,  laid  out  on  proper  roads  for 
going  to,  and  coming  from,  them. 

21. 
Every  person  who  will  follow  farming  shall  have  in  free,  fast  and  durable  property,  as  many 
morgens,  as  well  of  plough  land  as  of  pasture  and  meadow,  as  he  and  his  family  will  be 
able  to  improve,  and  will  require  for  grazing,  be  it  20  @,  30  or  more  morgens;  provided  all 
such  lands  which  will  be  given  and  conveyed  in  fee  to  each  of  the  Colonists,  shall  by  them 
in  two  years  from  the  conveyance,  be  brought  under  cultivation,  on  penalty  of  the  same  being 
taken  from  them  and  given  to  others. 

22. 
Each  of  the  Colonists  shall  settle  and  use  his  land  freely,  without  paying  poundage,  horn 
money  or  salt  money,  for  ten  years,  reckoning  from  the  year  in  which  the  land  is  first  sown  or 


f 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIII.  ^33 

pnM;  which  ten  yenr«  boing  expir..!.  they  shnll  not  he  tn.xed  higher  than  tho«e  who  ore 
^.xed  loweH.  ,„  „ny  other  district  uu.ier  the  government  of  the  Directors  of  tl  eWeHt  I„  I  " 
Company  ,„  New  Neth.-rhuul.     They  .hall,  „Iho.  be  exen.pt  iron,  tenth,  for  the  term  of  wen  y 

«  U.I  .0  year«  the  (enths  shall  then  be  paid  to  the  City  of  An.Hterdam  ;  with  the  underatandinK 
wayMhat  hal,  of  these  tenths  shall  be  expended  for  the  support  of  the  public "       s  ^f 

the  person,  employed  ,n  the  public  n.rvice  there.  In  like  manner.  Iso.  whenever  any 
work  "„:;;"  '"•"■"  ^"•""  """"''•  ^"°  '"""-^«''""  '-  -"1""^-'  i»  construe  guZ 
that  countly       ""'  '"  '''""'  ""'  "  '''"''""  ""   "'"""  "'  '""""«  '"  "''''''  '" 

83." 
The  City  of  An.sterdnm  shall   make   nrrangen.euts   that   ships   shall  be  continually  and 

c  nsecufvely  sent  from  Holland   to  load  and  bring  over  grain',  seed,  tiu.ber.  a .Il'ot 

prod  ce  mos  prohtable  to  the  Colonists,  who  shall,  in  like  n.anner.  bo  at  liberty  to  charter 
private  vessels,  provided  they  be  consigned  to  the  City  of  Amsterdam. 

24. 

Wherefore,  the  City  of  Amsterdam  shall  have  proper  storehouses  hero  for  the  storage  of  the 
grain  and  other  property  of  the  Colonists,  to  be  sold  for  the  benefit  of  the  same,  and  shall  return 
the  proceeds  thereof  in  such  articles  as  the  owners  shall  direct,  deducting  only  two  per  cent  for 
commission,  and  om-tenil,  of  the  net  proceeds  in  payment  of  the  .lishursemcnts  mn.le  by  the 
said  City  for  the  freight  and  passage  of  the  persons  and  goods  of  the  Colonists;  and  that  until 
the  aforesaid  disbursements  are  refunded  and  no  longer. 

26. 

The  Colonists  in  New  Netherlnnd  shall  be  at  liberty  to  take  out  of  the  City's  warehouse 
whatever  they  may  require,  at  the  lixe.i  price,  provi.led  the  account  thereof  be  transmitted 
with  the  Colonists  goods,  in  order  to  be  deducted  therefrom. 

20. 

f  he  Colonists  may,  for  buihiing  houses  and  vessels  and  carrying  on  trade,  c  t  arj  much 
timber  as  they  think  fit,  without  paying  anything  therefor,  not  only  in  the  nearest  and  most 
convenient  forests,  but  also  in  any  other  places  situate  in  the  district,  and  under  the  inri.diction 
of  the  Comimny  in  New  Netherland,  and  not  already  granted  to  and  owned  by  any  private 
person,  provided  they  submit  to  the  regulation  in  that  behalf  made,  or  hereafter  to  be  made 
as  ill  Article  28.  ' 

27. 
The   Burgomasters   of  Amsterdam    as   founders   and    Pntroons,   and   a,  possessors  of  the 
jurisdiction,  shall  appoint  the  secretary,  messenger,  and  other  inferior  ofllcers. 

2S. 
Hunting  in  the  woods  and  fishing  in  all  the  waters  and  rivers,  not  heretofore  owned  by 
other  persons,  shall  be  free  to  each  of  the  Colonists,  under  certain  regulations  to  be  made 
respecting  them,  by  authority  of  the  Company  or  their  High  Mightinesses. 


Vol.  I. 


80 


K 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


2d. 


The  City  of  Amsterdam   shall  provide  for  the  transportation  of  all   tools  and  farming 
implements,  free  and  without  paying  any  duty. 

30. 
And  in  regard  to  articles  which  are  sent  as  merchandise,  they  shall  pay  to  the  Directors  of 
the  West  India  Company,  as  duty,  according  to  the  specification  in  the  subjoined 


i! 


\  r 

i 
fi 

'A 
u 


Table. 
Convoy,  8  stivers  each  with  J  advance... 
per  cent, 


-TV  /«  I    r.,      ■  (  Convoy,  8  s 

For  100  guilders  Duffels  2 J  pieces,.  J  ' 

(^  Uuty,  {w^  i." 

In  New  Netherland  4  per  cent  fl.4  light  money,  to  wit :  the  rix  dollar  @,  03  stivers, . 

(  Convoy  as  above,  with  advance 

For  100  guilders.  Blankets  28 |  Duly  @,  la  per  cent 


N.  B.  The  duffels  and  blankets  aforesaid,  pay  in  addition  to  the  convoy,  a  duty 
of  12  per  cent  to  the  said  Company,  Chamber  at  Amsterdam.  All  the  following 
goods  6  per  cent,  but  with  a  heavier  rale  of  convoy 


<i.    1.  6.8 
12. 

13.   G.8 

fl.    1.17. 
12. 

13.17. 


'  shirts,  stockings,  shoes,  pedlars' 
For  100        wares,  hats,  Nurenburg  wares  and 
guilders,    j  goods  not  included  in  the  convoy 
list. 


Convoy*  slivers  per  pound  flem- 
ish, and   i  advance, 

'  Duly  there,  4  per  cent ;  here,  6 
per  cent,.. 


{woolen  cloths,  says,  serges  and  |  Convoy  with  the  advance,., 
other  silk,  woolen  or  worsted  >•  Duty  there  4  per  cent;  here. 
Btuffs,  linen  cloths. 


[ 


fl.    4.  8.8 

6. 

10.  S.8 

1.10. 
6. 


F 

gui 


or  100    (  _.       -  „       ... 

<  Oil  and  Spanish  wine,, 
jilders,  I 


I  Convoy  about . . 
j  Duty  4  and  6,. 


(  Convoy  with  the  advance,. 
For  100  guiUers,  Vinegar  G  hogsheads |  ^^^^  ^  ^^j  ^  ^^^  ^^^^ 


For  100  guilders,  French  wine  4  hhdi.. 


f  Convoy  with  the  advance,, 
(  Duty  4  and  6  percent, 


7. 

10. 

■SHK^-t^B 

mrr^^ 

2. 

16. 

6. 

8. 

IG. 

b. 

0 

14 

1 

13. 

6 

7 

.13. 

HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIII.  ggc 

For  100 guilders,  Brandy,  1  hogshead (Convoy, etc _..         j  13 

(  Duty  there  4  per  cent ;  here 6 . 

7.13. 

For  100  guilders,  distilled  waters,  18  anchors,  |  ^°"^°y  as  above 3    g.S 

'(  Duty  4  and  6  per  cent, q[ 

9.  6.8 

For  100  guilders.  Nails,  900  lbs i  Convoy,  ut  supra 3  ^3 

1  Duty  4  and  6, q 

9.12. 

For  100  guilders.  Rice,  Spices  and  groceries, .  |  Convoy  as  above,  about 2.  sT 

I  Duty  4  and  here g, 

8.   8. 

For  100  guilders,  Hops,  300  pounds  weight,.  |  ^o"v°y  with  the  advance 7.  ^ 

(  Duty  there  4,  here g" 

13.  4. 

of  j«r'°""'' ""''  °"'"'"'"  '^°' ''""""' """  "■"  """■• "' ""''" ""  i>«»'ii"»ft^i^ 

Peltry  such  as  beavers,  others,  &c.,  pay  eight  per  cent. 

Amplification  of  the  aforesaid  draft  of  Conditions.  "» 

Any  of  the  Colonists  who  by  himself  or  his  family  or  any  person  in  his  service,  shall  discover 
any  m.neral,  crystals,  precious  stone.,  marbles,  etc..  of  whatever  nature  they  m«y  b  .Zr 
po  sess  and  keep  them  a,  his  own.  without  paying  any  impost  or  duty  for  them,  for  the  tTrm 

^LrorrVrredt" '"'  ^"'"""" '''''-' "" '""" ''  ^«'^ '» ""^  '^«  ^-p-^  --::; 


The  following  was  exhibited  with  the  2  drafts  of  Conditions,  and  refers  to  Article  9. 
The  City  of  Amsterdam  shall  cause  a  convenient  warehouse  to  be  prepared  wherein  shall 
be  deposited  all  the  goods  the  said  City  intend,  to  send  .0  i„  Colonie  in  New  Ne.heria  d 

C.t>  of  Amsterdam,  by  any  one  authorized  by  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Compnnv  and 
marked  w.th  the  marks  of  the  Ci.y  and  Company,  the  duty  thereon  being  paid  .0  the  Comi,  nj 
according  to  the  list  hereof  to  be  made  and  agreed  on.  company 

th '^n'.-r'''  M ?  ".?•  ''".'"•*""  ^'''^  "'"  ^-»P«-'y'-  knowledge,  in  any  vessel  or  vessels 
the  said  Cily  will  be  able  to  obtain. 

If  .he  City  of  Amsienlnm  Hl.nll  ship  any  goods  or  freight  in  any  vessel  going  to  New 
Netherland,  it  shall  submit  to  the  sanie  regulations  as  other.: 


r 


ggg  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

But  if  the  City  of  Amsterdam  shall  send  away  its  own,  or  any  chartered  ship,  Inden  only 
with  its  own  goods,  it  shall  send  that  ship  or  ships  directly  to  its  own  city,  town  or  Colon.e. 
provided  that  all  the  goods  put  on  hoard  he  opened  in  the  City's  warehouse  there  m  the 
presence  of  some  person  helonging  to  the  Company  appointed  for  that  purpose,  to  whom  also 
the  letters  and  commission  from  the  Company  shall  be  delivered.  .      ^.    ,    ^  ,     . 

In  like  manner  nil  wares,  produce  or  mercl,andise  imported  from  the  City  s  Colon.e  must 
be  brought  whole  into  the  City  here  and  opened  in  the  City's  warehouse  in  the  presence  of 
a  person  appointed  for  that  purpose  by  the  Company,  and  the  duties  due  to  the  Country  and 
the  Company  must  be  paid  thereon.' 


lie-solution  of  the  States  General  on  the  preceding. 

[  From  lh«  Regl»l«'  of  ^col  In<"«  Atolr.,  1054- 16*8,  In  Ihe  Roy«l  ArchlTW  tt  Ih.  Uagna .] 

Saturday,  the  12  August,  1650. 
Fuiiom  Received  a  letter  from  the  Committee  of  the  respective  Chambers  of  the  West 

N.W  Ne,h.,r..n..  India  Company  representing  the  Assembly  of  the  Nineeen  convened  at  Amsterdam, 
dated  there  the  10'-  instant,  together  with  some  appendices  in  answer  to  their  High 
Mightinesses'  despatch  of  the  1"  of  this  month,  and  in  conformity  thereto,  information  and 
advice  on  the  Petition  and  Papers  presented  l.y  the  presiding  Chamber  of  Amsterdam  to  their 
High  Mightinesses  in  order  to  obtain  their  approbation  and  ratification  of  the  Conditiona 
entered  into  by  said  Chamber  with  the  Burgomasters  of  the  City  of  Amsterdam  for  planting 
Colonies  in  New  Netherland.  Which  being  considered,  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  that  the 
aforesaid  letter  shall  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  Mess"  van  der  Capelle  to  Hyssel  and  others 
their  High  Mightinesses'  Deputies  for  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Company,  to  investigate, 
examine  and  report  thereon.     Then  is  the  foregoing  conclusion  formed  by  Mr.  van  Uenswoude. 


Ji<j)ort  of  the  Committee  of  the  States  General  on  the  foregoing  Comlitiuns. 

[  From  tb«  Oilgiul  In  Ihe  Boj«l  ArchlTM  •!  lh«  llagiKi ;  tWt,  Wti4  IndU.  \ 

Memorandum  of  the  Report.     Wednesday  V  August,  1C50. 

The  Committee  havo  read  and  examinrd  the  letter  of  the  Assembly  of  the  Nineteen  from 
Amsterdam  the  10  August  with  the  Agreement  concluded  between  the  West  India  Company 
Chamber  at  Amsterdam  and  the  City  of  Amsterdam  for  the  peopling  of  New  Netherland  by 
planting  Colonies  there  on  the  Conditions  therein  stipulated. 

Also  rend  the  draft  of  articles  to  be  granted  to  Colonists  by  the  City  of  Amsterdam  ; 

And  find  the  iitipulution  of  the  City  of  Amsterdam  and  the  draft  of  the  articles  contain 
nothing  prejudicial  to  the  public  interests. 

■Coilt|>«to  Uio   liocuiuiuU  taptA,  I  p.  l*'IO.  O^ja.  —  Ko. 


^  svyrww<>wit*w^-„ 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    VIII. 


637 


thrn''"n;T''^  find  it servicenble  that  thin  agreement  .hould  be  ratified  on  the  part  of 
the  r  H,gh  Mightinesses  snvmg  the  right  and  possession  of  the  Colonies  heretofore  given  out, 
and  of  the  property  purchased  in  their  district. 

Their  High  Mightinesses  have  thanked  the  Committee  for  the  trouble  they  have  taken, 
confirmed  the  report  and  ratified  the  agreement  entered  into  respecting  the  population.     But 
when  there  are  200  fi.m.lies  or  thereabouts,  a  preacher  and  consistory  shall  be  installed  witho 
any  expense  to  the  Company  {generalUeil ).  witnout 


*■■>■!» 


r^atification  hy  L'le  States  General  of  the  Conditiom  for  tU  Colony  on  tJie  Delaware 

River. 

[  From  lb.  R.«t.„r  of  W«it  Indl,  ABklns  IflSJ  -,«68,  In  th.  E«j.l  Archi™  ..  ih.  HtgoM 

Wednesday  the  IG""  August,  1C56. 
H.w'reSi«d,  »"';"'  the  report  of  Mess"  Van  der  Capelle  to  Ryssel  and  other  their  High 
t„  .h  ,  ..^^''8^  '7«''«  ,^^P""^«  '^°'-  the  affairs  of  the  West  India  Cc.pany,  having,  pursuant 

to  he  resolution  of  the  12- instant,  investigated  and  examined  the  letter  of'the  Committee  o 
D.re  tors  o  the  respective  Chambers  of  the  West  India  Company  representing  the  Assembly 
.n  ans^  r.  th"  ^°";;!--'^  "'^ "-'-'»'"". 'l-ted  the  10-  instant,  together  with  some  apoendici 
.n  answer  to  their  High  Mightinesses'  despatch  of  the  1-  ditto,  and  consequently,  information 

thi  HrM"H  "  ""^''^T'  •'"""'^•^  '^  '^^  f^'-^''""«  ^'--^"  «f  A-nsterZn:; 

h  ir  High  Mightinesses  to  obtain  their  approbation  and  ratification  of  the  Conditions  entered 

into  by  that  Chamber  with  the  Burgomasters  of  said  City  of  Amsterdam  for  the  planting  of 

Colonies  ,„  New  NetheHand.     Which  being  considered,  their  High  Mightinesses  hav'e  thanked 

he  (.en  lemen  of  the  Committee  for  the  trouble  they  have  taken.  aSd  it  is  further  Resolved 

and  cone  uded,  hereby  to  approve  and  ratify  the  aforesaid  agreement  or  conditions  entered  into 

by  the  ahovement.oned  Chamber  with  the  Burgomasters  of  Amsterdam,  all  nevertheless  saving 

and  without  prejudu-..  to  the  right,  jurisdiction  and  possession  of  the  Colonies  heretofore  given  out 

in  the  aforesaid  countries  and  of  the  property  purchased  in  said  district ;  with  this  understanding 

also,  that  whensoever  there  shall  be  in  that  place  two  hundred    families  or  thereabouts,  a 

preacher  and  consistory  shall  be  installed  there  without  any  expense  to  the  Company.     And 

nl   this  saving  also  t  e  division  of  the  districts  which  may  be  made  among  the  respective 

Chambers.      t  ,s  hereby  recommended  to  the  a.oresaid  Chamber  at  Amsterdam  so  to  moderate 

the  public  duties  that  the  population  there  may  be  encouraged,  and  not  obstructed. 


Reinomtranoe  of  Mr.  Ilmrich  van  der  Capelle  t\o  liysseh 

t  rro«  ,h.  MB.  I,  u,.  B„,.,  Ar.bl,„  .,  ,h,  X^^, ,  VokHk^,  „  ,h.  .,.,„  o„^, ,  ,„„^,   ^^  ^^^,  o..„p.,n«,,  H^.  ».  , 

To  their  High  Mightine«e«  the  Lord,  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 
Joncker  Henrick  van  der  Cnpellen  tho  Hyssel.  Lord  of  Is.el  and  [lassclt.  Burgomaster  of 
Ihe  City  o:  /Jutphen,  ordinary  Deputy  to  your  High  Mightinesses'  Assembly,  luunbly  showcth: 


688 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCBTPTS. 


il 


I* 


That  In  May  1650  he  forwarded  people  to  Staten  Island  in  New  Netherland,  in  conformity 
with  the  Charter  thereunto  granted  by  the  West  India  Company,  Chamber  of  Amsterdam, 
and  hath  since  that  time  unto  February,  1655,  sent  thither  so  many  agricultural  laborers, 
superintendents  and  carpenters  that  in  August,  1655,  his  Colonie  had  a  population  of  over  ninety 
souls,  with  eleven  bouweries  in  progress,  which  he,  Van  der  Capellen,  had  also  stocked  with 
the  necessary  oxen  and  cows,  so  that  in  November,  1665,  he  was  in  expectation  of  a  large  crop 
of  seed  and  an  increase  of  cattle. 

But  in  consequence  of  violence  unexpectedly  committed  by  some  belonging  to  the  City  of 
New  Amsterdam,  together  with  beating  and  shooting  some  Indians,  natives  of  that  country,  the 
latter,  being  unable  to  revenge  themselves  on  the  Burghers  of  New  Amsterdam,  set  fire  to  all 
the  bouweries  first  on  the  Manhattans  around  New  Amsterdam,  and  afterwards  on  Staten  Island, 
and  killed  all  the  people  that  did  not  make  their  escape. 

Wherefore,  Van  der  Capellen  hath  lost  by  this  burning  all  his  houses  and  the  barns 
appertaining  to  these  bouweries  on  Staten  Island  ;  and  in  this  resistance  fifteen  of  his  people, 
including  one  superintendent  and  two  carpenters  innocently  lost  their  lives,  who  had  never 
given  the  least  offence  to  the  Indians,  by  whom  over  twelve  thousand  schepels  of  grain  were 
burnt  in  the  straw.  The  most  of  this  loss  falls  on  your  remonstrant,  as  appears  from  the 
original  letter  of  Mr.  Stuy  vesandt,  Director-General  of  New  Netherlandt,  dated  New  Amsterdam, 
30""  October,  1655,  an  extract  whereof  is  annexed. 

And  as  he.  Van  der  Capellen,  intends,  by  the  blessing  of  God  the  Lord,  to  prevent  such 
murder  of  his  agriculturists,  burning  of  houses,  seed  crops  and  plunder  of  cattle,  he  has  instructed 
Captain  Adriaen  Post,  his  agent,  to  collect  together  the  surviving  agriculturists,  women  and 
children,  who  are  still  more  than  seventy  in  number,  and  to  erect  a  fort  on  said  Island  pursuant 
to  the  wrder  sent  over;  into  which  he  and  they  can  retire,  in  case  of  another  such  hostile 
attack  on  the  part  of  the  Indians.  A  Bill  of  exchange  has,  also,  been  sent  to  him  to  keep  those 
people  in  provisions,  until  they  can  have  another  crop. 

And  for  the  prevention  of  such  hostile  attack,  the  remonstrant  is  inclined  to  send  out  a 
Commander  with  some  soldiers  and  mntrosses  to  the  fort  on  the  island,  as  well  to  defend  and 
assist  his  agricultural  laborers  and  freemen  as  to  maintain  and  carry  on  the  true  reformed 
Christian  Worship  of  God,  good  order,  police,  justice  and  contracts. 

He,  therefore,  with  due  respect  humbly  prays  your  High  Mightinesses  to  be  pleased  to  grant, 
for  a  capable  person  of  the  Christian  Reformed  Religion,  whom  he  proposes  to  accept  and  to 
present  in  your  High  Mightinesses'  Assembly  to  be  sworn,  a  Commission  similar  to  that  your 
High  Mightinesses  heretofore,  and  now  lately  granted  to  Mess"  Adriaen  and  Cornelis  Lampsins 
for  the  islands  Tobago  and  St.  Martin,  on  the  2"*  September,  165-5,  copy  whereof  is  annexed  ; 
the  said  Commander  remaining  bound  to  take  oath  to  the  West  India  Company,  whenever  the 
Assembly  of  the  Nineteen  shall  think  it  proper,  all  in  conformity  with  the  Charter  granted  to 

the  West  India  Company. 

(Signed)         Hbnr:  van  der  Capellen  toe  Ryssbl. 

In  the  margin  was: — 

This  Remonstrance  is  referred  to  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company  in 
attendance  here,  to  examine  and  report. 

Done  in  their  High  Mightinesses*  Assembly,  the  i"-  October,  1068. 

(Signed) 

By  order  of  the  same, 
•'  (Signed) 


J.  SCIIULBNDORCII,  V*. 

N.  Uuiscu. 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIII. 


689 


Appendix.     Aih  October,  1656. 

Extract  of  a  letter  of  Mr.  Stuy  vesant.  Director  General  in  New  Netherland,  dated 
New  Amsterdam,  the  SO'"  October,  1655.  to  the  Mr.  van  der  Capellen 
tho  Ryssei.  *^ 

^  Which  expedition,  blessed  by  God.  was  brought  to  a  close  in  a  a  4  weeks,  when  it  pleased 

Netherland  never  wunessed.  inasmuch  as  in  less  than  3  days  over  forty  of  our  nation  werl 
massacred  by  the  barbarous  Natives;  about  100  mostly  women  and  children  taken  pronTs 
bouwer.es  and  some  plantations  burnt  and  laid  in  ashes,  and  in  and  with  them  over  12  000 

7o:il'lZT     '"'-  '" '''' '""  ^°" '''''  '''^ '- «-'-'  -«•--  -  ^'^  Co!;! 

May  the  good  God  please  to  apply  a  remedy.     Who  was  the  original  cause  of  this  great 
misfortune  and  scandal,  I  cannot  particularly  say.  as  it  occurred  in  my  absence. 


Appendix,     ith  October,  1660. 
Commission  for 

as  Commander  on  the  Island  of  Tobago,  situate  and  included  in  the 
Caribbean  Islands,  and  consequently  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  West 
India  Company  of  this  country. 

The  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands. 
Whereas  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company  of  the  aforesaid  United  Netherland, 
hath  represented  to  us  that  they  have  resolved  to  grant  charter  and  freedom  to  Adriaen  and 
Cornell,  Lampsins.  residing  at  Flushing  in  Zealand,  and  partners,  to  repair  to  and  reside  for  a 
certain  time  at  the  Island  of  Tobngo.  situate  and  included  among  the  Caribbean  Islands,  and 
consequen  ly  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Company  aforesaid,  to  provide  it  with  a  p  on^ 
garrison  of  sea  and  land  forces,  and  that  they  had,  for  the  advancement  and  direction  of  thei 
affair,  there,  need  to  employ  a  capable  and  qualified  person  a.  Commander,  and  to  this  end 
have  recommended  the  person  of  , 

requested  that  we  will  furnish  him  with  our  Commission  necessary  thereunto  ""    "''*=''■''"«' J^ 
Know  Ye.  that  we  having  the  same  in  consideration  as  tending  to  the  promotion  of  the 
general  trade  and  prosperity  of  this  country,  and  being  moreover  informed  of  the  fitne  ,! 
fidelity  and  experience  of  the  aforesaid  ^.  '""^■''' 

appointed  and  commissioned  and  do  hereby  appoint  and  commission  as  Commander  irm'a"ke 
arrangements  for  the  secun.y  of  the  lands,  fortresses  and  places  in  the  aforesaid  Island  o 
direct  the  affinrs  of  trade,  police,  and  war.  to  command  the  soldiers,  sailor,  and  other  person, 
.0  far  a.  their  Charter  permitc,  and  to  do  everything  for  the  service  and  prosperity  of  the 
abovementioned  Island  of  Tobago,  that  a  good  and  faithful  Commander  is  bo'und'and'o  ig  d 
0  do  ,  aJl  in  conformity  with  the  instruction  and  commission  already  given  or  yet  to  be  given 
by  the  West  India  Company  aforesaid.  j'  «•  lo  oe  given 

Ordering  and  commanding,  therefore,  all  officers,  soldiers  and  seamen   of  the  aforesaid 
places,  and  whomsoever  thi,  in  any  wise  may  concern,  the  nbovenamed 


640 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


to  hold,  honor  and  respect  as  their  Commander  on  the  Island  of  Tobago,  and  moreover  to 
obey  whatever  he.  in  the  quality  aforesaid,  shall  command  them  for  the  service  of  the  State  of 
this  country  in  general  and  of  the  West  India  Company  in  particular. 

Given  at  the  Hague  under  our  counter-seal  paraph  and  the  signature  of  our  Greffier,  the 
second  of  September,  1655. 


!  - 


ll 


Eesolution  of  the  States  Gene,   '  -      ^^.  van  der  Capelle's  Petition. 

i  From  the  Begtater  of  W«t  India  Affaln,  •>  .  .n  the  Eov»l  ArchlTM  it  tb«  U.«ue.  ] 

Wednesday,  the  4'"  October,  1656. 
Foil-  !»3  Read  at  the  meeting  a  certain  Remonstrance  of  J'  Hendrick  van  der  Capelle 
to  Ryssel,  Lord  of  Essel  and  Hasselt,  Burgomaster  of  the  City  of  Zutphen,  Ordinary  Deputy 
in  their  High  Mightinesses'  Assembly,  requesting  that  a  Commission  be  issued 
tSSlr'^'""  for  a  proper  person  of  the  Reformed  Religion,  which  he  would  send  as 
Commander  to  his  people  of  Staten  Island  in  New  Netheriand,  as  was  granted  last  year,  1655, 
.0  Mess"  Adriaen  and  Cornells  Lampsins  for  the  Island  of  Tobngo  and  St.  Martin.  Which 
being  considered  it  is  resolved  and  concluded  to  refer  the  petition  aforesaid  to  the  Directors 
of  tlie  West  India  Company  here,  for  advice.  , 


Jiesolulion  of  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.  on  Mr.  van  der  Caf die's  PetiCum. 

I  From  th.  MS.  la  tb.  Boj  .1  A«blr«  .1  the  H.gti. ;  I.*,lka,  of  th.  SI.M  0*ncrri  !  RaUo,  Wui  Xniia  Ou«,paeni>,  No.  ii.  ] 

Extract  from  the  resolutions  of  the  Committee  of  the  respective  Chambers  of  the 
Incorporated  West  India  Company,  representing  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX., 
holden  at  the  Hague. 

Thursday,  the  fifth  of  O     her,  1656. 

Read  at  the  meeting  a  certain  petition  presented  by  Mr.  Hendrick  van  der  Capelle  tho  Ryssel, 

Lord  etc    to  their  High  Mightinesses,  together  with  their  High  Mightinesses'  poslil  thereon, 

dated  fourth  of  October,  1056,  that  the  Directors  in  attendance,  from  the  respective  Chambers 

representing  the  Assembly  of  the  XIX.,  may  furnish  their  advice  on  the  said  opinion  presented 

°'u  Unresolved  and  concluded,  that  the  petition  concerns  exclusively  the  Chamber  of 
Amsterdam  with  which  the  said  gentleman  hath  specially  contracted;  that  the  Directors  of  said 
Chamber  in  attendance  are  earnestly  requested,  as  well  out  of  respect  for  the  case  as  for  his 
Honor  to  bring  this  petition  before  the  Chamber  of  Amsterdam,  and  to  second  and  recommend 
it  in  the  most  favorable  manner,  which,  also,  they  have  undertaken  to  do  on  the  earliest 
opportunity.     Agrees  with  the  Register  aforesaid.       ^^,^^^^^         ^  ^^^  ^^^^^^^^^  ^^^^ 


i 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS;    VIII. 
Resolution  of  the  States  General. 


641 


[  Pr.m  ,h.  R.,UUr  or  We..  UdU  A^a.r,  m2-l«s,  la  U«  R„,.,  A„h.,«  .,  .„  H^^e.  ] 

Thursday,  6'*  October,  1656. 

-.0...  date.  "suta„?;t  7^^^  °[.'^«  ^'"--  of  this  day. 

HS.X;  yesterday.,  obtain  a  Co  JL^:  ^:^:'^or^r !  ^I^r  ^  ^^  ^i^ 
of  A^sterdaH  :  wSThafStl  "  '^^  "r"^'^"''  ^""-^"^'^  e.lusivel'y'L'chan^b 
the  Directors  >;  at^nd^I^  dl^::^^^^^^^^^^  -^  -"-^-nt.y  they 

cose  and  his  Honor's  oerson  thp  nptiti!„  k  T'         ^^  !^     Chamber  to  bring,  out  of  respect  for  the 

it  most  favorabr  which    hLvL'ven.    fv"  T.  '''''"'"  °'  ^'"^'^^'^^'"  ^"^^  ^°  -— ^ 
no  resolution  isadopS       ^  "'"''"  '"  ''^  '^  ^'^^  ^^^"««'  opportunity.     Whereupon 


Report  mi  Garruoning  Fort  Gasivvir,  on  the  Delaware  River 

Report  exhibited  and  proposed  to  the  Right  Worshipful  the  Burgomasters  on 
8ome  points.     1  November.  1656.  rfeomaaiers  on 

n.,.„.,n«_^      Whereas    we   had  noticed   in   the  Instruction   which   your   Worships   were 

herein,  as  follows:-  ^  °  ''  ''""""^^  '^''^S  ^'"'^'^'^  ««  "^"^^  as  possible 

1  Captain,       monthly  pay, 

1  Lieutenant,       "           ••    .._ ^'  50.0.0 

1  Ensign,              ••           d                        30.0.0 

2  Sergeants,  each  15  guilders 25.0.0 

1  Captain  of  arms .".".""....' 30.0.0 

2  Corporals,    each    fl.l2,.  ' 10.0.0 

6  Cadets,        each        10,...'."." ' ^^'^-^ 

2  Drums,        each  9 '." GO. 0.0 

44  Soldiers,      each         8  18.0.0 

352.0.0 

»,,...    .  ■  699.0.0 

Multiplied  by 12  month. 

Vol.  L  gj  ■=^ 


g^  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Yearly  wages fl.7,188 

The  yearly  allowance  for  rations  amounts  ^     ^__^ 

For     1  Captain,      yearly, ^^^ 

For     1  Lieutenant,  ^^^ 

For     1  Ensign,  j^q 

For    2  Sergeants,  each  fl.SO ^^^^    ^gg^ 

For  55  Ilank  and  file,  each  11.60, 

Total  wages  and  allowance  for  rations  yearly =LJ= J. 

To  officer  the  aforesaid  companies,  one  Martin  Kryger  had  offered  himself  as  Captain  and 
Alexander  Hinojossu  as  LieuLnant;  no  Ensign  satisfactory  to  us  hav  ng  come  forward,  we 
feeolend  both  those  gentlemen  to  your  Worships  agreeably  to  your  1-t-Uon^^^^^^  pe  ons 
wi,o  we  trust  on  this  occasion,  are  capable  of  doing  good  service.  The  first  having  residea 
m  ny  years  nN-  Netherland  and  given  proof  enough  of  his  qualifications,  -^  -pecially  of 
h  knowledge  of  the  country  and  of  the  South  river,  and  the  other  on  account  of  hi  long 
s^rviceTn  B^rLil   and   other  capacities,    having  been   employed   there  as  Lieutenant   and 

''tt'st'your  Worships  may  conclude  on  choosing  and  accepting  both  these  persons,  in 
.fores  dnuamy/twill  be  necessary  then  to  instruct  them  immediately  to  look  up  soldiers 
aid  e  1 1  enli  tment  thereof  consume  too  long  a  time,  as  the  season  is  quickly  passing  and 
"etfore  cannot  permit  of  it,  we  are  of  opinio,  that  the  drum  ought  to  be  beat  for  them,  m 
nnler  that  thev  may  be  sent  away  by  the  end  oi  this  month. 

Als        at  we  have  warned  and  shall  notify  all  persons  who  have  had  themselves  r.^.stered 

astree  ColonTsls,  handicraftsmen.  &c..  already  amounting  to  a  respectable  number,  that  they 

must  be  prepared  and  ready,  by  the  aforesaid  time ;  and  finally. 

That  fo    divers  reasons  we  have  thought  it  fit  and  more  profitable  to  hire  or  freight  a  ship 

of  160  i  170  lasts  burthen  here,  to  convey  all  the  aforesaid   people  and  their  requisite 

necf  ssaries.  to  New  Netherland. 


Jie.'>oh>tion  of  th-e  Gammon  Council  of  Amsterdam  on  the  preceding  Report. 

\  From  th.  *«(«..«  van  ,U  »'«*?«»..««»  A.,  p.  151 ;  In  tti.  ««J  //..y..  Aa..l«rJ.m.  ] 

Extract  of  the  Ilesolitions  of  the  Common  Council  of  the  City  of  Amsterdam. 

4  November,  1656. 

„„„.,.„no.un,.nu,      The  Burgomasters  have  further  informed  the  Council  that  their  Worships  had, 

in  the  promotion  of  the  New  Netherland   business,  considered  among  other 

i;r!;r.J'  ""  unngs:  In  what  manner  Fort  Casimir.  which  is  situate  on  the  South  nver  and  is 

conveved  to  this  City  by  the  West  India  Company  and  destined  to  be  the  first  abiding  place  of 

,  Colc^  ists.  s' ould  in  future  be  guarded  and  defended  against  foreign  ^^J^^ 

nesent  Garrison  is  to  be  removed  thence  by  said  Company,  and  quartered  in  other  of  the  r 

?ort  sing      gher  up  on  said  river,  and  that  their   Worshi.M  had  principally   taken   into 

on  ide'2n  t'hese  m'eans,  to  wit:  To  send  over  60  to  70  Boors  from  the  Gulick  country  and 


r 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS:    VIII 
,.  "  643 

for  war  th,^  they,  in  o  ctrl  i'!.  '  .^  '""'"'"'  """""^  '''  "°*  '"-^  '-«  <l"«'ified 

to  agriculture  thi'rera te    „rt       t  r    oT  T"'"  ""'"""  ""'  •'^""'''^«'  ""^  '"  ""-'^ 
specially  said  Fort.  '  °''  '''''  ^  ""■■'"•"  ""'"'>«'•  of  soldiers  to  garrison 

of  this  Council.  ''  proceeding  therein,  to  request  the  advice  and  orders 

Which  being  considered,  and  the  mnintaining  of  soldiers  or  of  thn«       i, 

be,ng  adjudged  one  of  the  most  funda.nental  re'    L  t     I    , I  ^    ;  ^      ""'"";'"' '"'^' 
and  towns,  lu'snes  lor  uie  security  of  many  embryo  cities 


Amsteruam,  20  October,  A°  165C 

50  pairs  Prussian  blue  stockings,  (a  15  stivers  the  p.;;;.:;:: t\. 

50  pa,rs  cloth  hose  for  women  and  children,  average  (Ta  1.5  st"i;;rV l^Z 

50  pa,rs  wool  dyed  hose  for  women  and  children,  average  @  20   'ti;;;;  " ' "  fo 

200  shirts  for  men  and  women,  (&  36  stivers                                                     " "  ^^- 

12  ::',r.i:'r:''.':':!:'.'::  ■■"'  -^^"s'«'*'-v.i.;;,.;  ■,„•;,;;;„;: : : :  Z. 

60  boys'  hats,  fl.lj _'_' 100. 

100  red  Ilouen  caps,  4  slivers         ^^- 

100  neckcloths  r«/.M,;.r,;,  (H).  5  stivers, ^°^- 

20  pairs  of  thick  leather  boots,  fl.  G,            ^''^■ 

Hooks  and   eyes,  buttons,  white,  gr^'iy"  ^^d"  ^i  "rVd  y;i;„,"  ■t;g;;h;;  'wi'th  ''°' 

pay  ormak.ngmcn-sclothing;  total  estimated...:...       '  o^o 

50  blankets  for  covering,  @,  fl  4                                    3^^- 

100  double  earpetsr«;,-;,ewe«v,(i,'24Vtiver8;.\\\"\\\";.;;;;;;;;;;;  ""igo 

Add  hereunto  clothing  for  50  persons,  which  would  amount  to ~  ,  SS'   5 

Total  for  clothing  for  loO  persons  yearly.  — " ~ 

'       ^' 4,578.16 

'  Qu«ic  f  CiiTftotUtn,  c«(.s.  _  Ed. 


14 


g^4  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

And  for  the  purchase  of  cattle  which  are  necessary  for  agriculture,  at  first 
cargoes  must  be  sent  out.  which    are  taken    by  the    ne.ghbor.ng 

Duffefsl'shirT'stockings.  shoes  and  distilled  waters,  for  the  sum  of A.  3.000. 

Amsterdam,  8'*  November.  Anno.  1656. 
„„„.n.  Docun^n..  List  of  Liquors  and  provisions  required  for  100  peop'e  for  one  year : 

XV.,1»'                                                                                                                                                                               fl  1190 

16  barrels  of  Beef,  each  weighing  500  lb.  @  70  fl «•  H^^" 

o       A^           nork        "             "          300               42  fl *^''='- 

9  do.         porK.                                                                                         320. 

4  tierces  Spanish  wme,  per  awm.,  80  fl., ^^^ 

4  ..  Brandy.        "    80 A-. ::::::::::::  les'. 

6   '•  French  wine,          -ia  ".. ^^^ 

8  firkins  Vinegar,  per  firl:..  34  fl •*  ^^^' 

4  tierces  oil.  per  awm..       C5  fl.. ^  ^^^ 

4      "  train  oil,  "                 30  fl.. ^^^ 

20500  lbs.  meal,  including  the  toll.  &c ^^' 

8  tons  salt,  per  ton.  3  fl., ^^g 

10  bags  grotits.  per  sack.    4$  fl ^g^ 

72      "peas,            "              *  A- 75 

25      "beans,          "               3  fl.. ■■•••"  ^^^ 

4  firkins  batter,  per  firkin.  65  fl 437.10 

25D  lbs.  chose.        per  lb.   25  st ^^^' 

520C  lbs.  dried  codfish,  per  ct.  6  fl., ^^ 

2  schectls  mustard  seed,  per  sch,  3J  fl-  • ^^' 

150  lbs.  candles,  per  lb.  6  st., ^^ 

15  lams,  @  fl.  2, *  2^ 

12  ps.  smoked  beef.  2  fl.. ^g 

."  '  smoked  tongues,  12  st., > 

fl.  5593.10 

Casks  required  for  the  above  : 

120. 

76  meat  barrels,  fl.  7J, ^  ^^^ 

36  pork      do.  and  tierces,  6  fl g^' 

8  firkins,  10  fl., j^go. 

140  dry  casks,  2  fl., '  q    g 

8  kegs,  16  St., gg 

24  ca8es,30ir.. _ — 

fl.  tiS3l.l8 

Add  hereunto  provisions  for  50  persons  amounting  to, ^'^^-^ 

,     ,                                                                  fl.  9497.18 

Total  for  150  persons  for  1  year, 


HOLLAND  DOCUMENTS :    VIII. 


645 


Amsterdam,  8""  November,  A"  1656. 
List  of  the  munitions  of  war  required  for  160  men.  to  be  sent  to  the  South  river 
of  New  Netheriand. 

76  muskets,®,  fl.  4 J  each, 

75  CreK  jks  or  snaphnnce, (a.  8,  ^'  ^^"^ -^^ 

75  bandoleers,  (a  22  stiv '.'.'."'.'.'". ®"'^"°° 

75  cartridge  boxes,  @.  28  ptiv "  ^^'^^ 

76  swords,  fl.  2J,   105.00 

75  hangers,  fl.  2^ 187.10 

75  sword  belts,  25  stiv., 1S7.10 

75  sabre  belts,  fl.  1, '.'."."!.'.".".!!.'. ^°''""° 

70  chests,  @,  23  stivers .""' "^^'^^ 

70  straw  beds,  fl.  1 ^^-^^ 

70  00 

2000  lbs,  powder, (a  fl.  46  per  cwt.,  1,843.00 

eooibs.lead,  10      "  ....■' ^^^-^^ 

400  lbs.  musket  l,alls,  11      "  ^^-^^ 

44.00 

2,843.00 

H.,..a^i,«„„.«u.  Cahulation  r.  estimate  of  the  first  cost  of  the  following  necessaries  which  are 
required  for  New  Netheriand. 

For  2  months'  wages  for  the  crew 

For  6  months'  supplies  for  the  ship "."."'.!!".".'.!.*. A-  600.00 

For  2  months' in  hand  forJO  soldiers " 750.00 

For  150  persons  rations, !.".'.*.".*.'".'."'" 800.00 

For  cloathingand  other  necessaries.. .. !!.'.'.! 9,600.00 

For  cargoes  in  duffels,  &c., ^,500.00 

For  materials  and  agricultural  implements',!."!! I'lT'^^ 

For  powder,  lead,  guns  and  other  munitions  of  wav* !!!!!!!! oJ^l'T. 

fl.  24,950.00 


Remlution.  authorizing  a  Loan  for  tU  Colony  on  the  Delaware  River. 

[  From  th.  Ite^utim  tan  d,  VrooMuipptn,  A.,  p.  IM ;  io  th«  Sla,!  ITuv,  AnMterd.n..  ] 

Extract  from  the  Resolutions  of  the  Cuirmcn  Council  of  the  City  of  Amsterdam 
11  Ncvember,  1656. 
noiLM  Document      The  Commissioners  appointed  for  the  affairs  of  New  Netheriand  are  authorized 

WS  J.    ^  !!'*'  ^T"'!^  *°  1'°"°"'  '^^  «'""  °f  Twenty-five  thou  and  Guilders,  for  setting 
jboH«._.o  b„„ow  up  the  Colonie  and  the  purchase  of  divers  goods  required  by  it,  and  to  pledge  for 
such  loan  the  revenues,  means  and  effects  of  the  City. 


ri 


646 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Commission  of  Captain  Martin  Kryger. 

[  From  the  Qroot  JftmoHcut,  IV.,  lt»,  In  the  Skid  Huyt,  Anuterd.m.] 

„„«.„dDoc»menu,      The  Burgomastefs  and  Regents  of  the  City  of  Amstelredamme  being  resolved 

''''•'  '"•  to  send  a  Company  of  Soldiers  to  their  Colonic  in  New  Netherland.  and  therefore 

requiring  to  appoint  an  experienced  and  proper  person  to  command  those  Soldiers  as  Captain, 

the  person  of  Martin  Kryger  was  proposed  as  such  to  them,  Make  known:  That  they,  on  the 

good  report  rendered  them  of  the  fitness,  fidelity  and  experience  of  the  abovenamed  Martin 

M»r.in     Kryger'.  Kryger,  havB   accepted,  appointed  and   commissioned  him,  do  hereby  accept, 

£irr'"'con'p'i'r,  appoint  and  commission  him,  as  Captain,  to  command  the  aforesaid  Company 

NetueS.'"'*"''  of  Soldiers,  and  to  employ  them  in  New  Netherland  aforesaid,  and  wherever  it 

shall  be  necessary  as  he  shall  deem  most  serviceable,  according  to  the  letter  of  instructions 

and  further  orders  which  their  Worships  shall  consider  good  and   proper ;   wherefore,  we 

order  and  command  all  officers  and  soldiers  belonging  to  the  aforesaid  Company  to  hold. 

acknowledge  and  respect  the  aforesaid  Martin  Kryger  as  their  Captain,  and,  moreover,  to 

obey  all  whatsoever  he  shall  command  them  on  the  part  of  the  aforesaid  City  for  its  service, 

for  such  is  their  Worships'  pleasure.     In  witness  whereof,  the  Seal  of  the  said  City  is  affixed 

hereunto,  the  6'"  December,  1656.     (Was  signed)  J.  Corver.     Having  impressed  the  seal  in 

green  wax. 


1Inllrin<l  DocnmenlB, 
XV.,  121. 


Commission  of  Limtenant  Alexander  d'llinajosa. 

I  From  the  Oroot  MmoHatl,  1 V.,  11»,  In  the  Stad  Buy;  An»leril«m.  ] 

The  Burgomasters  and  Regents  of  the  City  of  Amstelredamme  having  resolved 
to  send  a  Company  of  Soldiers  to  their  Colonie  in  New  Netherland,  and  therefore 
requiring  to  appoint  a  suitable  person,  who  as  Lieutenant,  may  command  under  the  Valiant 
Martin  Kryger,  Captain  of  said  Company,  the  person  of  Alexander  d'Hinojosa  was  proposed 
as' such  to  them.  Make  known:  That  they,  on  the  good  report  rendered  them  of  the  fitness, 
Aicx.„d»r  d-Hino.  fidelity  and  experience  of  the  aforesaid  Alexander  d'Hinojosa.  have  accepted, 
fte"N';Srd!  appointed  and  commissioned,  do  hereby  accept,  appoint  and  commission  him, 
as  Lieutenant,  to  command  in  good  correspondence  and  unity  the  said  Company,  under  the 
Captain  aforesaid,  and  according  to  his  instruction  and  orders,  given  and  to  be  given  by  their 
Worships,  to  promote  our  service  ;  wherefore,  we  order  and  command  all  officers  and  soldiers 
of  said  Company,  the  aforesaid  Alexander  d'Hinojosa  to  acknowledge,  respect  and  obey  as 
their  Lieutenant,  for  such  is  their  Worships'  pleasure.  In  witness  whereof,  the  Seal  of  the 
said  City  is  affixed  hereunto,  the  S'"  December.  165G.     (Was  signed)     J.  Couver.     Having 

besides  a  seal  impressed  on  green  wax. 

^LK'.^^'•Y,   AfCHIVES 
jlNDU,.  .......^t'RANCH 


r 


